Selection of tractors in the rangelands management
The selection of the appropriate tractors and their implements, in relation to the type, the power and their number, for the work of a forest operation, is a difficult and perplexing problem, because it depends on various and interdependent factors, which can not be determined accurately. In the past for the approach of the above problem only economical factors were taken into consideration, while with the development of technology technical factors should be included as well. In this paper tractors appropriateness was evaluated for a meadow’s treatment (plowing and milling) based on the size of the treated area, the power required and the energy in order to minimize the operation cost.
Seasonal changes in grazing activities of sheep and goats in communal mediterranean rangelands of northern Greece
Rangeland use depends to a great extent on grazing animal movements which are largely affected by the shepherd himself, but also related with the grazing season as well as the kind of livestock species. In the present study, the grazing activities (feeding, moving, standing, laying, and ruminating) of representative flocks were recorded in different seasons of the year. It was found that the time devoted for feeding showed a seasonal change with significant differences (55.0% in winter 46.1% in spring and 34.5% in summer). Goats spent 11.2%, 2.3% and 1.1% significantly more time for moving, ruminating and laying, respectively, than did sheep during the whole year. Sheep spent 11.3% and 3.4% greater time for standing and feeding, respectively. It is concluded that animals adapt their activities according to the particular season, while goats are more mobile than sheep.
Economic valuation of natural resources: the case of the rangelands of Fthiotida Prefecture, Greece
Livestock farming is one of the most important factors for regional development and welfare, maintaining the social structure, particularly in mountainous and semi-mountainous areas. The purpose of this study was to assess the value that the cattle farmers of Fthiotida put in the grassland area, which they use for extensive grazing. For the economic valuation, the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) was used. This method has the potential to assess nonmarket values of property, considering the willingness of a sample of citizens to be compensated with some money (Willingness to accept, WTA) to agree to a degradation or loss of property. The CVM was applied by using questionnaires to a sample of cattle farmers engaged in extensive grazing. Then, the questionnaires were processed by methods of descriptive and applied statistics. The results showed a reluctance of the cattle farmers to accept such a loss.
Irrigated meadows, virtual water and decision making
The scarcity of available water universally and in any country as well, in view of the expected climate change, forces scientists and policymakers to reexamine and exclude water demanding cultivations from areas with water scarcity. The meanings of virtual, green and blue water although being in use recently, however they provide a significant task towards a rational usage and utilization of the natural resources in general. The revision of CAP and the increasing demand for quality products makes necessary for Greek animal farmers to invest on the quality of animal products and not on the quantity in order to survive. In other words they should re-discover the wealth and the value of vegetation of the natural grasslands in conjunction with the creation of meadows. However, which plants are used for the creation of these meadows? What are their needs in virtual water? Is it about for green or blue water? With regard to the water, the above questions are asking for replies from the use of the «arsenal» of the economics science (rarity cost, negative externalities, opportunity cost). More specifically, in relation to lucerne (alfalfa) meadows, this product consumes big amounts of water and the policymakers have to reconsider the potential of water efficient and dry resistant plant species in creating meadows.
Effect of farming practices on natural vegetation and avifauna in olive groves
Olive grove is the most important tree cultivation in Greece. It plays a vital role in environment protection as it offers the chance of better utilization of lands depended on rainfall. This study presents the results of a research contacted at Nies and Pteleos areas of Magnesia prefecture, in central Greece during the period May-June and September 2007. The study refers to the comparison between conventional and organic olive groves as regards the plant diversity (herbaceous and woody plants) and the avifauna diversity. In both types of olive groves of the total study area 56 species of herbaceous plants, 17 species of woody plants and 24 species of breeding birds were recorded. The Shannon diversity index for the herbaceous plants was higher in the organic olive groves (Nies – Pteleos), while the diversity (Shannon index) of the woody species was found higher in the conventional and sprayed olive groves (Nies). The Shannon diversity index of breeding bird species was higher in the conventional olive groves at Pteleos. The highest density of the breeding birds was found in the conventional olive-groves at Nies.
