Module Identifier RS20410  
Module Title GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT AND FORAGE CONSERVATION  
Academic Year 2007/2008  
Co-ordinator Dr Iwan G Owen  
Semester Semester 1  
Course delivery Lecture   2 x 1 hour lectures per week  
  Practical   5 x 3 hour practicals during semester  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment Coursework based on field work Outcomes assessed: 2, 4, 5, 6, 7  30%
Semester Exam2 Hours Outcomes assessed:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7  70%
Supplementary Assessment2 Hours 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.

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

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5