Improving Grassland And Pasture Management In Temperate Agriculture

"Grasslands have long been used to raise livestock. Recently there has been a shift to more intensive livestock system with more pressure on grasslands. At the same time, there is a greater understanding of the role of grasslands in delivering a range of ecosystems services. This volume reviews the range of research focussing on more sustainable use of grasslands to optimise livestock nutrition whilst protecting biodiversity and delivering a range of broader environmental benefits. Part 1 assesses grassland functions and dynamics, including plant-soil and plant-animal interactions, nutrient cycling and carbon capture. Part 2 surveys grassland species such as ryegrass and legumes. Part 3 reviews key aspects of grassland management, including sowing, soil health, irrigation and weed control as well as monitoring. The final part of the book considers wider aspects of sustainability such as protecting biodiversity as well as silage processing. With its distinguished editors and international team of subject experts, this will be a standard reference for grassland and rangeland scientists, livestock producers, government and non-governmental organisations responsible for grassland management and conservation."--Provided by publisher.

This book looks at current knowledge on management of pastures and rangelands for sheep production, of problems, of practical solutions where possible, and of priority areas for research. The areas considered extend from the high rainfall perennial pastures of south-east Australia and New Zealand, through the annual pasture, cropping zones to the semi-arid rangelands. Pasture Management is the major reference on managing Australia's greatest natural resource: the resource which provides directly and indirectly a major part of Australia's export income.

This new, fully updated and revised edition of Improved Grassland Management covers all aspects of grassland management and is of particular relevance to the UK and the Republic of Ireland, although the principles discussed apply to all temperate grassland zones. Almost twenty years ago, when the original edition of this book was written by John Frame, issues such as efficiency in the use of nutrients in manures, grassland biodiversity and greenhouse gas emissions from ruminant production were either nascent, or of no relevance to mainstream grassland farming. The intervening two decades have seen the introduction of water and, latterly, air quality directives by the EU, cross compliance, the single farm payment, and an ever-increasing need for grassland farmers to be conscious of the economics of their business. The present edition, which has been thoroughly revised by Scott Laidlaw, covers the full scope of modern grassland management. Accordingly the application of technical developments in supplying and utilizing grass and forage, which remain central to grassland management, is presented in the context of these changes.Topics covered include: breeding and evaluation of new varieties of grass to meet current needs; new technology in establishing swards; legislative constraints, background science and practice in determining forage quality and the utilization of forage either for grazing or silage; feed budgeting, grassland biodiversity, grassland and climate change, and transferring knowledge and technology; wide-ranging list of sources and references, which provides the reader with further detailed information. Essential reading for all those involved in modern grassland management including grassland farmers, agricultural consultants and advisory officers, as well as agricultural, land use and biology students. Written in a reader-friendly advisory style, it can be read and understood without an in-depth technical or scientific background. Fully illustrated with 61 colour photographs.

Grassland comprises about one fourth of the world s vegetation and serve as an important source of forage for various kinds of livestock. In Certain regions, due to small per capita land holding, grasslands meadows and forests are the only source of forage. Productivity of grassland particularly in developing countries is low due to lack of knowledge of various biotic and abiotic factors and their interaction, high livestock. Pressure per unit area, non adoption of any grassland management practices and lack of resources. The books Grassland Techniques and management gives information on techniques to adopted for the study of botanical composition, ground cover, forage evolution, range condition, assessment of grassland Production carrying capacity, livestock unit, seed treatment and soil test which provides basic knowledge of various biotic and abiotic factors affecting grassland production. The details of principles and methodology of various grassland management practices including reseeding of grasses, introduction of legume, fertilizers application, control of shrubs, grazing management etc. Has also been presented chapter on fodder trees and browser, forage conservation and herbage quality presents valuable information on various related aspects of grassland improvement and management. Book Shall be useful to field Staff of forestry, Animal Husbandry and agriculture in knowing about methodology to be adopted in the study of present status of grassland and its improvement and management. It shall also be useful to research workers and students of animal husbandry, forestry and agriculture in general.

Leading authorities from wide geographical regions of the globe will review the most up-to-date information in relation to temperate grasslands. Topics covered are: nutritive value of pasture; plant characteristics conducive to high animal intake and performance; modelling of both grass growth and animal production and intake in grazing systems; optimising financial returns from grazing; decision support systems; optimal animal breeds and traits for grazing systems; challenges and opportunities for animal production in the immediate future .In addition, short papers will present the most recent research on the above mentioned topics. One paper will present a comprehensive overview of animal production from pasture in Ireland This book will be of interest to grassland and ruminant production scientists, mathematical modellers working on grazing systems, extension workers, students of agriculture and animal production and progressive livestock farmers.

This book brings together information on the contrasting characteristics, condition, present use and problems of the world's main natural grasslands. Since grassland is commercialized through the grazing animal, particular attention is paid to the livestock production systems associated with each main type. Grazing resources are more than simply edible herbage: many other factors have to be taken into account, notably water in all areas, and shelter in winter-cold climates. Seasonality of forage supply is a characteristic of almost all grazing lands, so the strategies for dealing with lean seasons are described. The main problems of each type are mentioned and possible strategies for their sustainable management discussed - taking into account their multiple functions, not only livestock production. The book is primarily aimed at agricultural scientists, educationalists, extensionists and decision-makers with interests in responsible use of extensive grasslands.