Abstract
Recently, livestock grazing using electric fencing is attracting attention as one form of land use and extensive management of abandoned paddy fields. We studied paddy field grazing from the viewpoint of management of farmland resources, and examined the effects of paddy field grazing on land use. Management of farmland resources bypaddy field grazing has the advantage of combining the following three factors: acclimating the cattle to grazing, installing electric fencing, and adjusting the shape of the field. Because of this, the effect of paddy field grazing is increased interrelationship among these elements.
Examination showed that preservation of farmland resources by cattle grazing could include the following functions. 1) The expansion function of extensive land use. 2) The distinct separation function of land uses. 3) The adjustment function for small-scale abandoned fields. 4) The weeding management function of farm-related institutions, such as farm roads connected with field lots. 5) The management function of scenery and environment.
These functions are thought to represent the possibility of forming a new farming method and a new spatial system of land utilization. In order to spread the practice of farmland management by grazing, it is necessary to acclimate both cattle and livestock owners to the system of grazing and to collectively manage the paddy fields used for grazing; we point out that a farmland foundation suitable for grazing needs to be formed and maintained.
