In "Forages, Volume I, Fifth Edition, Introduction to Grassland Agriculture", the authors provide an excellent definition of the Role of Forages:
"Forages are the backbone of sustainable agriculture and contribute extensively to the U. S. economy. Nearly a half billion hectors --- more than half the land area of the U. S. --- are used as grass lands. One major role of forages is to provide feed for livestock, which convert fiber into human food such as milk and meat. There are about 6 to 10 major food crops but hundreds of grasses, legumes, forbs and shrubs contribute as forages. These biological resources also provide feed for wildlife and forages for winter feed, conserve our soils by reducing soil erosion and protect our water quality by serving as water filters. There conservation measures contribute to the quality of our environment, the health of our society, and our recreational enjoyment. Economists are looking for new ways to value this multi-use resource."
"Forages, Volume I, Fifth Edition, An Introduction to Grassland Agriculture" is a good reference book which provides you with the foundation that is necessary to understand the role grasses and legumes play in Grassland Agriculture as well as the benefits. This book not only has graphs and charts, but pictures and illustrations as well making it easier to understand while going in-depth into the various topics.
This volume is divided into two definite parts. Beginning with Part 1: Forages in a Productive Agriculture covers a vast area that includes, Forages in a Changing World and takes you through Environmental and Physiological Aspects of Forage Management, Forage Fertilization, Forage Breeding, Seed Production Principles, Grassland Ecosystem and Their Improvements and last but in no way least is Forages in a Livestock System.
In Part 2 you will learn about Individual Forage Legumes and Grasses with each chapter providing in-depth information on a specific grass or legume. It describes where the plant originated, its distribution, adaptation, importance and the best way to manage it. Also provided is a description of the plant plus pictures, graphs, charts and illustrations making it much easier to follow and understand. "Forages, Volume I, Fifth Edition, An Introduction to Grassland Agriculture" will give you a good understanding of the basics of legumes and grasses, but it is only the beginning.
"Forages, Volume II, Fifth Edition, The Science of Grassland Agriculture" will round out your education. This book continues on from where "Forages, Fifth Edition, Volume I, An Introduction To Grassland" ends. The purpose of "Forages, Fifth Edition, Volume II, The Science of Grassland Agriculture" is to give you a working knowledge of the use of forages and how they can apply to your operation.
Volume II is divided into 3 major areas beginning with Principles of Forage Management which covers 12 specific principles. Included are Forage Crop Management: Application of Emerging Technologies; Forage Crop Development: Application of Emerging Technologies; Forage Establishment and Renovation; Integrated Pest Management in Forages Nutrient Management in Forages; Quality-related Characteristics of Forages; Forage-inducted Animal Disorders and Silage Basic Principles giving you only part of the topics listed in this area.
Part 2 goes in-depth covering 6 specific Forage Systems. Included are Systems of Grazing Management; Cropland Pastures and Crop Residues; Permanent Pasture Ecosystems; Rangeland and Agroforesty; Forages for Conservation and Soil Stabilization; and last Managing Forage to Benefit Wildlife.
Part 3 covers Forages for Livestock that include Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle, Horses, Sheep, Goats, Rabbits, Swine, Poultry, and other Species.
Both of these books were published in 1995 by Iowa State University Press, Ames, IA and may be purchased from them by calling (515) 292- 0155. (Be sure to tell them you saw the review in the AgriHelp WWW site.)
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