Perennial pastures grow and contribute to soil organic matter from early spring to late fall. Moreover, uncultivated land promotes the accumulation of organic matter and nutrients frequently lost during conventional cultivation. This enhances a vigorous soil biotic community, and strong plant growth. In turn, that enhances water infiltration and reduces runoff, thereby reducing soil erosion and off-site contamination. Nutrient Cycling .
Perennial sods reduce the risk of off-site pollution through efficient nutrient cycling.
Initiative livestock enterprises will be expected to match livestock numbers to both the grazing capacity and the manure utilization capacity of a particular farm site. Biocide Independence . Well-managed perennial pastures do not require any type of pesticide or herbicide. Grass-based systems are well suited to the type of small scale, diversified farming preferred for the Countryside Initiative. Management Intensive Grazing .