Ecosystem services from tropical pastures

Authors: DUBEUX, JOSE - University Of Florida; BRETAS, IGOR - University Of Florida; Jaramillo, David; CAMELO, DAYANNE - Federal Rural University Of Pernambuco; DANTAS QUEIROZ, LUANA - University Of Florida; GROSSI, BRUNO - Embrapa

Submitted to: Tropical Pastures
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/30/2023
Publication Date: 11/2/2023
Citation: Dubeux, J., Bretas, I., Jaramillo, D.M., Camelo, D., Dantas Queiroz, L., Grossi, B. 2023. Ecosystem services from tropical pastures. Tropical Pastures. p. 321-354.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: An ecosystem can be defined as a dynamic complex between communities of plants, animals, microorganisms and their non-living environment interacting in equilibrium. Pastures occupy about a third of the Earth's surface and 70% of the planet's arable land. In the tropics, pastures represent the main source of food for ruminant production, being crucial for the sustainability of livestock farming. In addition to their importance as a food source, tropical pastures provide different types of ecosystem services. Ecosystem services can be divided into four classes: provisional, regulatory, support and cultural services. In the case of pastures, provisional services include, among others, the generation of animal products, fiber, wood and medicinal products. Regulatory services include climate regulation (e.g. carbon sequestration), erosion control, weed control, water quality and habitat for pollinators and wildlife. The main support services can be enumerated as primary production source, nutrient cycling, biological nitrogen fixation, and water capture. Cultural services involve recreational parks, hunting areas, and educational activities. This chapter aims to detail each of the different classes of ecosystem services provided by tropical pastures as well as list possible payment mechanisms for ecosystem services as a way of encouraging sustainable production in agricultural systems.