Towards sustainable integrated crop-dairy systems

Summary

Recoupling crop and livestock production is seen as a promising pathway to improve environmental sustainability. This thesis aimed to enhance understanding of ley systems, grass-clover swards, and the recoupling of crop and dairy production systems within the Dutch context. It was shown that stricter nitrogen legislation will decrease nitrogen surpluses of dairy farms and social costs of pollution but also farmers' incomes. Adoption of grass-clover swards and awarding farmers for avoidance of those social costs could compensate for this loss of income, thus re-evaluating the benefits of grass-clover swards and leys is needed. Moreover, integrated crop-dairy systems can increase the total income due to an increased potato and sugar beet cultivation, but may not meet Dutch environmental targets. Interviews with persons involved in arable-dairy farm collaborations indicated that social aspects, including mutual trust and a fair distribution of risks and benefits, make or break collaborations between arable and dairy farmers. Results can be used to design more integrated crop-dairy systems and draft policies accordingly, as a way out for Dutch farmers under legislative pressure.