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b) (i) Outline the principal practices required for good grassland management - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question b - 2015
Question b
b) (i) Outline the principal practices required for good grassland management. (ii) Give two benefits of mixed grazing. (iii) 1. What is meant by the term livestoc... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:b) (i) Outline the principal practices required for good grassland management - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question b - 2015
Step 1
Outline the principal practices required for good grassland management.
Answer
Good grassland management involves several key practices:
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Sowing/Seed Mixture: Utilizing a proper seed mixture for sowing can enhance grass growth and resilience.
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Weed Control: Effective weed management is crucial to prevent invasive species from dominating the grassland.
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Soil Fertility: Regular testing for soil pH and fertility ensures optimal grass growth. Amendments like lime or fertilizers may be necessary.
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Grazing Management: Implementing rotational grazing can maximize the utilization of grass while allowing for regrowth. Planning for grazing duration (e.g., 3 weeks for grazing or 6 weeks for silage) is also important.
Step 2
Give two benefits of mixed grazing.
Answer
Mixed grazing offers several advantages:
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Enhanced Nutrient Recycling: Different livestock species contribute to a more diverse nutrient input through their dung, enhancing soil fertility.
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Better Grass Utilization: Cattle and sheep have different grazing habits, leading to more efficient use of grass growth as they consume different parts of the plant, reducing competition and improving pasture quality.
Step 3
Step 4
Give two examples to show your understanding of the term livestock units.
Answer
Examples of livestock units include:
- A 2-year-old cow is equivalent to 1.0 LU.
- A horse is approximately 1.5 LU.
These examples illustrate how different species and ages of livestock can be compared in terms of their grazing impact.