Meadows and trails [ LBRAI2217 ]

iCampus

Description, analysis and critical analysis of the grassland system management and functioning is performed by the student on the bassis of knowledge acquired during the instruction.

Oral exam subsequent to a writing session aiming at assessing theoretical knowledge, followed be a session dedicated to the (i) recognition of major grasses and legumes and (ii) discussion of their ecology.

A selection of documents available on iCampus Dropbox, supplemented by lectures.

Visits of grassland farms, 'natural' meadows are used to illustrate theoretical knowledge and compare contrasting viewpoints from farmers, managers of natural areas and conservation scientists.

A collection of grassland species, installed at the farm Marbaix is used for learning of recognition techniques of diverse grasses. Botanical surveys are also carried out in meadows and these will be used to diagnose management techniques and environmental conditions.

The course is based on the analysis of the importance of grasslands and rangelands in relation to economical and environmental considerations (e.g., multifunctionality of grasslands). It presents the history and development of grasslands in the context of a constantly changing agriculture. Selected species are studied on the basis of their systematics, morphology, ecology and their interaction in a cover in response to management and environmental conditions. A focus is made on grass-legume mixtures and the emphasis is also placed on grassland management (pasture types, methods of harvesting and conservation) as well as on nutritional/qualitative attributes that strongly influence animal performance. Aspects related to conservation and restoration of biodiversity, water quality, soil protection, carbon storage are also presented. Visits and field sessions are offered in order to practice inventory techniques. Analytical reports will be requested to address options for improving environmental and economical performance of grassland systems.

Instruction material

L. Vigneau-Loustau & C. Huyghe, 2008. Stratégies fourragères. Ed France Agricole

Peeters A, Wild and sown grasses.

Philippe A et al., 2008. Prairies traditionnelles d'Ardenne. Collection Agrinature n°2

Van Gelderen et al., Rencontre au c'ur des prairies de haute valeur biologique. Collection Agrinature n°7

Deprez B et al., 2007. Les prairies temporaires : une culture durable pour les exploitations mixtes de la Moyenne Belgique. Les dossiers de la recherche.

Knoden et al., 2007. Fertilisation raisonnée des prairies. Les livrets de l'Agriculture.