The bison’s contribution to climate change
Many bison ranchers already use holistic methods and are part of large-scale grassland restoration efforts. Part of the holistic management is to mimic the natural movements of the ruminants to avoid overgrazing and to allow new regrowth of the plants with a healthy root system.
These so-called root curtains, that can reach up to 6 meters, are the fabric that holds the soil together, makes it resistant to erosion, allows surface water to penetrate the soil easier, whilst in dry periods also help soaking the water from lower levels up to the surface. These root curtains are also a substantial storage of carbon dioxide (CO2), which is often underestimated.
Due to the roaming instinct of the bison, combined with rotational grazing methods, the land is pretty much shaped by the animal impact only. Bison impact the land when they step on it, return old plant material to the soil surface, aerate the ground, press billions of seeds into the soil and at the same time fertilize it. Thus, when managed appropriately, animals can enrich the earth and positively shaping healthy landscapes, that in turn create healthy habitats for native and migratory animals, effectively hold ground water, build topsoil.
Moreover, every time grazers are harvested for food, it contributes to the economic sustainability of grasslands, making it less likely this habitat will be converted to other uses.