Keynote Lectures
Publication Date
2015
Location
New Delhi, India
Description
Temperate grassland areas are considered to be semi-arid, with rainfall typically between 250 and 500 mm, much of it occurring in the late spring and early summer. Grazing plays an important role in all these grasslands with impacts on diversity and persistence. Against this assumption that seasonal productivity would be more uniform within a pasture that was diverse, the research suggested that species rich pastures were less stable, because this species richness was composed of non-perennial, volunteer and weed species. This paper explores the concept that systems diversity of temperate grassland does not always equate to production. In these systems the functional role of perennial grasses is important both for the productive capacity and protection of soil through the maintenance of cover, hence represents the key element which needs to be preserved through management strategies.
Citation
Mitchell, Meredith L. and Christy, Brendan P., "Production, Persistence and Diversity of Species in Temperate Grasslands" (2015). IGC Proceedings (1985-2023). 3.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/23/keynote/3)
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Production, Persistence and Diversity of Species in Temperate Grasslands
New Delhi, India
Temperate grassland areas are considered to be semi-arid, with rainfall typically between 250 and 500 mm, much of it occurring in the late spring and early summer. Grazing plays an important role in all these grasslands with impacts on diversity and persistence. Against this assumption that seasonal productivity would be more uniform within a pasture that was diverse, the research suggested that species rich pastures were less stable, because this species richness was composed of non-perennial, volunteer and weed species. This paper explores the concept that systems diversity of temperate grassland does not always equate to production. In these systems the functional role of perennial grasses is important both for the productive capacity and protection of soil through the maintenance of cover, hence represents the key element which needs to be preserved through management strategies.
