Mob Grazing Explained
Having practiced a variety of rotational grazing techniques over the last several decades I am quite impressed with the beneficial sod forming capabilities of what is commonly known as mob grazing. By allowing long rest periods the pasture plants can set deep roots. They can spread thru rhizomes and stolons which allow a general thickening of the pasture along with natural reseeding.
The older more mature plants are often passed over by the animals who graze in high concentrations for very short time periods. This high concentration causes much trampling of the mature plants which enable a thick plant litter on the pasture floor. This litter holds moisture just like mulch in a garden. It also breaks down to feed the soil organisms which proliferate under this scheme. The animals select for the younger more tender plant shoots which are highly nutritious. Due to frequent moves they are always getting fresh choice fodder and the plants are allowed a faster regrowth by not overgrazing.
Truly a perennial polyculture of pasture plants grazed using this method has great potential to heal our environment through the building of soil organic matter (carbon sequestration), reducing erosion, and the improved economics of synergistic resource management.
-Harry Carr