The Carbon Grazing principle explained
Going back to basics, photosynthesis is the only way that carbon can move from the atmosphere to the landscape.
Given that it is moisture that promotes photosynthesis, then it is moisture that promotes the introduction of carbon.
Nature has designed the system, so that water activates the storage of carbon in the landscape via photosynthesis.
It is nature that makes the decision when it wants to transfer carbon from the atmosphere to the landscape. The message is left in the rain gauge. It is our role to pay attention.
If you think about it logically, the bulk of the carbon enters the landscape in the short period immediately following rain. This highlights the need to focus our management around this point in time. This is when the carbon arrives. Ongoing removal of leaves from plants by animals, following rain, reduces the potential for plants to photosynthesise. Good management is about taking advantage of as many opportunities as possible to introduce carbon.
Increasing the flow of carbon from the atmosphere to the landscape leads to higher rural profits and better environmental outcomes. The bonus is reduced greenhouse gases and a landscape with different energy flows.
Because there is no pattern to when rain arrives, in other words, when carbon arrives, the message is that pasture rest is TIMING, not TIME. Basing resting decisions on a certain period of TIME, is no guarantee that carbon will arrive.
Carbon Grazing is not an attack on cell grazing. One highly respected cell grazer, who locks up his cells for 120 days, is the first to admit that the bulk of increased production is driven by the short period following rain. His case is that the animals are usually not there when the rain arrives.
Timing has another aspect. Water also activates the soil biota to release nitrogen, other nutrients, and growth promotants to help plants grow. TIMING is the important issue, because both plants and soil microbes are activated by moisture. We have to act when they are both working together as a team.
Finally, TIMING relates to when the soluble carbon from photosynthesis, is being released to the fungi on the roots (root exudation). This allows the fungi to reach out and source extra nutrients for the plants.
Removing animals for an extended period of time, "is" positive for maintaining ground cover. However, it has little to do with carbon introduction. The introduction of carbon is a separate issue to the consumption of carbon stocks. They are both important issues, but they are separate issues. Consumption of plants by animals, when plants are not growing, impacts on the structural roles of carbon. The structural roles relate to the physical presence of plants. These include shading the soil and lifting the wind off it, both water use efficiency issues.
Outcomes of pasture rest
It has been suggested that with average pastures, 3-8 weeks of rest after rain, can see an increase in pasture production of 50% - 80%. This is reflected in increased root production.
At the time when perennial pastures are emerging from dormancy, there is the potential for so much lost production.
The basis of the Carbon Grazing principle, is that pasture rest is TIMING, not TIME.
Carbon Grazing is 4-6 weeks rest, immediately after rain. The period does not commence until the plants actually start growing. Also, it is important to not get caught up on the exact time, as factors like temperature influence the necessary time.
The practical aspect of seeing pasture rest as Timing, instead of Time, is that you only need to find a home for animals for a short time. It is possible, without selling them, as explained in "Carbon Grazing the missing link".
The principle of Carbon Grazing is strategic or tactical rest, and is based on the premise, that nature does not have a predictable pattern. Carbon Grazing is not based on what might happen, but what is about to happen.
It is the management of short term carbon flows through tactical decisions, that determine long term carbon stocks.
Carbon Grazing is not a new land management system. It is a general principle. It is about maximising carbon flows.
"Carbon Grazing" is the window of opportunity too many people miss.