Module Identifier RD18110  
Module Title GRASS AND FORAGE PRODUCTION  
Academic Year 2001/2002  
Co-ordinator Dr John Harries  
Semester Semester 2  
Assessment Course work   Practical test (20%) and coursework (40%) Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3   60%  
  Exam   1.5 Hours Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4   40%  

Outcomes


Outcome 1
Identify and describe the range and distribution of grasslands in the UK and the common species which constitute them
Performance criteria:
a) Range and distribution of UK grasslands are described
b) Influence of climate and soil on species distribution is described
c) Common pasture species are identified and agronomic features described
Ranges:
Grasses, legumes, herbs and weed species
Rainfall, temperature
Soil texture, structure, drainage, fertility


Outcome 2
Identify the influence of management and physical environment on pasture composition and plan a programme of pasture improvement
Performance criteria:
a) Principles of pasture ecology are identified and applied
b) The need for pasture improvement is identified
c) Appropriate pasture improvement techniques are identified
d) Impact of improvement of pasture on environment is assessed
Ranges:
Climate, fertility, grazing animals
Yield, seasonality, nutritional quality
Management, partial reseeding, complete reseeding   


Outcome 3
Plan a programme for fertilising and manuring grassland
Performance criteria:
a) Roles of plant nutrients are identified and soil analyses interpreted
b) The composition of fertilisers, manures and lime is described
c) Grassland manurial programmes are constructed
d) Impact of manurial practices on environment is assessed
Ranges:
Major, minor and trace elements, lime
The nitrogen cycle in grassland
Manure type and quantity, timing
Legume/non-legume based pastures


Outcome 4
Identify the range, distribution and use of major forage crops in the UK
Performance criteria:
a) The distribution and use of major UK forage crops are described
b) The husbandry and costs of production of major UK forage crops are described   
Ranges:
Maize, fodder root crops, leafy forage crops, whole crop cereals

Module description


A knowledge and understanding of grass and forage production is an essential requirement for those pursuing a course in agriculture and in which ruminant livestock systems are a major feature. In western and northern areas of the UK, which have a high potential for grass growth, grassland constitutes well over 90% of the agricultural land. This module will be delivered by means of a series of 21 lectures and 5 practicals.