Grassland Systems

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Learn to maximise the potential of grasslands for food production and ecosystem services.

Grasslands have the potential to offer multiple ecosystem services. In addition to food production, they could reduce biodiversity loss and, as a carbon sink, help to mitigate climate change and aid the transition to zero-carbon. This module looks at the range and distribution of grassland and forage crops. Nutrient management and environmental protection are themes throughout, as are strategies for grazing and forage preservation. The role of plant breeding and management is investigated. The ecosystem services and management requirements of a range of grassland systems will be evaluated.

Module Content:

• Range, distribution and outputs of grasslands—UK pastures and how the nature of pasture farming has developed and may change in the future.
• Characteristics of forage species — the connections between both morphology and yearly growth patterns with forage quality; how NIRS can be used to assay this.
• Grassland composition — pasture establishment; how management affects grassland composition.
• Managing pests and diseases in a changing environment —how climate change may alter the pest and disease load on grasslands.
• Soil quality and low input systems — linking soil health with pasture productivity; how the recommended listing process can be used for low input systems.
• Grazing – overview of grazing options; the use of technology for pasture management.
• Forage breeding—a detailed look at IBERS’ forage breeding programmes and future prospects.
• Forage preservation and bio-refining —the production of hay and silage from pastures; the prospect of using forage in bio-refining.
• Ruminant Nutrition – associating pasture quality with animal nutrition; reducing green-house gas emissions; altering fat composition in grazing cattle.

Assessments and Learning Outcomes for this module can be found HERE. 

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If you are based in Wales, you may be able to claim 80% of the fees for this module from Farming Connect

This module is eligible for 18 Dairy Pro points

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Qualifications which this Module may be Used Towards

PGCert Nuffield Farming Scholarship	Option
PGCert Livestock Science	Core
MSc Sustainable Agriculture	Option
MSc Agrifood Innovation	Option
MRes Agriculture	Option
MRes Agrifood Innovation	Option
Professional Doctorate in Agriculture	Option

List of Units

Range, distribution and outputs of grasslands	UK pastures and how the nature of pasture farming has developed and may change in the future
Characteristics of forage species	The connections between both morphology and yearly growth patterns with forage quality; how NIRS can be used to assay this.
Grassland composition	Pasture establishment; how management affects grassland composition.
Managing pests and diseases in a changing environment	How climate change may alter the pest and disease load on grasslands.
Soil quality and low input systems	Linking soil health with pasture productivity; how the recommended listing process can be used for low input systems.
Grazing	Overview of grazing options; the use of technology for pasture management
Forage breeding	A detailed look at IBERS’ forage breeding programmes and future prospects.
Forage preservation and bio-refining	The production of hay and silage from pastures; the prospect of using forage in bio-refining.
Animal Nutrition	Associating pasture quality with animal nutrition; reducing green-house gas emissions; altering fat composition in grazing cattle.

Tutors

Tutors Name
Dr Sarah Watson-Jones