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Low quality evidence dominates discussion of carbon benefits of alternative grazing strategies

Sanderman, J.; Partida, C.; Xia, Y.; Lavallee, J. M.; Bradford, M. A.

2025-12-11 ecology
10.64898/2025.12.09.693242 bioRxiv
Show abstract

A critical review of alternative grazing strategies and their impact on soil organic carbon (SOC) found most studies (n = 47) failed minimum quality criteria. Ten rigorous studies showed no significant SOC change, yet thirteen less robust studies suggested SOC increases. This divergence highlights that low-quality evidence is prevalent, underscoring a critical need for stronger evidence before asserting climate change mitigation benefits from alternative grazing practices.

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