Limestone and stocking rate: effects on sheep growth and sward dynamics in a Mediterranean Montado

Abstract

his study evaluated the effects of two grazing systems—continuous (CS) versus deferred stocking (DS)—and dolomitic limestone application on pasture structure, forage quality, and sheep performance in a Mediterranean silvopastoral system (Montado). A 6-month trial (December 2023–June 2024) was conducted in four 1-ha plots: UC (CS, unlimed), UD (DS, unlimed), TC (CS, limed), and TD (DS, limed). DS produced markedly higher pasture utilisation (animal-days) than CS (3,111 vs 1,281) and liming increased mean sward height (TC 241.2 mm; others 132.8–205.6 mm). Crude protein (CP) declined and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) increased across time but were similar across treatments; CP tended to be slightly higher with limestone (TC, TD). The average daily gain was greater in CS, but the total cumulative liveweight gain per treatment was superior in DS (UD = 433.9 kg; TD = 472.2 kg vs UC = 223.9 kg; TC = 277.9 kg), indicating a more efficient pasture herbage conversion at higher instantaneous stocking pressure. Integrating DS with dolomitic limestone appears to enhance system-level productivity without compromising animal performance, offering a pragmatic pathway for sustainable intensification in dryland pastures