Beitebruk

Beitebruk refers to the management and use of land primarily for grazing livestock. It encompasses pastures, meadows, and rangelands where herbivores such as cattle, sheep, goats, and in some regions reindeer are allowed to feed. Beitebruk can be practiced as a stand-alone farming system or as part of mixed farming. Historically it has been central in regions with abundant grassland and limited arable land, and in Nordic and other European contexts it has shaped rural economies, land tenure, and landscape use.

Beitebruk involves management practices aimed at sustaining forage supply and animal welfare. Common approaches include controlled stocking rates, rotational or planned grazing, fencing, water access, and pasture improvement through reseeding or fertilization. In some areas, beitebruk is linked to seasonal transhumance or permanent grazing regimes on common lands or forests.

Environmental and social aspects include effects on biodiversity, soil structure, nutrient cycling, and water quality. When well managed, beitebruk can contribute to ecosystem services such as carbon storage in soils and habitat for grassland species, while reducing the need for feed imports. Poorly managed beitebruk risks overgrazing, erosion, and loss of plant and animal diversity.

Policy and governance vary by country and land tenure. Rights to graze on common land, tenancy arrangements, subsidies, and regulations shape how beitebruk is organized and sustained.