Habitat-based forage productivity and grazing dynamics in a heterogeneous wetland system

Context: Wetland pastures support both livestock production and biodiversity. However, their spatially heterogeneous structure and seasonal hydrological dynamics present challenges for the sustainable management of grazing, particularly in long-standing free-grazing systems. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate forage production and grazing dynamics in the habitat-based Kızılırmak Delta wetland, providing management-oriented information for the sustainable use of wetlands under free-grazing conditions. Methods: Research was conducted in four different habitat classes between 2022 and 2023: permanent wet meadows, coastal dunes/sandy grasslands, grazed permanent pastures and seasonally flooded pastures. Grazing occurred naturally under long-standing free-range conditions, with no experimental intervention on the animals. Botanical composition, plant species richness and plant quality grade were determined each year prior to the initial harvest. Dry matter yield, grazing capacity, grazing area per buffalo and grazing grade were calculated monthly throughout the grazing season. The data were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and spatiotemporal patterns were visualised using hierarchical clustering heatmaps. Key results: Significant habitat-related differences were identified in terms of botanical composition, species richness and plant quality grade (P ≤ 0.01). Seasonally flooded pastures exhibited the highest average dry matter yield (9.23 t/ha), grazing capacity (3,100 head) and lowest grazing area per buffalo (1.20 ha/head). Monthly analyses revealed strong seasonal variability: the highest forage availability occurred at the start of the grazing season in accessible habitats. Heatmap analyses clearly distinguished between habitat classes based on productivity and grazing indicators. Conclusion: Forage production and grazing pressure in the Kızılırmak Delta are primarily driven by habitat characteristics and seasonal hydrological processes. Implications and impacts: Habitat-based, hydrologically sensitive grazing management can increase grazing efficiency while preserving the integrity of the ecosystem in open-grazed wetland systems, thus supporting both sustainable livestock production and wetland conservation.