sovrappascolo

Sovrappascolo is an Italian neologism formed from sovr- (over) and pascolo (grazing). In contemporary usage it is sometimes employed to describe scenarios in pasture management where grazing pressure exceeds the land’s carrying capacity over extended periods. Proponents use the term to highlight the overlap between excessive grazing and related stressors such as drought, poor soil structure, and inadequate rest periods for forage species, which can lead to reduced forage production, loss of biodiversity, and soil compaction. The term is not widely standardized and is not common in peer‑reviewed agronomy literature; when encountered, it is often used as a regional or informal designation rather than as a formal technical term.

In practice, sovrappascolo may be contrasted with sustainable grazing concepts that emphasize appropriate stocking rates, rotational grazing, and recovery periods for pastures. Some sources treat it as synonymous with overgrazing, while others distinguish it as describing the compounding effects of overgrazing with other stressors that amplify pasture degradation.

Because the term is not widely established, definitions and applications can vary by author or region. In English-language contexts, the more common term remains overgrazing; sovrappascolo appears mainly in Italian-language discussions related to pasture management and ecological impact.