Pasture and forage crops are important sources of food for livestock such as cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. They provide the nutrients animals need to grow, stay healthy, and produce milk, meat, and other valuable products. Without a steady supply of quality pasture and forage, livestock farming becomes more expensive and less productive.
Although the terms pasture and forage are often used together, they are not exactly the same. Pasture crops are usually eaten directly by animals while grazing, whereas forage crops are often harvested and fed to animals fresh or preserved for later use. Both play a major role in maintaining a reliable feed supply throughout the year.
In this article, you’ll learn the meaning of pasture and forage crops, their different types, common examples, importance, and how they support successful and sustainable livestock production.
Table Of Contents
- Meaning of Pasture
- Uses of pasture
- Uses of forage crops
- Types of pasture
- Characteristics of pasture
- Revision questions
- Conclusion
Pasture and forage crops in Agriculture
Meaning: Pasture refers to an area of land covered with forage crops which are usually grasses and legumes that are grazed or fed by livestock such as cattle, sheep and goat.
USES OF PASTURE AND FORAGE CROPS
Below are the uses of pasture in agriculture, let’s look at them one after the other.
1. Nutrient Cycling: Grazing animals contribute to nutrient cycling by depositing organic matter through manure, enhancing soil fertility.
2. Land Preservation: Pasture and forage crops contribute to preserving open spaces and natural landscapes in rural areas.
3. Habitat for Wildlife: Pastures can provide habitat for various wildlife species, enhancing biodiversity.
4. Aesthetic Value: Pastoral landscapes are often appreciated for their scenic beauty and contribute to cultural and aesthetic values.
5. Recreation: Some pastures are used for recreational purposes, such as hiking or horseback riding.
MEANING OF FORAGE CROPS
Forage crops on the other hand are plant cultivated for their vegetative portions and used in fresh or preserved forms for feeding livestock.
USES OF FORAGE CROPS
The following are the uses of Forage crops:
- Livestock feed: Both pasture and Forage crops are usually used for feeding livestock like cattle sheep and goat. Hay, straw and sillage are prepared from forage crops.
- As cover crops: Most forage crops especially leguminous Plants, serve as cover crops which add nutrients to the soil and control weeds growth.
- Conservation of soil moisture: Most forage crops especially leguminous Plants, help to conserve soil moisture by preventing evaporation.
- Prevention of erosion: some forage crops especially leguminous plant help to prevent water and wind erosion.
- As a green manure: Forage crops especially when they are young could be ploughed into the soil as green manure.
- for Roofing Farmstead: some forage crops like Guinea grass and elephant grass are usually used for roofing farmstead as a result of their front stem and plenty leaves.
- As building material: most forage crops serve as bedding material for animals.
TYPES OF PASTURES AND FORAGE CROPS
There are two main types of pasture; these are:
1. NATURAL PASTURE
Natural types of pasture is also referred to as natural grassland or rangeland. n this Pasture, grasses and legumes grow naturally on their own and are fed upon by farm animals, i.e, grasses are not planted by farmers. examples of natural grassland at the savanna areas.
Characteristics of Natural Pasture
- Natural pasture or grassland contains poor-quality grasses and legumes.
- It contains soil type that are low in fertility.
- It has good generative ability.
- It contains wide varieties of grass and legumes, some of which may not be eaten by livestock.
- Productive of natural pasture is very low and resistant to drought.
- Forage crops in natural pasture can with stand trampoline by farm animals.
- Natural pastures may contain some grasses which cannot be easily eradicated.
- New growth is stimulated by burning.
2. ARTIFICIAL PASTURE
This types of pasture is also referred to as established or sown pasture. In this pasture, grasses and legumes are deliberately planted and managed by Man to be fed on by livestock.
Characteristics of Artificial Pasture
- It contains high-quality grasses and legumes.
- It contains no weeds except some shade trees.
- Selected grasses and legumes are grown in adequate proportion.
- It has high regenerative ability after being fed on by animals.
- It Can withstand trampling by farm animals.
- It is properly managed for high productivity of the forage crops e.g. fertilization, irrigation and rotational grazing.
Revision Questions
- Define pasture
- What are the uses of pasture?
- State the characteristics of artificial pasture
- What are the uses of forage crops?
Conclusion
Pasture and forage crops play a fundamental role in livestock farming by serving as the primary source of nutrition for grazing animals. These crops not only support healthy animal growth and productivity but also contribute to soil conservation, erosion control, and sustainable agricultural practices. By understanding the meaning, uses, and types of pasture and forage crops, farmers can make informed decisions on how to manage grazing lands effectively, reduce feed costs, and maintain year-round feed availability. Ultimately, proper cultivation and utilization of these crops are essential for the long-term success of both small-scale and commercial livestock enterprises.