Livestock plays an important role in the agriculture economy and in building soil organic matter (SOM).

Importance of livestock in agriculture economy

• Food source: Livestock provides a significant source of food for humans, including meat, milk, eggs, and honey.
• Income generation: Livestock production can generate income for farmers and other businesses in the agricultural supply chain.
• Employment: Livestock production provides employment for people in rural and urban areas.
• Trade: Livestock products are traded globally, which can generate export earnings for countries.
• Biodiversity: Livestock can help to maintain biodiversity by grazing on different types of plants and providing habitat for other wildlife.

Livestock and soil organic matter

Livestock can help to build SOM in a number of ways:

• Manure: Livestock manure is a valuable source of organic matter and nutrients for soils.
• Grazing: Grazing animals can help to improve soil structure and increase SOM levels by trampling and depositing manure.
• Integrated crop-livestock systems: Integrating crops and livestock production can help to improve soil health and increase SOM levels.

However, livestock production can also have a negative impact on SOM, depending on how it is managed. Overgrazing, for example, can lead to soil erosion and compaction, which can reduce SOM levels.

Overall, livestock can play an important role in building SOM, but it is important to manage livestock production systems sustainably.

Are livestock better or worse than crops in relation to building SOM?

Livestock and crops can both play a role in building SOM, but they do so in different ways. Crops add SOM to the soil through their roots and leaves, while livestock add SOM to the soil through their manure.

In general, livestock production systems tend to be more effective at building SOM than crop production systems. This is because livestock production systems typically generate more organic matter than crop production systems. Additionally, livestock production systems can help to improve soil structure and increase water infiltration, which can create a more favorable environment for SOM accumulation.

However, it is important to note that the impact of livestock production on SOM depends on how the system is managed. Overgrazing, for example, can lead to soil erosion and compaction, which can reduce SOM levels.

Here are some ways to manage livestock production systems to maximize SOM accumulation:

• Rotational grazing: This involves moving livestock to different grazing areas on a regular basis. This helps to prevent overgrazing and allows for the recovery of vegetation.
• Cover cropping: This involves planting crops between rows of crops or during the off-season. Cover crops help to protect the soil from erosion and add organic matter to the soil.
• Composting manure: This helps to break down manure and make it more readily available to plants.

By following these practices, farmers can manage their livestock production systems to build SOM and improve soil health.

Dr Murtadha Shukur thank you for your contribution to the discussion

Livestock plays an important role in Indian economy. About 20.5 million people depend upon livestock for their livelihood. Livestock contributed 16% to the income of small farm households as against an average of 14% for all rural households. Livestock provides livelihood to two-third of rural community. Livestock provides livelihood to two-third of rural community. It also provides employment to about 8.8 % of the population in India. India has vast livestock resources. Livestock sector contributes 4.11% GDP and 25.6% of total Agriculture GDP. Livestock play important roles in farming systems in developing countries, helping provide food and income, draught power, fertilizer and soil conditioner, household energy and a means of disposing of otherwise unwanted crop residues. India has one of the largest livestock populations in the world. This sector makes a significant contribution towards the national economy, besides enhancing household food security. Livestock contributes towards milk, meat, eggs, manure and draught needs of the population of our country. Besides their monetary benefit and providing a steady stream of food and revenues for households, livestock provide employment to the rural family, act as insurance during crop failures and the number of livestock owned by a farmer determines the social status among the community. Efficient land use and healthy soils are important for food security. Integrated land and water management practices improve agricultural production and enhance soil productivity and its resilience against desertification and other impacts of climate change and variability. Cattle manure is a valuable fertilizer for crops. It contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential nutrients for plant growth. Income: Cattle farming can provide a source of income for farmers. Milk, meat, and hides can be sold to markets, and draught animals can be hired out for work. Livestock and livestock buildings means domestic and other animals which are held as agricultural commodities, including poultry, and their quarters, but it does not include pets or pet quarters housed in human habitations. Animals that provide milk can be raised and managed with a good income to support a family. Animals that help in labor such as draught animals are used in agricultural work. The waste generated from these animals can be used as natural manure to maintain soil fertility.