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Publication Date
1981
Description
The grasslands of the world ( and communities closely akin to them, such as shrub and savanna types) provide not only a very effective mantle for protection of the soil, but also the main source of feed for herbivores. They also cater to many other needs of mankind. Increasing population results in competition between types of grassland use for specific sites. Sound planning is necessary to resolve this conflict in the way most beneficial to mankind. In order to plan logically it is necessary to make an inventory of the resources, to consider the various uses to which grasslands can be put, and to match the resources to the uses with the least disruption of the grassland. The inventory of resources should identify the main characteristics of the climate, soil, physiography, and vegetation at each grassland site. The uses to which natural grasslands can be put are divided on the basis of the extent to which they are disrupted. Those uses that maintain the natural grassland are grazing land, habitats for wild animals, recreation areas, genetic pool reserves, water source areas, and several other direct uses. The group of uses that result in drastic alteration include improved grasslands for grazing and sap extraction, cropping and afforestation, and urban development. Management of natural grasslands is a vast subject but one that is critical for the maintenance of this steadily deteriorating vegetation. It is very difficult to restore degenerated natural grassland to its original composition and productivity. It is suggested that the most useful strategies available to the manager of natural grassland are fencing, control of stocking rates, fire, stocking density and rotation of grazing, and long periods of deferment from grazing. The maintenance of existing grassland that is in good condition should take precedence over reclamation. The reclamation of areas where soil loss is not excessive should be catered for before attention is given to severely degraded areas. Three groups are identified in the planning of a grassland. These are grassland scientists, planners, and policy makers. It is the responsibility of the grasdand scientist to acquire the necessary data and to present them in an acceptable form to the other groups. He must also ensure that his voice is heard when his data have been ignored in the planning process.
Citation
Edwards, P J., "Multiple Use of Grassland Resources (Grasslands to Provide Natural Resource Conservation and a Quality Environment for Mankind)" (1981). IGC Proceedings (1981-2023). 8.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1981/plenary/8)
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Multiple Use of Grassland Resources (Grasslands to Provide Natural Resource Conservation and a Quality Environment for Mankind)
The grasslands of the world ( and communities closely akin to them, such as shrub and savanna types) provide not only a very effective mantle for protection of the soil, but also the main source of feed for herbivores. They also cater to many other needs of mankind. Increasing population results in competition between types of grassland use for specific sites. Sound planning is necessary to resolve this conflict in the way most beneficial to mankind. In order to plan logically it is necessary to make an inventory of the resources, to consider the various uses to which grasslands can be put, and to match the resources to the uses with the least disruption of the grassland. The inventory of resources should identify the main characteristics of the climate, soil, physiography, and vegetation at each grassland site. The uses to which natural grasslands can be put are divided on the basis of the extent to which they are disrupted. Those uses that maintain the natural grassland are grazing land, habitats for wild animals, recreation areas, genetic pool reserves, water source areas, and several other direct uses. The group of uses that result in drastic alteration include improved grasslands for grazing and sap extraction, cropping and afforestation, and urban development. Management of natural grasslands is a vast subject but one that is critical for the maintenance of this steadily deteriorating vegetation. It is very difficult to restore degenerated natural grassland to its original composition and productivity. It is suggested that the most useful strategies available to the manager of natural grassland are fencing, control of stocking rates, fire, stocking density and rotation of grazing, and long periods of deferment from grazing. The maintenance of existing grassland that is in good condition should take precedence over reclamation. The reclamation of areas where soil loss is not excessive should be catered for before attention is given to severely degraded areas. Three groups are identified in the planning of a grassland. These are grassland scientists, planners, and policy makers. It is the responsibility of the grasdand scientist to acquire the necessary data and to present them in an acceptable form to the other groups. He must also ensure that his voice is heard when his data have been ignored in the planning process.
