PASTURES AND CROPS
In a very general sense, a pasture is a plant community grazed by animals such as sheep, cattle and goats. It consists of several species growing together and ideally it is balanced mixture of grasses and legume species
Here what you going to learn:
1. what are the main types of pastures 2. What pasture species do we use in NZ 3. How do pastures grow 4. How do we improve pastures 5. Management practices used in pasture production |
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Lesson 1 what are the main types of pastures
Read the information beside and to answer the Questions
( Put into TEAMS class notebook 1. Describe the difference between (a) grasses and legumes (b) Native, natural and improved pastures (c) annual, biennuial and perennial plants 2. List examples of temporary pastures? 3. List examples of permanent pastures? 4. For how long are temporary pastures designed for? Illustrate your answers where possible Couple of Facts : There are
9.5 million ha of sown pasture and lucerne 4.7 million ha of native grassland |
NEXT Lesson you will need a fresh perennial grass plant, including roots and seed head if possible
Lesson 2 What's in Pasture
Pastures are fields growing plants for grazing animals. New Zealand farmers have developed systems for efficiently grazing large numbers of animals in open pastures all year round. Pasture is cost-effective feed, but it has to be of good quality to produce economically worthwhile quantities of milk, meat or wool from livestock.
Pastures are not just grass; they are usually sown as a mixture of one or more grasses, and one or more legume species, such as clover. Some herbs may also be included. However, pastures usually end up with some weeds in them as well.
There are many varieties of grass. They have a wide range of sizes and growth rates, and can grow in different situations.
A farmer aims to sow the species mix that will grow the best, and that stock will like to eat. Pasture plants generally must be able to regrow quickly after they have been defoliated by cutting or grazing, several times per year.
All pasture plants that are eaten by grazing animals are collectively described as forage plants.
Pastures are not just grass; they are usually sown as a mixture of one or more grasses, and one or more legume species, such as clover. Some herbs may also be included. However, pastures usually end up with some weeds in them as well.
There are many varieties of grass. They have a wide range of sizes and growth rates, and can grow in different situations.
A farmer aims to sow the species mix that will grow the best, and that stock will like to eat. Pasture plants generally must be able to regrow quickly after they have been defoliated by cutting or grazing, several times per year.
All pasture plants that are eaten by grazing animals are collectively described as forage plants.
Identification
There are a number of physical characteristics that allow us to tell the difference between grasses 1. ITS HABIT of growth - Erect or Protrate 2. FLOWER HEAD - each grass species has its own flower head 3.ROLLED or FOLDED emerging leaves 3. COLOUR- presence of red veins 4. SHEATH 5. LIGULE 6. AURICLES 7. HAIRS 8. RHIZOME or STOLONS |
NEXT lesson you will need a whole clover plant, preferably white, including roots please.
Clovers
Pasture Growth
Pasture Establishment--
Choosing your Pasture species.
Choose a farm type = (Sheep, Deer, Beef or Dairy) Collect a seeds catalog for that farm type Choose the best Grass and clover. For each Name Describe it Explain why it is the best choice. You may also use this link https://www.barenbrug.co.nz/ |
Use Dynamic Ag Yr 7-10 to Answer the worksheet opposite
Chapt 12 |