Module Identifier RS20410  
Module Title GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT AND FORAGE CONSERVATION  
Academic Year 2002/2003  
Co-ordinator Dr Iwan G Owen  
Semester Semester 1  
Course delivery Lecture   22 Hours 22 x 1 hour lectures  
  Practical   15 Hours 5 x 3 hour practicals  
Assessment Semester Exam   2 Hours Outcomes assessed:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7   70%  
  Semester Assessment   Coursework based on field work Outcomes assessed: 2, 4, 5, 6, 7   30%  
  Supplementary Assessment   Candidates must re-take the element(s) of assessment that led to failing the module   100%  

Learning outcomes

On completion of the module, students will be able to:

1) Describe the range and distribution of grassland within the UK and globally
2) Evaluate the characteristics and potential roles of a range of grass and legume species and varieties
3) Assess and compare the suitability of a range of methods of pasture improvement
4) Determine pasture nutrient requirements and recommend appropriate manurial strategies
5) Describe and evaluate principles and systems of grazing
6) Describe and evaluate principles and systems of forage conservation
7) Integrate relevant aspects of grassland management to describe and assess grassland management techniques

Aims

To provide students with a sound, basic understanding of the principles and practice of grassland management and forage conservation, with particular reference to UK conditions.   Through a series of integrated lectures, practicals and visits, students will be introduced to underpinning concepts and principles and examples of best practice.

Content

Reading Lists

Books
AVERY, A. Pasture management for horses.
FRAME J. (1992) Improved grassland management.
HODGSON, J.. (1990) Grazing management.
HOPKINS A (ed). (2000) Grass: its production and utilisation. 3rd.
NASH M. (1985) Chapter 2 "Grass and grassland products" in Crop conservation and storage. 2nd.

Journals
Grass Farmer. British Grassland Society
Grass and Forage Science. British Grassland Society