Scientists at Brazilian agricultural research corporation Embrapa have found a way to reduce methane emissions from raising cows.

They suggested planting eucalyptus next to the pastures. Researchers accidentally found out that about 350 trees of this medium-sized plant, grown on one hectare of land, can absorb as much substance as 12 large cows excrete.

As the head of the corporation, Jolo de Almeida, explained, the dense crowns of these trees sufficiently protect the pastures from sunlight. Thanks to this, he said, the local grass stores more nitrogen, which is necessary for protein production. This makes the natural food more nutritious for the animals. As a result, they gain weight faster, so they spend less time on pastures, where they most often emit methane, which is harmful to nature. Therefore, beef from such cows is called carbon neutral. In addition, due to the more active growth of animals, the production of this meat increased by 30%.

Unfortunately, scientists note that this method is not suitable for all territories. The fact is that eucalyptus is not able to grow in any climate and not on all types of soil. However, for many farmers, their opening will not only reduce the harmful impact on the environment, but also increase their own meat production.

Source: piginfo