Forages, Volume 1: An Introduction to Grassland Agriculture

Comprehensive introduction to forages enabling readers to understand the complexity of grassland ecosystems and their relationships to the wider environment Forages delivers a balance of scientific principles to aid in reader integration of the concepts as well as practical information on forage identification, plant characteristics, management, and utilization. The coverage of the science behind the plant characteristics and responses make this book applicable to many parts of the world. This edition has been updated to reflect recent changes in precision planting, fertilization, pest management technologies, new control chemicals, and increasing use of biologicals. The editors have also added a new chapter on forages for conservation and ecological services to discuss the many ways in which forages can be used to mitigate environmental impacts and increase the resilience of agricultural systems. This aspect of forage use has also been highlighted in other chapters throughout the book. Part I covers the characteristics of forage species. Part II covers establishment, fertilization, and pest management of forages. Part III covers all aspects of forage utilization, grazing systems, and animal management, including the use of GPS collars and drones to control movement of animals. Sample topics discussed in Forages include: Forages' ability to reduce soil erosion, filter nutrients from water, and increase the water- and nutrient-holding capacity of the soil while also providing tons of feed per acre The state of forages and grasslands in a changing world and the structure and morphology of grasses, legumes, and other forbs Forage crops for bioenergy and industrial products Forage-related animal disorders, grazing management services guidelines, and management of grassland ecosystems Forages is an essential textbook for undergraduates studying forages and an excellent reference for all individuals working in industry, government, and organizations involved with the use of forages.

Table of Contents:
List of Contributors, ix Foreword, xiii Preface, xv The Metric System, xvi In Praise of Bluegrass, xix PART I CHARACTERISTICS OF FORAGE SPECIES, 1 1 Forages and Grasslands in a Changing World, 3 C. Jerry Nelson, Michael Collins, Jennifer W. MacAdam, and Kenneth J. Moore 2 Structure and Morphology of Grasses, 19 Shelby M. Gruss and Kenneth J. Moore 3 Structure and Morphology of Legumes and Other Forbs, 37 Robert B. Mitchell and C. Jerry Nelson 4 Physiology of Forage Plants, 53 Jennifer W. MacAdam and C. Jerry Nelson 5 Environmental Aspects of Forage Management, 71 Jeffrey J. Volenec and C. Jerry Nelson 6 Grasses for Northern Areas, 89 Michael Collins, C. Jerry Nelson, and Vern S. Baron 7 Grasses for Southern Areas, 105 Daren D. Redfearn and C. Jerry Nelson 8 Legumes for Northern Areas, 119 Jacob M. Jungers, Craig C. Sheaffer, and C. Jerry Nelson 9 Legumes for Southern Areas, 135 Lynn E. Sollenberger and Michael Collins 10 Forage Crops for Bioenergy, Industrial Products, and Human Foods, 151 Jacob M. Jungers and Kenneth J. Moore 11 Forages for Soil Conservation and Other Ecosystem Services, 165 S. Carolina Córdova and Kenneth J. Moore Compendium of Common Forages, 177 Kenneth J. Moore and Shelby M. Gruss PART II FORAGE MANAGEMENT, 233 12 Forage Establishment, 235 Rocky W. Lemus and Jennifer W. MacAdam 13 Forage Fertilization and Nutrient Management, 249 David J. Barker, Marilia B. Chiavegato, and Michael Collins 14 Integrated Pest Management in Forages, 269 E. Scott Flynn, Lisa L. Baxter, and Kenneth J. Moore PART III FORAGE UTILIZATION, 283 15 Forage Quality, 285 Yoana C. Newman and Michael Collins 16 Forage Utilization, 303 Michael Collins and Kenneth J. Moore 17 Forage-Related Animal Disorders, 317 Ali M. Missaoui, Nikolay M. Filipov, and Michael Collins 18 Preservation of Forage as Hay and Silage, 337 E. Glenn Shewmaker, Jennifer W. MacAdam, and Michael Collins 19 Grazing Management Systems, 359 Robert L. Kallenbach and Michael Collins 20 Managing Grassland Ecosystems, 377 John A. Guretzky and C. Jerry Nelson Appendix: Common and Botanical Names of Forages, 395 Glossary, 407 Index, 000

About the Author :
C. Jerry Nelson, Emeritus Curators' Professor of Plant Sciences at the University of Missouri, USA. His research focuses on growth of grasses and persistence of legumes and he is active in agriculture-related international programs. Michael Collins, Emeritus Professor and former Director of the Division of Plant Sciences at the University of Missouri, USA. Kenneth J. Moore, Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor in Agricultural and Life Sciences and Professor of Agronomy at Iowa State University, USA.