Pasture And Forage Crops

Overview

In the field of Agronomy, the study of Pasture and Forage Crops holds significant importance in agricultural practices. This course material delves into a comprehensive examination of the gross morphology, methods of propagation, and husbandry of common pasture grasses and legumes. Additionally, it covers the establishment, maintenance, conservation, and diverse uses of pastures and forage crops in agricultural settings.

**Classification of common grasses and legumes** utilized as pastures and forage stands as a fundamental aspect of this course material. By understanding the common and scientific names of these plants, students can effectively identify and differentiate between pasture and forage crops. The ability to discern these distinctions aids in the optimal utilization and management of these crops for agricultural purposes.

Furthermore, a key component of this course material is distinguishing between the various methods of conserving pastures. **Hay- and silage making**, for example, are vital practices in ensuring the availability of quality forage throughout the year. Understanding these conservation methods equips students with the knowledge needed to effectively manage pasture resources and sustain livestock production.

The overarching objectives of this topic guide students to relate different vegetational zones to their dominant pasture species and determine range types and utilization of range resources in Nigeria. By achieving these objectives, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the agricultural landscape and the optimal practices for pasture and forage crop management.

Objectives

Relate Different Vegetational Zones to Their Dominant Pasture Species
Determine Range Types and Utilization of Range Resources in Nigeria

Lesson Note

Pasture and forage crops are essential for the raising of livestock. These crops provide the necessary nutrients for animals, ensuring their health and productivity. In Nigeria, understanding the various vegetation zones and their dominant pasture species, as well as the utilization of range resources, is critical for effective livestock management.

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Lesson Evaluation

Congratulations on completing the lesson on Pasture And Forage Crops. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.

You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.

Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.

What are the characteristics of common pasture grasses and legumes used as forage crops? A. Study of gross morphology, methods of propagation, and husbandry B. Classification based on color C. Use in ornamental gardening D. Origin from tropical rainforests Answer: A. Study of gross morphology, methods of propagation, and husbandry
Differentiate between pasture and forage crops by their common and scientific names. A. Pasture crops are for grazing, while forage crops are for hay production B. Pasture crops always have higher nutritional value C. Common Name: Bermuda Grass, Scientific Name: Cynodon dactylon D. Common Name: Alfalfa, Scientific Name: Triticum aestivum Answer: C. Common Name: Bermuda Grass, Scientific Name: Cynodon dactylon
What are the methods of conserving pastures for future use? A. Watering B. Plowing C. Hay-making and silage-making D. Fertilization Answer: C. Hay-making and silage-making
How can one establish and maintain pastures successfully? A. Regularly burn the pasture area B. Overgraze continuously C. Monitor soil fertility and pH levels D. Ignore pest and disease control Answer: C. Monitor soil fertility and pH levels

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Recommended Books

Pastures: Their Ecology and Management

Subtitle: A Practical Guide to Pasture Grasses and Legumes

Publisher: Springer

Year: 2015

ISBN: 978-3319172606

Forage in Ruminant Nutrition

Subtitle: Understanding Forage Crops and Their Nutritional Value

Publisher: CABI

Year: 2000

ISBN: 978-0851994222

Past Questions

Wondering what past questions for this topic looks like? Here are a number of questions about Pasture And Forage Crops from previous years

WAEC SSCE - Agricultural Science - 2021

Question 1 Report

a. State the roles played by the following factors in soil formation (i)Time (ii) Rainfall (iii) parent material
b. Principles which should be followed in a good crop rotation plan |
c. Uses of forage crops

Answer

a) The roles played by the following factors in soil formation are:

(i) Time: Time is an essential factor in soil formation, as it allows for the gradual accumulation of organic matter, weathering of rocks, and the development of soil structure. Over time, soil also becomes more diverse in terms of its physical, chemical, and biological properties, leading to the formation of different soil types.

(ii) Rainfall: Rainfall is another critical factor in soil formation, as it influences soil structure, nutrient availability, and the transport of minerals and organic matter. In areas with high rainfall, leaching can occur, leading to the depletion of essential nutrients. In contrast, low rainfall can result in soil salinization and compaction.

(iii) Parent Material: Parent material refers to the underlying rock or sediment from which the soil is formed. Different types of parent material have varying mineral compositions, which affect the fertility and physical properties of the soil. For example, soils formed from limestone are generally alkaline, while those formed from granite tend to be more acidic.

b) Principles that should be followed in a good crop rotation plan include:

(i) Diversity: A good crop rotation plan should include a diverse range of crops to reduce the risk of disease and pest outbreaks and maintain soil fertility.

(ii) Timing: The timing of crop rotations is also crucial, as different crops have varying nutrient requirements and growth rates. A well-planned crop rotation should consider the optimal timing for planting, harvesting, and fallowing.

(iii) Soil health: A good crop rotation plan should aim to improve soil health by reducing erosion, maintaining soil structure, and increasing soil organic matter.

c) Forage crops are plants that are grown specifically for livestock feed. The uses of forage crops include:

(i) Providing nutrition: Forage crops are a source of high-quality feed for livestock, providing essential nutrients such as protein, fiber, and energy.

(ii) Improving soil health: Forage crops can improve soil health by adding organic matter, reducing soil erosion, and enhancing soil structure.

(iii) Cost-effective: Forage crops can be a cost-effective alternative to purchased feeds, reducing the overall cost of livestock production.

(iv) Sustainability: Forage crops are an essential component of sustainable agriculture, as they can help to reduce the environmental impact of livestock production by reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and other inputs.

Answer Details