Publication Date
1993
Description
Transfer of developed grassland technologies to rangelands is discussed in terms of environmental gradients and the options and constraints they impose. Winier feed limitation can be overcome through conserved feeds and various in situ systems involving special purpose pastures and feed banks. General animal nutrition can be improved through intensive development, low input systems, better control of range utilisation and, where appropriate, correction of mineral deficiencies. The emphasis in seeking quick and easy solutions to rangeland management problems is questioned, A more informed, environmentally sound and sustainable approach to rangeland fanning atlitudes and management is proposed. A stepwise process to promote the integration of pastoral technology into successful rangeland management is discussed. This process first calls for understanding of resources and limitations at the "enterprise level". Objectives must then be clearly defined and a long-term management plan formulated before any development or change is undertaken. A partnership approach to technology uptake is discussed where scientists, consultants and farmers work together to test and integrate new pasture species and technologies into management systems. Examples are given of an approach to assess the impact and longterm consequences of uptake of new technology on various rangeland enterprises through strategic whole-farm monitoring and the associated use of computer decision-support models. With today's technologies and enlightened attitudes, there is a need to promote future pastoral farming as a wise and viable form of rangeland use that is sustainable and sensitive to environmental as well as social needs.
Citation
Allan, B E. and Scott, D, "Winter Cold Temperate Rangelands: Improvement Strategies for Intensive Rangeland Ecosystems" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 1.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1993/session46/1
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Winter Cold Temperate Rangelands: Improvement Strategies for Intensive Rangeland Ecosystems
Transfer of developed grassland technologies to rangelands is discussed in terms of environmental gradients and the options and constraints they impose. Winier feed limitation can be overcome through conserved feeds and various in situ systems involving special purpose pastures and feed banks. General animal nutrition can be improved through intensive development, low input systems, better control of range utilisation and, where appropriate, correction of mineral deficiencies. The emphasis in seeking quick and easy solutions to rangeland management problems is questioned, A more informed, environmentally sound and sustainable approach to rangeland fanning atlitudes and management is proposed. A stepwise process to promote the integration of pastoral technology into successful rangeland management is discussed. This process first calls for understanding of resources and limitations at the "enterprise level". Objectives must then be clearly defined and a long-term management plan formulated before any development or change is undertaken. A partnership approach to technology uptake is discussed where scientists, consultants and farmers work together to test and integrate new pasture species and technologies into management systems. Examples are given of an approach to assess the impact and longterm consequences of uptake of new technology on various rangeland enterprises through strategic whole-farm monitoring and the associated use of computer decision-support models. With today's technologies and enlightened attitudes, there is a need to promote future pastoral farming as a wise and viable form of rangeland use that is sustainable and sensitive to environmental as well as social needs.
