Module Identifier RD20210  
Module Title GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT AND FORAGE CONSERVATION  
Academic Year 2004/2005  
Co-ordinator Dr Iwan G Owen  
Semester Semester 1  
Mutually Exclusive RD20320  
Course delivery Lecture   22 Hours 22 x 1 hour lectures  
  Practical   15 Hours 5 x 3 hours  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Exam2 Hours Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5  60%
Semester Assessment Coursework based on fieldwork Outcomes assessed:1, 2, 3, 4, 5 6  40%
Supplementary Exam2 Hours Candidates will be required to re-take the element(s) of assessment that resulted in failure of the module.60%
Supplementary Assessment Coursework Candidates will be required to re-take the element(s) of assessment that resulted in failure of the module.40%

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Outcome 1
Identify the factors influencing pasture growth
Performance criteria
? Understand the morphology of pasture plants
? Identify and evaluate a range of desirable and less desirable pasture species
? Describe the influence of climate and soil on pasture growth
Range
Grasses, legumes, herbs
Rainfall, temperature, drainage, fertility

Outcome 2
Recommend appropriate pasture improvement measures
Performance criteria
? Explain the principles of pasture ecology
? Identify the need for pasture improvement
? Compare and select appropriate pasture improvement techniques and strategies
Range
climate, fertility, grazing animals, animal species
yield, seasonality, quality, environment
management, partial reseeding, complete reseeding

Outcome 3
Recommend an appropriate manuring programme for pasture
Performance criteria
? Recognise the roles of major and minor plant nutrients
? Interpret soil analyses and determine manurial requirements
? Evaluate a range of fertilizers and manures
? Recommend appropriate manurial programmes
Range
Major, minor, trace elements, lime
Soil, nutrient cycles, system
Inorganic, organic, lime
Type, quantity, timing of application

Outcome 4
Describe the role of grazing management in livestock husbandry
Performance criteria
? The principles of good grazing management are described
? The requirements of animal nutrition, pasture management and internal parasite control are discussed
? Grazing management strategies are compared and appropriate systems selected
Range
Nutrition, pasture, animal species, internal parasites
Systems

Outcome 5
Describe the role of forage conservation
Performance criteria
? The principles of good forage conservation are described
? The requirements of animal nutrition and pasture management are discussed
? Forage conservation strategies are compared and appropriate systems selected
Range
Moisture removal, fermentation
Nutrition, pasture
Systems

Outcome 6
Construct a grassland management plan
Performance criteria
? Potential pasture production is evaluated
? Existing pasture production and utilization are assessed
? Means of achieving potential pasture output are determined
? An integrated plan is recommended
Range
Soil, climate, pasture composition
Fertility, grazing, forage conservation
Locality, systems

Aims

This module 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.

Transferable skills

.1 Independent project work
Coursework will be based on an individually compiled reports.

.2 IT and information handling
Presentation of coursework will entail the development of word processing, spreadsheet and editing/presentation skills.

.3 Use and analysis of numerical information
Numerical information will be an integral part of the coursework and appropriate understanding, use and analysis of this information will be essential.

.4 Writing in an academic context
Coursework will include reference to published information.

.7 Self-management
Preparation of coursework will require attendance at timetabled lectures and practicals and good time management to ensure the submission deadline is met.

.8 Group activity
Aspects of fieldwork associated with gathering information for coursework.

Reading Lists

Books
NASH M (1985) Chapter 2 "Grass and grassland products" in Crop conservation and storage 2nd.
AVERY, A (1999) 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.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5