CoChat
Sign Up
Cited by 110Sustainable Agricultural Systems AnalysisPasture and Agricultural SystemsAgroforestry and silvopastoral systems

Ecosystem Impacts and Productive Capacity of a Multi-Species Pastured Livestock System

Open access
Rowntree, Jason E., Stanley, Paige L., Maciel, Isabella C. F., Thorbecke, Mariko, Rosenzweig, Steven T., Hancock, Dennis W., Guzman, Aidee, Raven, Matt R.·2020·Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems
DOI 10.3389/fsufs.2020.544984
Open this paper in CoChat — free accountOpen PDF

Abstract

Regenerative agriculture is a newly codified approach to agriculture that emphasizes reducing reliance on exogeneous inputs, as well as restoring and enhancing ecosystem services such as soil carbon (C) sequestration. These regenerative agriculture principles suggest that modern livestock systems can be redesigned to better capitalize on animals' ecological niche as biological up cyclers and may be necessary to fully regenerate some landscapes. One example is a multispecies pasture rotation (MSPR) system, which symbiotically stacks multiple animal production enterprises (i.e., chickens, cattle, sheep, and pigs) on one landscape. We conducted a whole-farm life cycle assessment (LCA) of an MSPR in the southeastern United States that was originally converted from degraded cropland. We compared the production outputs, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, land footprints, and soil health outcomes to a conventional, commodity (COM) production system of each respective species. Our 20-year MSPR chronosequence of soil C and other soil health indicators shows dramatic improvement since establishment, sequestering an average of 2.29 Mg C ha−1 yr−1. Incorporation of soil C sequestration into the LCA reduced net GHG emissions of the MSPR by 80%, resulting in a footprint 66% lower than COM. However, when comparing required land between the two systems for food production, MSPR required 2.5 times more land when compared to COM. Thus, while our model indicates that MSPR can simultaneously produce protein while regenerating land, a considerably greater land area is needed when compared to COM. Our results present an important yet paradoxical conclusion on land and food production balance. Should society prioritize an input-intensive, COM system that produces more food from a smaller yet degrading land base? Or, alternatively, should systems such as MSPR that produce less food on a larger, but more ecologically functional landscape be more highly prioritized? These complexities must be considered in the global debate of agricultural practice and land. Our results indicate MSPRs are a useful model for alternative livestock production systems with improved environmental outcomes, but in this study may present considerable land-use tradeoffs.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

A whole-farm life cycle assessment and 20-year soil chronosequence of a multi-species pasture rotation (MSPR) at White Oak Pastures found soil carbon sequestration of 2.29 Mg C ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹, which reduced net GHG emissions by 80% and produced a footprint 66% lower than conventional commodity production. However, the MSPR required 2.5 times more land than conventional systems to produce the same carcass weight.

Key findings

  • The MSPR produced 525 kg CW ha⁻¹ overall, compared with 221 kg CW ha⁻¹ for grass-finished beef only; beef was 42% of carcass weight, poultry 43%, and swine 10%.
  • Soil organic carbon stocks rose from ∼10 Mg C ha⁻¹ at year 0 to 50 Mg C ha⁻¹ at year 20, with a linear sequestration rate of 2.29 Mg C ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ (p = 0.04, R² = 0.60); wet aggregate stability increased from 0 to 53%, POXC increased 10-fold, ACE protein increased from 0 to 23 mg g⁻¹, and microbial respiration increased from 0 to 1.16 mg CO₂ day⁻¹, while available water-holding capacity did not increase.
  • Without soil carbon, the MSPR footprint was 20.8 kg CO₂-e kg CW⁻¹, 44% greater than the conventional footprint of 11.9 kg CO₂-e kg CW⁻¹; incorporating soil carbon sequestration reduced MSPR emissions to 4.1 kg CO₂-e kg CW⁻¹, an 80% reduction and 66% lower than conventional.
  • The MSPR required 2.5 times more land than conventional production for the same carcass weight; if soil carbon sequestration were attributed only to cattle, MSPR beef would be a net sink of −4.4 kg CO₂-e kg CW⁻¹ annually.

Methods

  • Whole-farm deterministic LCA in MS Excel using IPCC Tier 1/2 methodologies, with a functional unit of kg CO₂-e per kg carcass weight; inputs came from farm records, face-to-face meetings, and a semi-structured farmer interview, and results were compared with conventional beef, pork, and poultry production.
  • Soil sampling used a 20-year chronosequence at White Oak Pastures, Clay County, Georgia (1,214 ha), including a year 0 cropland and fields converted 1, 3, 5, 8, 13, and 20 years earlier; 1-m cores were analyzed for bulk density and soil carbon, and 10-cm hand cores were analyzed for Cornell soil health indicators.
  • Soil carbon stocks were converted using minimum equivalent mass, least-squares means were adjusted for clay content where significant, and sequestration rate was calculated by linear regression; land requirements were estimated using Georgia crop and hay production averages and an 80% corn/20% soybean meal diet for non-ruminants.

Limitations

  • The paper states that soil carbon sequestration was estimated via space-for-time substitution rather than direct measurement over time, and without baseline SOC data for each field; sampling was also constrained by dry conditions, yielding only one intact year 0 core and two year 13 cores, and the year 20 site received grazing only rather than the full suite of management practices, so the average sequestration rate may have been higher if that site were more representative.
  • The paper states that SOM was not fractionated into mineral-associated and particulate organic matter pools, so conclusions about soil carbon storage capacity could not be made.
  • The text makes evident that the project was funded in entirety by General Mills Inc., with the funder involved in project design, soil and data collection, soil analysis, and overall LCA, and that the conventional comparison used broad datasets and a standard 80/20 corn-soy diet baseline rather than matched farm-level systems.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.3389/fsufs.2020.544984

Cites

62 of 63 references verified0 citation errors · 1 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

22 of 45 cited sources checked · 12 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

  • Premisecitation

    Including soil C changes in LCA parameters can considerably decrease overall CO2-e.

    “Some studies have shown that when including soil C changes to LCA parameters, the overall CO 2 -e can decrease considerably (Pelletier et al., 2010b;Stanley et al., 2018).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Pelletier et al., 2010b

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Stanley et al., 2018 source
  • Premisecitation

    Livestock-induced soil C changes can have large impacts on the GHG balance of production systems.

    “Recent studies show that livestock-induced soil C changes can have large impacts on the GHG balance of these production systems (Beauchemin et al., 2011;Teague et al., 2016;Stanley et al., 2018).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim2 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Beauchemin et al., 2011 source
    • cites Teague et al., 2016 source
    • cites Stanley et al., 2018 source
  • Premisecitation

    Expanding the use of diversified farming methods for animal production can lead to improved environmental outcomes and beneficial ecosystem services in addition to food production.

    “Expanding the use of diversified farming methods for animal production (including integrated crop-livestock systems, carefully managed grazing, and MSPRs) can lead to improved environmental outcomes and beneficial ecosystem services (e.g., wildlife and pollinator habitat, improved nutrient cycling) in addition to food production (Russelle et al., 2007;Kremen et al., 2012;Rivera-Ferre et al., 2016;”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Russelle et al., 2007 source
    • cites Kremen et al., 2012 source
    • cites Rivera-Ferre et al., 2016 source
  • Findingcitation

    Grass-finished carcass weights are ∼33% lower than existing grain-finishing beef LCAs.

    “Importantly, these results show that grass-finished CWs are ∼33% lower than existing grain-finishing beef LCAs (Pelletier et al., 2010b;Lupo et al., 2013;Stanley et al., 2018).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Pelletier et al., 2010b

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Lupo et al., 2013 source
    • cites Stanley et al., 2018 source
  • Interpretationreasoning

    These practices explain the higher relative sequestration rates compared to some others.

    “These practices explain the higher relative sequestration rates compared to some others (Wang et al., 2015;Conant et al., 2017).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim2 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Wang et al., 2015 source
    • cites Conant et al., 2017 source
    • Rests on an assumption: The chronosequence sites are comparable in soil type, climate, and other factors except for time since MSPR establishment, so that differences in SOC reflect temporal change.
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 13
  • May combine two claims. 42

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Pasture-based systems often have less GHG intensity from a land use basis than conventional systems.

    “Alternatively, pasture-based systems often have less GHG intensity from a land use basis (Cardoso et al., 2016).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Cardoso et al., 2016 source

      Section 3.5 reports that improving degraded pasture to a mixed grass–legume pasture reduced GHG emissions per kilogram of carcass by 50%. The Conclusions also report less land required per kilogram under intensified production. These are comparisons among beef-production scenarios, not evidence that pasture-based systems generally have lower GHG emissions per unit of land than conventional systems. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Grazing lands contain more than 30% of total global soil organic carbon.

    “Grazing lands are one of the most significant reservoirs of soil organic carbon (SOC) (Conant et al., 2017), containing more than 30% of total global SOC (Follett et al., 2000;Lal, 2002;Schuman et al., 2002;Derner and Schuman, 2007).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Conant et al., 2017 source
    • cites Follett et al., 2000 source
    • cites Lal, 2002 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Globally grass and cropland soils are highly degraded and thus have a long-term sequestration potential.

    “However, globally grass and cropland soils are highly degraded and thus have a long-term sequestration potential (Cotrufo et al., 2019;Yang et al., 2019;Lavallee et al., 2020).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim2 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Cotrufo et al., 2019 source
    • cites Yang et al., 2019 source

      The Introduction reports substantial soil-carbon losses from cultivation globally and says abandoned, agriculturally degraded land has high sequestration potential that may persist for a century or more. It does not establish that grassland soils globally are highly degraded, so the claim extends beyond the lands the paper discusses. (LLM, conf=0.85)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Lavallee et al., 2020 source

      The discussion of land-use change (Table 2; page unavailable) says cultivation of previously undisturbed soils causes losses of particulate organic matter, and Section 5 discusses ways to sequester soil carbon. It does not establish that grassland and cropland soils globally are highly degraded or that this gives them long-term sequestration potential. (LLM, conf=0.83)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductcitation

    The chronosequence approach is the best alternative for measuring temporal SOC changes with differing management when compared within soil types, and has been used widely throughout the ecological sciences.

    “While it has limitations, without baseline SOC data for each field, the chronosequence approach is the best alternative for measuring temporal SOC changes with differing management when compared within soil types and has been used widely throughout the ecological sciences (Walker et al., 2010).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Walker et al., 2010 source

      The Introduction describes chronosequences as the most frequently used indirect approach to studying temporal dynamics, and the Abstract identifies soil organic matter accumulation as a feature they can study. The paper does not establish that they are the best alternative for measuring field-level SOC changes under differing management when baseline data are absent, even if comparisons are within soil types. It stresses that their suitability depends on whether sites can be linked along a temporal trajectory. (LLM, conf=0.88)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Stanley et al. (2018) reported average SOC sequestration after five-year conversion from continuous haying and grazing to AMP grazing (analogous to the HPG system used at WOP, but with cattle grazing only).

    “For example, Stanley et al. (2018) reported average SOC sequestration after five-year conversion from continuous haying and grazing to AMP grazing (analogous to the HPG system used at WOP, but with cattle grazing only).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Stanley et al., 2018 source

      The Methods (§2.7.1) say the pastures were continuously grazed and hayed until AMP management began in 2010. The Results (§3.4) report an average SOC sequestration rate of 3.59 Mg C ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹, but calculate it from 2012–2016 samples—a four-year interval, not five years after conversion. The comparison to WOP’s HPG system is the citing authors’ framing, not a finding attributed to Stanley et al. (LLM, conf=0.88)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Our estimated soil C sequestration rate lies toward the higher end of reported values, both above and below some other literature values.

    “Compared to other literature, our estimated soil C sequestration rate lies toward the higher end-both above (Wang et al., 2015;Conant et al., 2017) and below (Stanley et al., 2018) reported values from others.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim3 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Wang et al., 2015 source
    • cites Conant et al., 2017 source
    • cites Stanley et al., 2018 source
    • Rests on an assumption: The chronosequence sites are comparable in soil type, climate, and other factors except for time since MSPR establishment, so that differences in SOC reflect temporal change.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In general, soil C stock can be increased by increasing C inputs to the soil or by reducing the relative rate of loss as CO2 via decomposition or stabilization.

    “In general, soil C stock can be increased by (a) increasing C inputs to the soil or (b) reducing the relative rate of loss (as CO 2 ) via decomposition or stabilization, which reduces emissions to the atmosphere that would otherwise occur (Conant et al., 2017).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Conant et al., 2017 source

      The Discussion reports that improved grassland management can increase soil C stocks and sequester atmospheric carbon. It does not explain those increases as increased C inputs or reduced CO2 loss through decomposition or stabilization, so the specific mechanisms attributed to it are not supported by our copy. (LLM, conf=0.83)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Soil C in grasslands is contained mostly in the MAOM fraction, which is often microbially processed and high in N, making it highly persistent and stable in soils.

    “These authors also showed that soil C in grasslands is contained mostly in the MAOM fraction, which is often microbially processed and high in N, making it highly persistent and stable in soils (Lavallee et al., 2020).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Lavallee et al., 2020 source

      The section on MAOM formation says MAOM contains more microbially derived compounds and has a lower C/N ratio than POM; the global-change section describes MAOM as longer lived. But the paper does not establish that most soil carbon in grasslands is in MAOM. Its discussion of a California grassland concerns turnover under elevated CO₂, not the fraction containing most of its carbon. (LLM, conf=0.86)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Diversified livestock production systems are highly underrepresented in scientific literature, despite evidence of widespread global use.

    “Diversified livestock production systems are highly underrepresented in scientific literature, despite evidence of widespread global use (Robinson et al., 2011).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Robinson et al., 2011

      The Background and Outline section says many production systems are grouped into a single ‘mixed farming’ category despite being highly diverse across many regions. That supports the concern that their diversity is poorly represented in classification systems, but the paper does not establish that diversified livestock systems are highly underrepresented in scientific literature generally. (LLM, conf=0.83)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Teague et al. (2016) provides a cadre of tools to improve ecosystem services in both cropping and grazing systems, which can be implemented by farms and ranches of all production types.

    “Teague et al. (2016) provides a cadre of tools to improve ecosystem services in both cropping and grazing systems, which can be implemented by farms and ranches of all production types.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Teague et al., 2016 source

      The Table 2 passage (page not specified) lists regenerative practices for improving ecological function in both cropping and grazing systems. The Development and Adoption of Regenerative Management section says practices should suit local biophysical conditions; it does not establish that the tools can be implemented by farms and ranches of all production types. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Feed production was proportionally the greatest emission source for both poultry and swine, whose diets consisted primarily of corn (80%) and soybean (20%) products.

    “Feed production was proportionally the greatest emission source for both poultry and swine, whose diets consisted of primarily corn (80%) and soybean (20%) products.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The MSPR total carbon footprint was 13,225,972 kg CO2-e, with animals as the greatest emissions category (58%), followed by land (20%) and feed (19%).

    “The MSPR total carbon footprint was 13,225,972 kg CO 2 -e, with animals as the greatest emissions category (58%), followed by land (20%) and feed (19%).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Poultry was the second greatest contributor to overall emissions at 20%, while contributing 43% to overall farm production.

    “Poultry was the second greatest contributor to overall emissions at 20%, while contributing 43% to the overall farm production.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Each year, the MSPR at WOP harvests 143,372 animals, totaling 637,910 kg of total carcass weight.

    “Each year, the MSPR at WOP (including all animals) harvests 143,372 animals, totaling 637,910 kg of total CW.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Life cycle emissions for beef cattle in the MSPR were 33.55 kg CO2-e kg CW-1, which is 30% higher than the most current models evaluating business-as-usual beef cattle production systems in the United States.

    “Life cycle emissions for beef cattle in the MSPR were 33.55 kg CO 2 -e kg CW -1 .This is 30% higher than the most current models evaluating business-as-usual beef cattle production systems (with grain finishing) in the United States (Rotz et al., 2019).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Rotz et al., 2019 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    During the chronosequence, microbial respiration increased 2-fold, ACE protein increased 5-fold, and active C increased 10-fold.

    “Rapid responses in microbial respiration (2-fold increase), ACE protein (5-fold increase), and active C (10-fold increase) during the chronosequence”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    MSPR poultry was over twice that of COM poultry but represented the least emission intensity of all species analyzed in the model.

    “The MSPR poultry was over twice that of COM poultry but in each production system represented the least emission intensity of all species analyzed in the model (Figure 3).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    ACE protein increased from 0 to 23 mg g-1 over the chronosequence, with a 4-fold increase from year 3 to year 20 (p < 0.01).

    “ACE protein, which estimates the amount of mineralizable organic N, increased from 0 to 23 mg g -1 over the chronosequence, with a 4-fold increase from year 3 to year 20 (p < 0.01).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The chronosequence of fields of different ages represents the temporal trajectory of soil C and soil health under MSPR management.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Wet aggregate stability increased from 0 to 53% over the chronosequence, with a 5-fold increase between years 3 and 20 (p = 0.02).

    “Wet aggregate stability increased from 0 to 53% over the chronosequence, with a 5-fold increase between years 3 and 20 (p = 0.02).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The chronosequence of fields of different ages represents the temporal trajectory of soil C and soil health under MSPR management.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Beef cattle contribute 68% of total farm emissions, totaling 9,018,105 kg CO2-e.

    “The beef cattle contribute 68% of total farm emissions, totaling 9,018,105 kg CO 2 -e.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Swine production emissions total 7% of the farm GHG footprint and 10% of farm production.

    “Emissions from swine production align evenly with productivity, totaling 7% of the farm GHG footprint and 10% of farm production.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The overall MSPR beef footprint totaled 33.55 kg CO2-e kg CW-1 and was 36.5% greater than the COM beef GHG footprint (21.3 kg CO2-e kg CW-1).

    “The overall MSPR beef footprint totaled 33.55 kg CO 2 -e kg CW -1 and was 36.5% greater compared to the COM beef GHG footprint (21.3 kg CO 2 -e kg CW -1 ).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    We did not observe an increase in AWC across the chronosequence, further adding to literature suggesting the link between SOM and AWC is not as pronounced as previously thought.

    “However, we did not observe an increase in AWC across the chronosequence, further adding to literature suggesting the link between SOM and AWC is not as pronounced as previously thought (Minasny and Mcbratney, 2017).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Minasny and Mcbratney, 2017 source
    • Rests on an assumption: The chronosequence of fields of different ages represents the temporal trajectory of soil C and soil health under MSPR management.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    The overall MSPR carbon footprint for poultry, pork, and beef produced on farm totaled 20.8 kg CO2-e kg CW-1, 44% greater than COM, which totaled 11.9 kg CO2-e kg CW-1.

    “The overall MSPR carbon footprint for poultry, pork, and beef produced on farm totaled 20.8 kg CO 2 -e kg CW -1 , 44% greater than COM, which totaled 11.9 kg CO 2 -e kg CW -1 for all livestock species produced.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    At WOP, 445,182 eggs were produced using the MSPR, weighing an average of 49.6 g, totaling 22,106 kg of eggs.

    “At WOP, 445,182 eggs were produced using the MSPR, weighing an average of 49.6 g (data not shown) totaling 22,106 kg of eggs.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Cattle contribute 33.55 kg CO2-e kg CW-1, swine 15.15, and all poultry 9.69.

    “Cattle contribute 33.55 kg CO 2 -e kg CW -1 , whereas swine and all poultry contribute 15.15 and 9.69 kg CO 2 -e kg CW -1 , respectively.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Although poultry production, including eggs, represents 46.5% of the total carcass weight in this system, they contribute only 20% of total carbon footprint.

    “Although poultry production, including eggs, represents 46.5% of the total carcass weight in this system, they contribute only 20% of total carbon footprint.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Our results indicate a sharp increase in SOC stocks from years 1 to 3, with slower increases from years 5 to 13.

    “Our results indicate a sharp increase in SOC stocks from years 1 to 3, with slower increases from years 5 to 13.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The chronosequence sites are comparable in soil type, climate, and other factors except for time since MSPR establishment, so that differences in SOC reflect temporal change.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    When considering only standard LCA boundaries on a kg CO2-e kg CW-1, animals in the COM system are more efficient, gaining more weight in less time and contributing 43% fewer GHGs (MSPR: 20.8 kg CO2-e kg CW-1 vs. COM: 11.9 kg CO2-e kg CW-1).

    “When considering only standard LCA boundaries on a kg CO 2 -e kg CW -1 , animals in the COM system are more efficient-gaining more weight in less time and thus contributing 43% fewer GHGs (MSPR: 20.8 kg CO 2 -e kg CW -1 vs. COM: 11.9 kg CO 2 -e kg CW -1 ).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    After incorporating soil C sequestration into LCA boundaries, the GHG footprint of the MSPR system was reduced by 80% (from 20.8 to 4.1 kg CO2-e kg CW-1), ultimately finishing at 66% lower than comparative COM production.

    “After incorporating this into our LCA boundaries, this reduced the GHG footprint of the MSPR system by 80% (from 20.8 to 4.1 kg CO 2 -e kg CW -1 ), ultimately finishing at 66% lower than comparative COM production.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The chronosequence sites are comparable in soil type, climate, and other factors except for time since MSPR establishment, so that differences in SOC reflect temporal change.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The model indicates that MSPR can simultaneously produce protein while regenerating land, including increasing soil health indicators and soil C stock.

    “Thus, while our model indicates that MSPR can simultaneously produce protein while regenerating land, a considerably greater land area is needed when compared to COM.”
    • Also stated in: § Soil Carbon Sequestration · hedged
      “Thus, while our model indicates that MSPR can simultaneously produce protein while increasing soil health indicators and soil C stock, a considerably greater land area is needed when compared to COM.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The chronosequence of fields of different ages represents the temporal trajectory of soil C and soil health under MSPR management.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The beef cattle in the MSPR represent the largest emission source in the production system because they make up the largest group of animals, produce high carcass weights, and contribute more CO2-e per kg of carcass weight compared with other livestock categories.

    “The beef cattle in the MSPR represent the largest emission source in the production system for three reasons: they make up the largest group of animals in the system, they produce high CWs, and they contribute more CO 2 -e per kg of CW compared with other livestock categories.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Carbon stock alone does not allow conclusions about soil C storage capacity, which can be better informed by the relative distribution of soil C between MAOM and POM.

    “Further, carbon stock alone does not allow us to make conclusions about soil C storage capacity, which can be better informed by the relative distribution of soil C between mineralassociated OM (MAOM) and particulate OM (POM) (Cotrufo et al., 2019).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Cotrufo et al., 2019 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The WOP MSPR system reached similar carcass weights 10 months sooner than other grass-finished beef systems, which reduced GHG emissions over a shorter lifetime while simultaneously producing other food animal proteins.

    “However, that the WOP MSPR system reached similar CWs 10 months sooner, comparatively, than other grass-finished beef systems is an important improvement that both reduced GHG emissions over a shorter lifetime while simultaneously producing other food animal proteins.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Large reservoirs of organic N coupled with an active microbial community are critical for efficiently meeting plant N needs in agroecosystems, as organic N released slowly through mineralization is more efficiently utilized than pulse additions of inorganic N via synthetic fertilizer.

    “Large reservoirs of organic N coupled with an active microbial community are critical for efficiently meeting plant N needs in agroecosystems, as organic N released slowly through mineralization is more efficiently utilized than pulse additions of inorganic N via synthetic fertilizer (Gardner and Drinkwater, 2009).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Gardner and Drinkwater, 2009 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Observed increases in SOM were likely mediated by greater aggregation, as aggregation is one of the primary mechanisms of SOM stabilization via physical protection and microbial habitat, and we observed a 5-fold increase in both SOM and wet aggregate stability over the chronosequence.

    “Observed increases in SOM were likely mediated by greater aggregation, as aggregation is one of the primary mechanisms of SOM stabilization via physical protection and microbial habitat (Tisdall and Oades, 1982;Gupta and Germida, 2015), and we observed a 5-fold increase in both SOM and wet aggregate stability over the chronosequence.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Tisdall and Oades, 1982 source
    • cites Gupta and Germida, 2015 source
    • Rests on an assumption: The chronosequence of fields of different ages represents the temporal trajectory of soil C and soil health under MSPR management.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    The MSPR system in this study was employed after conversion from degraded cropland, was combined with compost application, and was conducted in a non-arid ecosystem.

    “Alternatively, the MSPR system in this study was employed after conversion from degraded cropland, was combined with compost application, and was conducted in a non-arid ecosystem.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The improvements across the suite of soil health properties measured here indicate that the building blocks for a growing microbial community in soils under MSPR management were met, ultimately contributing to the increased soil C pool and more efficient N cycling.

    “Together, the improvements across the suite of soil health properties measured here indicate that the building blocks for a growing microbial community in soils under MSPR management were met, ultimately contributing to the increased soil C pool and more efficient N cycling.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationown data

    This may suggest a peak soil C accumulation at approximately 13 years since establishment of the MSPR.

    “which may suggest a peak soil C accumulation at ∼13 years since establishment of the MSPR.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The chronosequence sites are comparable in soil type, climate, and other factors except for time since MSPR establishment, so that differences in SOC reflect temporal change.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The transition from a conventional row crop model to MSPR improved soil physical and biological attributes and significantly improved soil C stocks.

    “Overall, the transition from a conventional row crop model to MSPR improved soil physical and biological attributes and consequently significantly improved soil C stocks.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The chronosequence of fields of different ages represents the temporal trajectory of soil C and soil health under MSPR management.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The short-duration, high-intensity grazing used in this system has been shown to maximize plant residue left in the pasture and improve below-ground soil C allocation via plant roots.

    “Further, the short-duration, high-intensity grazing (otherwise termed HPG; as well as rotation with other animals) used in this system has been shown to maximize plant residue left in the pasture and improve below-ground soil C allocation via plant roots (Teague et al., 2011).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Teague et al., 2011 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Regenerative agriculture is arising as a practice with clear CCS potential.

    “regenerative agriculture is arising as a practice with clear CCS potential.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Given the large increases in soil aggregation, it is likely that POM is increasing with MSPR adoption in this system, because POM persistence is largely dependent on aggregation.

    “it is likely that POM is increasing with MSPR adoption in this system, because POM persistence is largely dependent on aggregation.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: POM persistence is largely dependent on aggregation.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    MAOM saturates in soils because of the finite availability of mineral surfaces to sorb OM.

    “MAOM also saturates in soils because of the finite availability of mineral surfaces to sorb OM.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Cotrufo et al., 2019 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    While our model indicates that MSPR can simultaneously produce protein while regenerating land and can contribute other ecosystem services, a considerably greater land area is needed when compared to COM.

    “Thus, while our model indicates that MSPR can simultaneously produce protein while regenerating land and can contribute other ecosystem services, a considerably greater land area is needed when compared to COM.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationown data

    We present, to our knowledge, the most robust analysis of an MSPR system in the scientific literature comprising beef, pork, and poultry.

    “We present, to our knowledge, the most robust analysis of an MSPR system in the scientific literature comprising beef, pork, and poultry.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    In our MSPR system, C inputs were increased in three ways: by the increase of native and perennial plant diversity under MSPR as clovers, forbs, and nut bearing trees; by the addition of compost and manure from livestock; and via exogenous poultry feed.

    “In our MSPR system, C inputs were increased in three ways, by the increase of native and perennial plant diversity under MSPR as clovers, forbs, and nut bearing trees; by the addition of compost and manure from livestock; and via exogeneous poultry feed.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Our results indicate that this system does, in fact, regenerate ecological function including soil health, resilience, GHG mitigation, and biodiversity.

    “Our results indicate that this system does, in fact, regenerate ecological function including soil health, resilience, GHG mitigation, and biodiversity.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The chronosequence sites are comparable in soil type, climate, and other factors except for time since MSPR establishment, so that differences in SOC reflect temporal change.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    MSPR is well-suited for more marginal lands while requiring fewer exogenous inputs such as feed stocks.

    “However, MSPR is well-suited for more marginal lands while requiring fewer exogenous inputs such as feed stocks.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Reducing and eliminating tillage, maintaining soil cover with cover crops, increasing biodiversity and nutrient cycling via integrated crop-livestock systems, and maximizing rest periods in grazing-only systems are all tangible actions for regenerating agroecosystems.

    “For example, reducing and eliminating tillage, maintaining soil cover with cover crops, increasing biodiversity and nutrient cycling via integrated crop-livestock systems, and maximizing rest periods in grazing-only systems are all tangible actions for regenerating agroecosystems (Brewer and Gaudin, 2020).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Brewer and Gaudin, 2020 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Premisenone given

    WOP is a USDA Organic MSPR employing principles of regenerative agriculture through holistic management.

    “WOP is a USDA Organic MSPR employing principles of regenerative agriculture through holistic management.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductnone given

    We did not fractionate SOM into MAOM and POM pools in this analysis.

    “We did not fractionate SOM into MAOM and POM pools in this analysis”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    The WOP MSPR examined in this study exemplifies a farm using a highly evolved production system at the far end of the diversification spectrum.

    “The WOP MSPR examined in this study exemplifies a farm using a highly evolved production system at the far end of the diversification spectrum.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
53 of 53

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    COM production is in a soil C dynamic equilibrium.

    “We used mean soil C sequestration of 2.29 Mg C ha -1 yr -1 for MSPR and considered COM to be in a soil C dynamic equilibrium.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Current studies neither robustly consider complexity in diversified pasture-based livestock systems, nor consider the role of soil carbon in GHG flux as well as land-use tradeoffs.

    “However, current studies neither robustly consider complexity in diversified pasture-based livestock systems, nor consider the role of soil carbon (C) in GHG flux as well as land-use tradeoffs.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    MSPRs take advantage of an 'agromutualism' that builds symbiotic relationships between enterprises that lead to ecological and economic benefits.

    “Importantly, MSPRs take advantage of an “agromutualism” that builds symbiotic relationships between enterprises that lead to ecological and economic benefits.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Few studies have explored diversified livestock production systems in the United States, instead focusing mostly on very extensively and intensively managed systems.

    “However, few studies have explored such diversified livestock production systems in the United States, instead focusing mostly on very extensively (e.g., pastoralism) and intensively (e.g., feedlot) managed systems.”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    The newly acquired location used as year 0 represents a true baseline with no animal impact prior to MSPR initiation.

    “Although there was very little difference in soil C stock between year 0 and year 1, we elected to include this in the model as a true year 0 site.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The chronosequence of fields of different ages represents the temporal trajectory of soil C and soil health under MSPR management.

    “To estimate soil C sequestration rate and changes in other soil health indicators, soils were sampled along a 20-year degraded cropland to MSPR chronosequence.”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    The year 20 site received no compost applications or poultry disturbance and reflected only the impact of grazing and perennial conversion from annual cropland.

    “Importantly, the year 20 site received no compost applications or poultry disturbance and reflected only the impact of grazing and perennial conversion from annual cropland.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The farm records and interview data accurately represent the MSPR system's inputs and outputs.

    “Face-toface meetings, farm records, and a semistructured in-person interview with the farmer yielded model inputs and outputs.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The chronosequence sites are comparable in soil type, climate, and other factors except for time since MSPR establishment, so that differences in SOC reflect temporal change.

    “In this study, SOC sequestration is estimated via a space-fortime substitution rather than directly measuring SOC change over time.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    POM persistence is largely dependent on aggregation.

    “because POM persistence is largely dependent on aggregation.”
10 of 10

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

  • Initial evidence from beef LCAs incorporating AMP grazing induced SOC accrual suggests substantial GHG mitigation potential, with reported reductions from 65 to 169% lower relative to footprints without SOC offsets.

    “Initial evidence from beef life cycle assessments (LCAs) incorporating AMP grazing induced SOC accrual suggest substantial GHG mitigation potential.Relative to GHG footprints calculated without considering offsets from SOC accrual, reported GHG footprints incorporating measured SOC accrual suggested reductions from 65 to 169% lower (Mehre et al., 2024;Rowntree et al., 2020;Stanley et al., 2018).”

    From Impact of 10 years of adaptive multi-paddock grazing on soil carbon and beef's greenhouse gas footprint in the US Upper Midwest (2026) · cites this paper as Rowntree et al., 2020

    The Net GHG Footprint and Land Use section reports that incorporating measured soil-carbon accrual reduced this system’s LCA footprint by 80%, from 20.8 to 4.1 kg CO₂-e per kg carcass weight. That supports substantial mitigation and falls within the cited range, but this paper does not report the range’s 65% and 169% endpoints; its separate 66% figure compares the resulting footprint with conventional production, not with its own footprint before the SOC offset. The Soil Carbon Sequestration section describes its grazing approach as analogous to AMP grazing rather than AMP grazing itself. (LLM, conf=0.84)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Existing studies on AMP and SOC have generally relied on space-for-time comparisons rather than longitudinal data.

    “Existing studies on AMP and SOC have generally relied on space-for-time comparisons rather than longitudinal data (Machmuller et al., 2015;Mehre et al., 2024;Rowntree et al., 2020;Wang et al., 2015), focused on cropland-to-pasture transitions (Machmuller et al., 2015;Mehre et al., 2024;Rowntree et al., 2020), or evaluated only short-term shifts from conventional grazing (Stanley et al., 2018).”

    From Impact of 10 years of adaptive multi-paddock grazing on soil carbon and beef's greenhouse gas footprint in the US Upper Midwest (2026) · cites this paper as Rowntree et al., 2020

    The Soil Carbon Sequestration section says this study estimated SOC change using a space-for-time substitution rather than direct measurements over time. It does not establish the broader claim that existing AMP–SOC studies have generally used that approach. (LLM, conf=0.85)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Most LCAs on AMP grazing compare fully AMP-managed systems to fully conventional ones, which may be interpreted as AMP and feedlots being incompatible, even though AMP grazing could be integrated into earlier production phases.

    “Additionally, most LCAs on AMP grazing compare fully AMPmanaged systems to fully conventional ones (Rowntree et al., 2020;Stanley et al., 2018), which may be interpreted as AMP and feedlots being incompatible, even though AMP grazing could be integrated into earlier production phases.”

    From Impact of 10 years of adaptive multi-paddock grazing on soil carbon and beef's greenhouse gas footprint in the US Upper Midwest (2026) · cites this paper as Rowntree et al., 2020

    The Abstract and Introduction (pages unavailable) describe this paper’s whole-farm comparison of a multispecies pasture-rotation system with conventional production. That supports an example of the comparison described, but the paper does not establish that most LCAs of AMP grazing use this design; its studied system is also not specifically an AMP-grazing system. (LLM, conf=0.82)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Existing studies on AMP and SOC have focused on cropland-to-pasture transitions.

    “focused on cropland-to-pasture transitions (Machmuller et al., 2015;Mehre et al., 2024;Rowntree et al., 2020)”

    From Impact of 10 years of adaptive multi-paddock grazing on soil carbon and beef's greenhouse gas footprint in the US Upper Midwest (2026) · cites this paper as Rowntree et al., 2020

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Cattle are called the largest group by animal count

    Minor

    The discussion calls cattle the largest group of animals, although Table 1 lists 990 cattle and 141,348 poultry.

  • Sheep mean weight and count do not yield reported carcass output

    Minor

    Multiplying 267 sheep by the reported mean carcass weight of 20 kg gives 5,340 kg, not 11,481 kg.

    Reported 11481 · recomputed 5340

  • Goat carbon footprint does not match reported emissions and output

    Minor

    Using Table 2's goat emissions and Table 1's reported goat carcass output gives 70.16 kg CO2-e per kg CW, not 154.54.

    Reported 154.54 · recomputed 70.15657

  • Goat mean weight and count do not yield reported carcass output

    Minor

    Multiplying 82 goats by the reported mean carcass weight of 14 kg gives 1,148 kg, not 2,542 kg.

    Reported 2542 · recomputed 1148

  • Sheep and goats exceed the stated share of farm emissions

    Minor

    The text says eggs and other species, primarily sheep and goats, contribute less than 1% of the farm footprint. Table 2 reports 363,025 kg CO2-e from sheep alone-more than 1% of its reported farm total of 13,225,972 kg.

  • Annual animal count differs between sections

    Minor

    The site description gives 142,935 animals annually, but the results give 143,372.

  • Two different totals for annual carcass output

    Minor

    The results report 637,910 kg of total carcass weight, whereas Table 1 reports 645,567 kg for the same 143,372 animals.

  • Sheep carbon footprint does not match reported emissions and output

    Minor

    Using Table 2's sheep emissions and Table 1's reported sheep carcass output gives 31.62 kg CO2-e per kg CW, not 69.65.

    Reported 69.65 · recomputed 31.619632

8 of 8

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 6

  1. 2019, Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks 1990-2017
  2. 2014, The State of Food and Agriculture: Innovation in Family Farming
  3. 2006, IPCC Guidelines for Greenhouse Gas Inventories
  4. MacLeod, 2013, Greenhouse gas emissions from pig and chicken supply chain - a global life cycle assessment
  5. Moebius-Clune, 2016, Comprehensive Assessmentof Soil Health-The Cornell Framework (Manual)
  6. 2014, Clay County Comprehensive Plan Update 2014

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Rowntree, J. E., Stanley, P. L., Maciel, I. C. F., Thorbecke, M., Rosenzweig, S. T., Hancock, D. W., Guzman, A., & Raven, M. R.
Affiliations
  • Michigan State University (US)
  • University of California, Berkeley (US)
  • General Mills (United States) (US)
  • University of Georgia (US)
Corresponding author
Rowntree, Jason E.
ORCID
Venue
Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems
Publisher
Frontiers Media SA
Published
2020-12-04
Volume
4
ISSN
2571-581X (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.3389/fsufs.2020.544984
OpenAlex
W3107008955
Semantic Scholar
654c72e2e9763d7ba0808860d7345d78e682b3a3
Cited by
110
References
58
Citations by year
2026: 11 · 2025: 19 · 2024: 27 · 2023: 25 · 2022: 15 · 2021: 13
FWCI
4.63
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
General Mills
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Environmental Chemistry › Sustainable Agricultural Systems Analysis
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Forestry › Pasture and Agricultural Systems
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Forestry › Agroforestry and silvopastoral systems
Keywords
regenerative agriculture, soil carbon sequestration, greenhouse gas emissions, land footprint, soil health, land use trade-offs, livestock production systems, ecosystem services

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-23.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-23.

Cited sources are checked by gpt-6-sol.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review