CSA-31806 Grassland Science

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Contents:

Grasslands and rangelands can be defined as a type of vegetation in which grasses and forbs are dominant. However, woody species can also occur. Grasslands and rangelands belong to the most important types of natural vegetation in the world and they include the prairies, pampas, pustas, and steppes. However, there are also large areas of semi-natural and agricultural grasslands. Many of them are extensively or intensively managed by men to provide roughage for domestic ruminants. For example the dairy industry in NW Europe is largely dependent on agricultural grassland, whereas communal and private grazing lands are important sources of feed in Africa. Grassland vegetations contain species which tolerate frequent harvesting by herbivores (or mowing machines), but also trampling, selective biting, local depositions of urine and faeces, quite often in interaction with abiotic stresses such as drought or low fertility. The husbandry of grassland requires special skills and knowledge as it is different from the agronomy of arable crops: the large diversity of species present, the permanent or long-term nature of the vegetation, the frequent harvesting requiring continuous regrowth and tillering, the strong interaction between plant, soil and animal, and the long-term impact of management decisions (both under grazing and under mowing regimes) are all critical features of managed grasslands.
During the course at least the following topics will be discussed:
- the taxonomy and morphology of grassland species;
- growth, development and physiology of grassland species;
- sampling methods and vegetation types;
- grassland management, including aspects of nutrient supply, harvesting and conservation;
- feeding systems and forage quality;
- breeding, variety selection and seed production.
Moreover, selected topics will be highlighted through group-wise case studies and excursions.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are able to:
- identify most important grassland species using a classification key;
- understand how grassland plants grow, produce and reproduce;
- analyse the role of grasslands and rangelands in land use, forage production and animal husbandry;
- describe and analyse grassland management systems;
- understand the soil-plant-animal system of grasslands and rangelands in terms of carbon and nutrient cycles;
- understand the breeding, variety selection and seed production of grasses for various purposes;
- analyse societal, agronomic and scientific problems related to grassland management and use.

Activities:

- lectures;
- practical's;
- case studies;
- group sessions, excursions.

Examination:

Skills (shown proficiency); the final mark is based on the portfolio including all assignments.
The mark has to be 5.5. or higher.

Literature:

Reader and case-specific scientific literature.