Biodiversity and sustainability
Roam-Free investigates biodiversity and sustainable practices in free-range farming systems across Europe.
Bugs and biodiversity
Insects are important indicators of biodiversity and play a vital role in the ecosystem, both as pollinators and as a food source for other animals like birds. Across Europe insects numbers are dropping probably due to pressure by agriculture, pollution and other human infrastructure activities. We are trying to find out if free-range animal husbandry can contribute to stimulate this crucial part of the ecosystem.
In 2022, insect malaise traps were set up in Norway, Italy and Slovenia.
The results showed of a wide range of insect species at all locations. In 2023 similar traps will be set up in locations in Denmark and Romania.
Malaise traps were placed in and around the free-range farming locations to document the diversity of insects. They attract insects that are collected and conserved for later DNA analysis. Photo: Adobe express.
Free-range pigs naturally cultivate the soil through their behaviors, particularly rooting. Rooting is when pigs use their snouts to dig into and turn over the soil. This behavior is instinctive and part of their natural foraging and can have many positive effects on the soil. Photo: Berit Blomstrand
Tracking the environmental footprint
We have performed life-cycle assessments on free-range farms across Europe.
This means we look at everything involved in growing crops or raising animals. Including how the land is used, what resources are consumed, and what waste is produced. All to measure the overall impact on the environment.
Preliminary results suggest that free-range animal husbandry and adjacent plant-production is efficient in its use of resources, such as fertilizer and gasoline. Because the animals fertilize the fields directly, as well as cultivating the soil in a number of ways:
As pigs root, they loosen the soil, allowing air to penetrate deeper. This aeration can improve soil structure and promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms.
Weed Control: Rooting can help control weeds by uprooting them. This reduces the need for chemical weed control methods.
Nutrient Cycling: Pigs can help in nutrient cycling. As they root, they mix the soil layers, bringing nutrients from deeper in the soil to the surface. Their manure also adds organic matter and nutrients back into the soil.
Pest Control: Rooting can help reduce pests, as pigs may eat various soil-dwelling insects and larvae.
Seedbed Preparation: The rooting action can prepare the land for planting by breaking up the soil, although it may not be as uniform as traditional mechanical methods.
This can reduce the need for artificial fertilizers and machines cultivating the soil. This can limit greenhouse gas emissions and improve profitability.
In order to have more sustainable and economically viable free-range animals in Europe, we must listen to the farmers. If we fail to include their knowledge and needs it will be difficult to create the mutual trust that is needed to inspire change. Roam-Free has interviewed a number of farmers across Europe. Photo: Adobe express