Grasses and Grassland Aspects


Book Description

Renewed attention is being given to global agricultural productivity such as food security, food prices, financial viability of farm businesses under rising costs, declining availability and affordability of critical inputs including suitable land, etc.Thus, farming systems need to combine space maintenance and food herds in rural areas. Facing these new challenges, interest in grasses and grasslands as important forage systems has increased over the past 30 years, due to their economic, environmental, and ecological properties. A better use of economic and ecological potentials requires an understanding of their functions, and the development of tools for feeding herds, managing space, maintaining biodiversity, and limiting pollution.This book intends to provide the reader with the latest aspects on grasses and grassland for the well-being of farming systems.




Grasslands of the World


Book Description

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.




Grass


Book Description

What is the most important plant in the world? In terms of nutritive content, function within the ecosystem, and even medicinal properties, the answer to this question may very well be grass. In this wide-ranging survey of grass forages and pastureland, Charles Walters makes the case that grass is not just for cows and horses - that in fact it is the most nutritious food produced by nature, as well as the ultimate soil conditioner. You will learn from traditional graziers who draw on centuries of wisdom to create beautiful, lush, sustainable pastures, as well as cutting-edge innovators who are using such methods as biodynamics and sea-solids fertilization to create some of the healthiest grasslands in the world. Leading agronomists not only explain the importance of grasses in our environment, they also share practical knowledge such as when to look for peak levels of nutrition within the growing cycle and how to use grass to restore soil to optimum health. A must-read for anyone interested in sustainable, bio-correct agriculture, this information-packed volume is a comprehensive look at an essential family of plants.




Grasses and Clovers


Book Description




Forages


Book Description

Forages and a productive agriculture. Forage grasses and legumes.Forage production practice. Forage utilization.




Organic Grassland


Book Description

Unique guide written by a recognised authority on the subject. Grass is the most important feed for cattle and sheep. The central theme is that organic grassland can be a productive source of nutrients for livestock provided it is managed correctly. Essential for organic farmers and for those converting to organic systems of production.




Grass and Grassland (Collins New Naturalist Library, Book 48)


Book Description

The use of natural and seeded grass pastures for the feeding of livestock and other unfamiliar uses for the ubiquitous grass family are described in this succinct and beautifully illustrated work.




Grassland


Book Description

Grassland: Quietness and Strength for a New American Agriculture takes on the task of increasing our awareness of the vital role grass and grassland plants have in ensuring a sustainable future for America. Geared toward agriculturists, students, the public, and policymakers, Grassland aims to inspire and provide the reader the foundation needed to move into the future. Three main sections * track the history of grassland farming, highlighting the voices of grassland advocates * examine the current roles that grassland plays throughout the United States * look at the benefits grass-based agriculture can provide when grass is treated as an essential resource As Wendell Berry so eloquently argues in the foreword to Grassland, True farmers have minds that are complex and responsible...They understand and honor their debts to nature. They understand and honor their obligations to neighbors and consumers...In the time that is coming, we are going to need many more such farmers than we have, and we will need them much sooner than we can expect to get them.We will get them only to the extent that young people come along who are willing to fit their farming to the nature of their farms and their home landscapes, and who recognize the paramount importance of grass and grazing animals to good farming everywhere. This book will help that happen.




Grass Farming


Book Description

The importance of pasture; Choice of grazing animal; Leys or permanent pasture; Management and pasture composition; The importance of clover; Pasture productivity; Pasture utilisation; Food supplies and stock appetite; Foggage or cool stored grass; Herbage plants - species and varieties; Grass seed mixtures; Pasture establishment; Manuring of grassland; Improvement of permanent pastures and rough grazings; Conservation of grass; Fat lamb from grass; Forward creep-grazing of lambs; Beef from grass; Milk from grass; Summer or winter milk production; The future of grass farming; Seed mixtures; Imperial/metric conversion.