LPM 121: Fodder Production and Grassland Management (1+1)

DEFINITIONS

• Agronomy: Agronomy is the science and technology of using plants for food, fuel, feed, and fiber. It is the branch of agriculture that deals with the soil and crop management to produce better produce.
  Agronomy is the component of agriculture which is concerned with the theory and practice of growing crops, and with the management of soils. The word had its origin from the Greek agronomos  meaning overseer of land. [ agros means "land" and nomos means "dispensing, administering, managing" ]
• Fodder Crops : Fodders crops are cultivated plant species that are utilised as livestock feed. Fodder refers mostly the crops which are harvested and used for stall feeding.
• Forage: Forage may be defined as the vegetative matter, fresh or preserved, utilised as feed for animals. Forage crops include grasses, legumes, crucifers and other crops cultivated and used for hay, pasture, fodder and silage. Forages are classified based on various features.
• Grassland: A grassland is defined as a natural land surface which is covered mainly by members of the grass family of plants and are used for grazing livestock.
• Management: It is the judicious use of means to accomplish an end. Mangement can be variedly defined as the act or art of managing ie., the manner of treating, directing, carrying on, or using, for a purpose. It is the mode of conduct, administration, guidance and control of a farm.