Soil Moisture Retention Strategy in Dry Areas: Cost-Benefit Analysis

This document presents a cost-benefit analysis of transitioning to a sustainable agricultural system in a dry agroclimatic zone, focusing on improved nutrient cycling and pasture dairy management. Key strategies include dividing sowing areas into small plots to retain soil moisture and using drought-tolerant forage legumes like *Vicia villosa*. The analysis evaluates economic, environmental, and social impacts, including moderate reductions in energy and input use, improved animal health and welfare, and reduced workload. Soil regeneration and biodiversity benefits remain unconfirmed. The study is EU-funded, with findings based on literature review and a visual cost-benefit chart. Sources include tropicalforages.info and a 2006 conference proceeding on grassland management.