Grass and Forage Production

This module is designed for students in Animal and Crop Production/Animal Science/Animal Science Equine. This module will outline the importance of grass at a national, EU and worldwide level. Seasonal and regional variation in grass growth will be discussed. Grassland management including sward establishment, management fertilisation, weed control and utilisation will be discussed. Grazing systems and forage conservation techniques will be outlined. The role of nitrogen in grass production, the potential for loss from the system and strategies (including clover) to reduce inorganic nitrogen inputs will be detailed. The role of grazing management in the maintenance of sward quality and the advantages and disadvantages of grass based animal production systems including economics will be discussed. Opportunities for grassland in the future and the potential alternatives will be dealt with.