Page 66 - FAO-IPCC Expert meeting on climate change

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Appendix 01: Speakers’ summary notes
Climate-smart Brachiaria
Brachiaria is an African genus comprising about 100 species. Extensive germplasm collection in Africa followed by strategic research on the agronomy, forage quality and animal production, genetics, cytogenetics, plant breeding,
and biotic and abiotic stress adaptation over the past two decades in Latin America resulted in the selection of vigorous and productive Brachiaria grasses, as well as the development of four commercial hybrids (Mulato, Mulato
II, Caymán and Cobra) through breeding. Brachiaria grasses have become the most widespread and economically important forage grasses in tropical America, and their adoption is increasing in East Africa and South East Asia. An estimated 90 million hectares are planted with Brachiaria in Brazil only. Brachiaria grasses stand out for their ability
to be productive and persistent under low soil fertility conditions, with some genotypes showing contrasting and/
or intermediate behaviour in terms of their water use (i.e., “water saving” or “water-spending” behavior for their targeting to either long or intermittent drought periods respectively). In terms of climate change mitigation, Brachiaria grasses have a higher nutritional quality than many other commonly fed grasses and thus reduce the GHG emission intensity from enteric fermentation. In addition, they show a phenomenom termed “Biological Nitrification Inhibition” (BNI) which refers to a mechanism by which roots –in particular those of B. humidicola– naturally inhibit the conversion of nitrogen (N) in the soil from a stable form to forms subject to leaching loss (NO3-) or to the production of N2O,
a potent greenhouse gas. This in turn has a direct environmental and economic effect (less N loss). Furthermore, Brachiaria grasses have the potential to increase carbon in soils (up to 6 ton ha/year) due to their large root systems, chemical characteristics of its roots (high C/N ratio, lignin and polyphenols), and root turnover (1/3 of total root system might be renewed annually). Green house and field experiments have also indicated that soil physical attributes are greatly affected under Brachiaria (i.e. increase of aggregate size and water infiltration).
Its productivity and sustainability is, however, threatened by climate and other –often interlinked- changes. A range of direct and indirect impacts are expected, indicating a clear need for increased adaptation action on the ground. Promising opportunities exist, with feed interventions as a notable potential triple-win entry point.
Livestock production and it’s interaction with the natural resource base and the wider food system are of a highly complex nature. Further research and assessments are needed to inform robust evidence-based decision making.
FAO-IPCC Expert meeting on climate change, land use and food security