Effects of grazing intensity and grazing systems on productivity and vigor of kermes oak ( Quercus coccifera L.)

Grazing of kermes oak ( Quercus coccifera L) shrublands is being practiced without planning in Greece for thousands of years, thus having a negative impact on ecosystem’s sustainability. The grazing practice applied coincides mostly with the continuous grazing and- the stocking rates are usually higher to grazing capacity. Research has shown that 60% and 80% grazing intensities of kermes oak twigs, repeated every 15 days during the growing season for five consecutive years, presented higher twig number and browse production compared to 20%, 40%, 100% intensities and the control. The vigor of kennes oak shrubs grazed at 80% was slightly reduced, while shrubs grazed at I 00% died early in the fourth year of the experiment. As far as the grazing system is concemed, the results of the research have shown that the rotational grazing of kermes oak shrublands using goats, with 20 days rotation, was superb compared to continuous. Browse production was 3018.0 and 2413.3 kg/ha, twigs frοm regrowth were 35.5 and 31.4 per ιη 2 and twig length was 3 cm and 2 cm respectively while liveweight gain was +1.93 Kg/ha for the rotational and – 0.60 kg/ha for the continuous grazing system. lt is concluded that kemιes oak can withstand grazing up to 80% of the annual production for five years. The rotational grazing system is the mοst appropriate for sustainable production for both the plant and the animal component.