New insights for benefit of legume inclusion in grazing systems

Authors: Jaramillo, David; DUBEUX, JOSE - University Of Florida; DANTAS, LUANA - University Of Florida; GARCIA, LIZA - University Of Florida

Submitted to: International Grasslands Congress
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/1/2023
Publication Date: 1/5/2024
Citation: Jaramillo, D.M., Dubeux, J., Dantas, L., Garcia, L. 2024. New insights for benefit of legume inclusion in grazing systems. International Grasslands Congress, May 14-19, 2023, Covington, Kentucky. p. 637-640.

Interpretive Summary: The benefits and challenges of legume inclusion in grazing systems have been well documented through time and across different regions. Recent studies have provided novel insights into the benefits from legume inclusion in grazing systems. The objective of this document is to explore novel insights of recent advancements made from studies evaluating legume inclusion in grazing systems. Efficiency of resource use through legume inclusion in grazing systems can reduce the water footprint associated with beef production through improvements in forage nutritive value and animal performance. These efficiencies also translate into improvements in nutrient cycling and nutrient transfer, which are critical for sustaining productivity of grazing systems. Moreover, evidence exists highlighting the importance of root contact between grasses and legumes for sharing nitrogen. Provisioning of floral resources from legumes has also been shown to be important for providing habitat for pollinator species. Lastly, soil microbial abundance of microorganisms associated with nitrogen fixation can be altered according to species present within a pasture, especially when legumes are present. Insights derived from such recent studies continue to provide evidence for the need to continue to develop legume-based grazing agroecosystems.

Technical Abstract: The benefits and challenges of legume inclusion in grazing systems have been well documented through time and across different regions. Recent investigations have provided novel insights into the benefits from legume inclusion in grazing systems. Our objective is not to provide a wide overview of the benefits of legume inclusion but to explore novel insights of recent advancements made from studies evaluating legume inclusion in grazing systems. Efficiency of resource use through legume inclusion in grazing systems can reduce the water footprint associated with beef production through improvements in forage nutritive value and animal performance. These efficiencies also translate into improvements in nutrient cycling and nutrient transfer, which are critical for sustaining productivity of grazing systems. Moreover, evidence exists highlighting the importance of root contact between grasses and legumes for sharing N. Provisioning of floral resources from legumes has also been shown to be important for providing habitat for pollinator species. Lastly, soil microbial abundance of microorganisms associated with N2 fixation can be altered according to species present within a pasture, especially when legumes are present. Insights derived from such recent studies continue to provide evidence for the need to continue to develop legume-based grazing agroecosystems.