Some considerations about the cultivation of grass

18 days ago (Edited)

Pasture crops are fundamental in animal production and agricultural sustainability, they provide the food base for livestock, contributing to the production of meat, milk and other derived products, in addition, they play a crucial role in soil conservation, carbon capture and biodiversity. The grasses are plants of herbaceous consistency that is to say that it has a small amount of lignin an element that is indigestible in the stomach of cattle and provides rigidity to the plant, the plants increase the lignin content as the plant grows until it reaches the reproductive stage, that's why it is important that animals consume these plants before their inflorescence appears.

In this same vein, it is important to mention that pastures are important for the agricultural sector in the following aspects:

Animal Feed

Grasses are the most economical and natural source of food for ruminants such as cows, sheep and goats.
Its nutritional value varies depending on the species, the stage of growth and the soil conditions.
Good pasture management ensures a balanced and efficient feed for livestock.

Soil Conservation

The roots of grasses protect the soil from erosion, improving its structure and fertility.
The organic matter provided by grasses increases the water and nutrient retention capacity of the soil.

Environmental Sustainability

Grasses capture carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, contributing to mitigating climate change.
Well-managed grazing systems can promote biodiversity and ecosystem health.
The reduction of the need for concentrated feed for animals, reduces the carbon footprint of them.

Rural Economy

Pasture production is the basis of livestock farming, a vital economic activity in many rural areas.
Grasses are also used in the production of hay and silage, which are marketed as animal feed.

There are numerous species of grasses, adapted to different climates and soil types, some of the most common present in the ecosystems of the south of Lake Maracaibo Venezuela are the star grass (Cynodon nlemfuensis) which is of rapid growth and high forage production, guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus) widely used in tropical areas, great capacity for production of green matter and several species of Brachiaria that adapt to moist soils, the choice of the appropriate species depends on factors such as climate, the type of soil, the type of livestock and the grazing system.

Pasture crops face challenges such as climate change, soil degradation and the pressure of intensive agriculture, however, there are also opportunities to improve the sustainability and productivity of these crops. From the National Experimental University South of Lake UNESUR, a variety of research has been carried out for some time now, as in aspects related to eco-physiology, performance, productivity and management, in addition to the integration of pastures into agroforestry systems, biodiversity and ecosystem resilience can be increased.

Final considerations

Dear readers, pasture crops are a valuable resource for animal production and agricultural sustainability. Their proper management is fundamental to ensure their productivity and their contribution to food security and environmental conservation. The ideal in the ecosystems destined to the production of ruminant animals is to use these plant species that provide essential nutrients such as fiber and protein for this type of animals, as long as they are managed in an appropriate way and are supplied to the animals at the right time where there is a balance between the aforementioned nutrients.o

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Bibliographic references

Experimental pasture and forage station (2006). Herbaceous and arboreal forage resources. University Press, Guatemala.

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