betesskötsel

Betesskötsel is the practice of managing grazing livestock and pasture resources to optimize forage production, animal nutrition, and ecosystem health. It covers planning, implementing, and monitoring grazing regimes, as well as accompanying practices such as fencing, water supply, fertilizer use, weed control, and the selection and establishment of forage species.

A central aim is to balance forage supply with demand, allowing plants to recover between grazing periods, preventing overgrazing and soil damage, and supporting soil health and biodiversity.

Key methods include rotational grazing, where livestock move between paddocks to rest grazed areas; targeted stocking rates; temporary fencing and movable water points; and pasture management that may involve sowing, reseeding, and controlling undesirable species.

Monitoring is central to betesskötsel. Examples include tracking sward height and ground cover, assessing forage intake and animal condition, and observing soil moisture and nutrient status to guide adjustments.

Benefits commonly cited are improved forage utilization, higher productivity per hectare, reduced erosion and nutrient losses, and better animal welfare through stable access to quality forage.

Challenges include variable weather, pest and weed pressures, soil compaction, and the initial investment in fencing, water systems, and knowledge for planning and monitoring.

In temperate farming systems such as Sweden and neighboring regions, betesskötsel is part of sustainable livestock production, linking grazing management with biodiversity, soil health, and climate adaptation.