Grass & Forage Production Flashcards
MCQ1
What % of the worlds total land area do grasslands account for?
25%
or 40% of the global land area without permanent ice cover.
What % of Europe is grassland?
13%
What continent do grasslands not exist on?
Antarctica
What percentage do intensive and semi-intensive grasslands represent of total land use?
2%
What are forbs?
Forbs are herbaceous dicotyledonous species including legumes.
When did grasslands begin to grow in Ireland?
13-15,000 years ago - species rich grassland ( plants and grasses began to grow after the ice melted)
How old are treeless pastures?
around 300 years old (1700’s)
What % does grassland account for in the total land use in Ireland in 2021?
59%
What is the land area is Ireland?
6.9 million hectares.
4.9 m hectares of agricultural area used in 2016
What % of Irish grasslands account for Irish Agricultural land area?
92%
Grassland accounts for ____% of total land use in Ireland
59%
Almost ___ of all farm holders are aged over 65 in 2020?
1/3
Grassland accounts for ___ of the worlds surface?
40%
Grassland accounts for ___of the total land use in Ireland in 2020?
59%
Grassland accounts for ____ of Irish Agricultural land area
92%
Characteristics of Brown Earths, Brown Podzolics & Luvisols?
- more intensive & productive soils.
- Moderately to well drained.
- Good nutrient retention capacity.
Characteristics of sandier well-drained soils?
- Responsive to nitrogen (N) fertiliser inputs.
- Greater risk for N-leaching in wetter periods.
Characteristics of Alluvials, surface-water & groundwater Gleys?
- Less productive
- Can release N from organic matter
- Production of nitrous oxide (N20) due to denitrification under anaerobic conditions
Where are the soil temperatures more favourable in Ireland for longer?
The soil temperatures are favourable for grass growth for about 11 weeks longer per year in the coastal districts of the south & south-west compared to the midlands.
Why is knowing the soil temperature important?
so you know when the plant is growing so that N fertilisers can be applied to promote growth at the opportune time.
How many hours of sunshine does Ireland normally get each year?
Between 1400 - 1700
What does Topography govern?
Topography governs the position of a soil on the landscape = water runoff & drainage.
What are the factors affecting land use & grass growth?
- Soil type
- Global location
- Temperature
- Rainfall
- Topography
What is the variation in annual profitability between free draining & badly drained soils regardless of milk price?
Up to €28k
What should dairy farmers set as a target for increasing grass utilisation to?
10 tonnes/ha
What % of national GHG emissions is Ag responsible for in 2021?
37.5%
How much does Ireland aim to reduce GHG emissions by 2030 & then by 2050?
25% by 2030
Carbon neutral by 2050
How does Ireland aim to improve water quality?
by a 50% reduction in nutrient losses
20% reduction in the use of fertilisers`
How many days of the year are livestock dependent on grass for?
Minimum of 200-235 days of the year
Why is Ireland suited to grass production?
- Located between 50 degrees N and 55 degrees N lattitude.
- temperate climate
- influenced by prevailing westerly winds & the proximity of the ocean & the gulf stream
- Annual rainfall of 750-1450mm
-No defined dry or wet periods.
What is Ireland’s % territory under water stress?
0
When does annual grass growth peak in Ireland?
Peaks in late May
_________________
Commences in Feb/March
Falls off into June
Peaks again in August
Rapidly decreases thereafter
Growth almost ceases in November
What is the annual DM yield?
11-15 t/ha
What is the % N in the atmosphere?
78%
