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.