Download or read book Forgotten Grasslands of the South written by Reed F. Noss and published by Island Press. This book was released on 2012-12-03 with total page 353 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Forgotten Grasslands of the South is the study of one of the biologically richest and most endangered ecosystems in North America. In a seamless blend of science and personal observation, renowned ecologist Reed Noss explains the natural history of southern grasslands, their origin and history, and the physical determinants of grassland distribution, including ecology, soils, landform, and hydrology. In addition to offering fascinating new information about these little-studied ecosystems, Noss demonstrates how natural history is central to the practice of conservation. Although theory and experimentation have recently dominated the field of ecology, ecologists are coming to realize how these distinct approaches are not divergent but complementary, and that pursuing them together can bring greater knowledge and understanding of how the natural world works and how we can best conserve it. This long-awaited work sets a new standard for scientific literature and is essential reading for those who study and work to conserve the grasslands of the South as well as for everyone who is fascinated by the natural world.

Download or read book Grasslands of the World written by Victor R. Squires and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2018-09-05 with total page 430 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book begins with a brief account of the extraordinary sequence of events that led to emergence of grasslands as major vegetation formations that now occupy some of the driest and hottest and the highest and coldest on earth as well as vast steppes and prairies in more temperate climes. It is the story of grasses successfully competing with forests and woodlands, aided and abetted by grazing herbivores and by humans and their use of fire as a tool. It is a story of adaptation to changing climates and the changing biophysical environments. A major focus of the book is the Palaearctic biogeographic realm that extends over some 45 million km2 and thus more than 1/3 of the terrestrial ice-free surface on Earth. It comprises extensive grasslands of different types and origin, which can be subdivided into (1) natural grasslands with (1a) steppes (climatogenic in dry climates), (1b) arctic-alpine grasslands (climatogenic in cold climates) and (1c) azonal and extrazonal grasslands (pedogenic and topogenic) as well as (2) secondary grasslands created and sustained by human activities, such as livestock grazing, mowing or burning. Grasslands of the Palaearctic do not only form a major basis for the agriculture of the region and thus its food supply, but are also crucial for other ecosystem services and host a supra proportional part of the realm’s plant and animal diversity. To reflect that suitability of grasslands for biodiversity strongly depends on their state, we apply the term High Nature Value grassland to those natural grasslands that are not degraded (in good state) and those secondary grasslands that are not intensified (semi-natural). The situation in a variety of countries where grasslands are evolving under the influence of global climate change is also considered. Case studies are presented on Southern Africa, Eastern Africa, India, China, South America, North America and Australia. The concluding chapter examines a set of themes arising from the chapters that make up the bulk of this book. The following provide a focus: recent history of grassland biomes – brief recap of current thinking and recent trends with special reference to dry grasslands in the Palearctic regions; the current status of grasslands and germplasm resources (biodiversity) – an overview; management systems that ensure sustainability; how to recover degraded grasslands; socio-economic issues and considerations in grassland management; the impacts of environmental problems in grasslands such as future climate change and intensification and the problems/prospects facing pastoralists and other grassland-based livestock producers.

Download or read book Natural Grasslands written by Robert T. Coupland and published by . This book was released on 1992 with total page 492 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Grasslands in Europe written by Peter Veen and published by BRILL. This book was released on 2014-04-14 with total page 320 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Grasslands are an important element of European nature. About half of Europe's endemic species depend on grasslands, whether in mountains, lowlands, river plains or coastal areas. Many grasslands originate in traditional agricultural landscapes. Modern intensification, however, brings many of these ecosystems under threat. 'Grasslands in Europe' is a tribute to these important ecosystems. It was written by an international team of grassland experts, who describe twenty-four case studies from countries in all of Europe - ranging from the grasslands of Gotland and #land (Sweden) to the Spanish Dehesa, and from the hay meadows of the British Pennine Dales to the steppes of Turkish Anatolia. Together, these case studies provide a fascinating glimpse into the various European grasslands, their value for nature, culture and agriculture, and the threats they are facing today. The accessible text as well as the rich illustrations will appeal to a wide audience. Grasslands in Europe contains a large number of stunning full-colour photographs of grassland landscapes, species and cultural history. It also contains many maps and infographics. Thematic chapters provide essential background information on topics such as grassland fauna, the history of agriculture, grassland communities, and the connection between grasslands and climate. The book also analyses the opportunities and risks of EU policy to conserve these grasslands. It offers a farmer-centred outlook to manage and to maintain the European grasslands of high nature value.

Download or read book Grasslands of the World written by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and published by Food & Agriculture Org.. This book was released on 2005 with total page 548 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book brings together information on the contrasting characteristics, condition, present use and problems of the world's main natural grasslands. Since grassland is commercialized through the grazing animal, particular attention is paid to the livestock production systems associated with each main type. Grazing resources are more than simply edible herbage: many other factors have to be taken into account, notably water in all areas, and shelter in winter-cold climates. Seasonality of forage supply is a characteristic of almost all grazing lands, so the strategies for dealing with lean seasons are described. The main problems of each type are mentioned and possible strategies for their sustainable management discussed - taking into account their multiple functions, not only livestock production. The book is primarily aimed at agricultural scientists, educationalists, extensionists and decision-makers with interests in responsible use of extensive grasslands.

Download or read book Grassland Ecosystems of the World Analysis of Grasslands and Their Uses written by Robert T. Coupland and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 1979-05-10 with total page 444 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Background; The nature of grassland; Problems in studying grassland ecosystems; Natural temperate grasslands; Semi-natural temperate meadows and pastures; Tropical grasslands; Arable grasslands; Croplands.

Download or read book Encyclopedia of the World s Biomes written by and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2020-06-26 with total page 3542 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Encyclopedia of the World’s Biomes is a unique, five volume reference that provides a global synthesis of biomes, including the latest science. All of the book's chapters follow a common thematic order that spans biodiversity importance, principal anthropogenic stressors and trends, changing climatic conditions, and conservation strategies for maintaining biomes in an increasingly human-dominated world. This work is a one-stop shop that gives users access to up-to-date, informative articles that go deeper in content than any currently available publication. Offers students and researchers a one-stop shop for information currently only available in scattered or non-technical sources Authored and edited by top scientists in the field Concisely written to guide the reader though the topic Includes meaningful illustrations and suggests further reading for those needing more specific information

Download or read book Grassland Restoration and Management written by David Blakesley and published by Pelagic Publishing Ltd. This book was released on 2016-04-11 with total page 311 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Following the destruction of 95% of meadows during the twentieth century, there is an urgent need to understand what little unspoiled habitat remains in order to plan the management and restoration of existing sites, as well as re-creating future grassland habitats. This book is a much-needed guide to grassland restoration and management. Providing a thorough overview of recent research on grassland restoration and its implications for practical grassland restoration and management, it introduces grassland communities and the wildlife they support, including examples of species of conservation concern, and considers the management of semi-natural grassland habitats with particular emphasis on drier grassland habitats. Chapters cover: - Grassland character and communities - Introduction to grassland wildlife - Managing semi-natural grassland - Grassland restoration – threats and challenges - Opportunities in grassland restoration - Plant material for grassland restoration - Defining success in grassland restoration. A variety of management techniques are examined, including soil amendment, cultivation, harvesting and maintenance in creating suitable conditions for the successful restoration of species-rich grasslands. It is essential reading for conservationists, site owners or managers, practitioners, conservation organizations and students of ecological restoration with an interest in the creation of new grassland habitats, the restoration of semi-natural grassland, as well as the continuing management of semi-natural (unimproved) grassland communities.

Download or read book Grasses and Grassland written by Muhammad Aamir Iqbal and published by BoD – Books on Demand. This book was released on 2022-09-28 with total page 170 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Grasslands are of vital significance globally by covering more than one-quarter of the earth’s surface. They are known by a variety of names, such as prairies, pampas, steppes, savannas, and so on, and provide feed to animals as well as serve as biodiversity reserves and catchment areas. Under the changing climate scenario, they can potentially serve as carbon sinks, which might alleviate the adverse effects of greenhouse gas emissions. This book provides fundamental knowledge of underutilized grasses of economic significance as well as discusses advancements in grasslands management for boosting their bio-productivity. There is a particular focus on state-of-the-art strategies for the restoration and conservation of grasslands in the era of changing climate.

Download or read book Grassland conservation in asia Sustainability under climate change written by Jianshuang Wu and published by Frontiers Media SA. This book was released on 2023-06-08 with total page 323 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Biodiversity Structure and Function Volume I written by Wilhelm Barthlott and published by EOLSS Publications. This book was released on 2009-08-19 with total page 336 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Biodiversity: Structure and Function is a component of Encyclopedia of Environmental and Ecological Sciences, Engineering and Technology Resources in the global Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS), which is an integrated compendium of twenty one Encyclopedias. The Theme on Biodiversity: Structure and Function discusses matters of great relevance to our world such as: Characterization of Biodiversity; Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning; Spatial and Temporal Dimensions of Biodiversity Dynamics; Evolutionary and Genetic Aspects of Biodiversity; Biodiversity Monitoring, Assessment, Data Management, and Indicators; The Value of Biodiversity; Halting Biodiversity Loss: Fundamentals and Latest Trends of Conservation Science and Action; Application of Ecological Knowledge to Habitat Restoration. These two volumes are aimed at the following five major target audiences: University and College students Educators, Professional practitioners, Research personnel and Policy analysts, managers, and decision makers and NGOs.

Download or read book Ecosystem Services and River Basin Ecohydrology written by Luis Chicharo and published by Springer. This book was released on 2015-07-17 with total page 350 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides an integrated analysis of the methodologies and main processes occurring at the entire river basin, from upstream until the coast, by merging the biological and hydrological processes with the social and economic components, thus providing an integrated framework for river basin management, integrating the ecohydrology approach with the ecosystem services concept.

Download or read book Lowland Grassland and Heathland Habitats written by Elizabeth Price and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2003-10-04 with total page 268 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Grasslands are everywhere: agricultural land, playing fields and road verges; but while species-poor, intensively managed grasslands are widespread, colourful semi-natural grasslands and heathlands, buzzing with life, are scarce. These semi-natural habitats are ancient, cultural landscapes, which are of considerable, if not international importance for biodiversity. However, despite targets for the conservation and restoration of these valuable grasslands and heathlands, these habitats continue to decline before our eyes. Lowland Grassland and Heathland Habitats contrasts the uniformity of intensively managed grassland with the diversity of traditionally managed grasslands and heathlands. It examines topics of concern to the ecologist or habitat manager such as causes of the loss and deterioration of these habitats, including inappropriate management, eutrophication and climate change. It then evaluates opportunities for positive change, such as conservation, restoration and creation. A series of case-studies illustrates the pressures on some lowland grassland and heathland habitat types and looks at ways to enhance them for biodiversity. This habitat guide features illustrated species boxes of typical plants and animals, as well as a full species list, a series of projects on the ecology of grassland and heathland species, a colour plate section, up-to-date references and information, and a full glossary. It will provide students and environmentalists with a deeper understanding of the nature and importance of lowland grasslands and heathlands.

Download or read book Environmental science understanding protecting and managing the environment in the Baltic Sea region written by Lars Rydén and published by Baltic University Press. This book was released on 2003 with total page 780 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Grassland Techniques and Management written by L.N. Singh and published by Scientific Publishers. This book was released on 2019-01-16 with total page 181 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Grassland comprises about one fourth of the world s vegetation and serve as an important source of forage for various kinds of livestock. In Certain regions, due to small per capita land holding, grasslands meadows and forests are the only source of forage. Productivity of grassland particularly in developing countries is low due to lack of knowledge of various biotic and abiotic factors and their interaction, high livestock. Pressure per unit area, non adoption of any grassland management practices and lack of resources. The books Grassland Techniques and management gives information on techniques to adopted for the study of botanical composition, ground cover, forage evolution, range condition, assessment of grassland Production carrying capacity, livestock unit, seed treatment and soil test which provides basic knowledge of various biotic and abiotic factors affecting grassland production. The details of principles and methodology of various grassland management practices including reseeding of grasses, introduction of legume, fertilizers application, control of shrubs, grazing management etc. Has also been presented chapter on fodder trees and browser, forage conservation and herbage quality presents valuable information on various related aspects of grassland improvement and management. Book Shall be useful to field Staff of forestry, Animal Husbandry and agriculture in knowing about methodology to be adopted in the study of present status of grassland and its improvement and management. It shall also be useful to research workers and students of animal husbandry, forestry and agriculture in general.

Download or read book Grassland Ecosystems of China written by Linghao Li and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2020-09-29 with total page 593 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides a comprehensive overview of grassland ecosystems based on publications by Chinese scholars. It offers an up-to-date review of the recent advances in grassland research in China, discusses the climatic and physical conditions governing the grasslands, describes their types and distribution, and introduces a new classification scheme for grassland ecosystems. Further, it details the plant, animal, and microbial compositions of each grassland ecosystem type, examining the above and below ground relationships between phytomass, vegetation succession, and past/current management practices with a particular focus on the steppes in China. It also includes references that are only available in the Chinese language. This scientifically rigorous book offers insights into knowledge gaps for the scientific community and identifies pressing issues facing practitioners of grassland ecology and management. It can be used as a textbook for undergraduate and graduate students in ecology, environmental science, natural resource management, agriculture, and other relevant fields, and is also a valuable reference resource for researchers studying drylands in China or around the globe.

Download or read book Nutrient Elements in Grassland written by D. C. Whitehead and published by CABI. This book was released on 2000-10-23 with total page 392 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book is an essential reference source covering the chemical elements that are nutrients for plants or grazing animals. It deals with the concentrations and transformations of these elements in soils, grassland plants, and ruminant animals, particularly cattle and sheep. For each element, the following data are given: forms occurring in soil, factors that affect availability and concentration, uptake and distribution in grassland plants, role in animal nutrition, amounts and forms excreted by grazing animals, and concentrations needed by ruminant animals.