Grass & Forage Production

Question 1

What % of the worlds total land area do grasslands account for?

Answer 1

25%
or 40% of the global land area without permanent ice cover.

Question 2

What % of Europe is grassland?

Answer 2

13%

Question 3

What continent do grasslands not exist on?

Answer 3

Antarctica

Question 4

What percentage do intensive and semi-intensive grasslands represent of total land use?

Answer 4

2%

Question 5

What are forbs?

Answer 5

Forbs are herbaceous dicotyledonous species including legumes.

Question 6

When did grasslands begin to grow in Ireland?

Answer 6

13-15,000 years ago - species rich grassland ( plants and grasses began to grow after the ice melted)

Question 7

How old are treeless pastures?

Answer 7

around 300 years old (1700’s)

Question 8

What % does grassland account for in the total land use in Ireland in 2021?

Answer 8

59%

Question 9

What is the land area is Ireland?

Answer 9

6.9 million hectares.

4.9 m hectares of agricultural area used in 2016

Question 10

What % of Irish grasslands account for Irish Agricultural land area?

Answer 10

92%

Question 11

Grassland accounts for ____% of total land use in Ireland

Answer 11

59%

Question 12

Almost ___ of all farm holders are aged over 65 in 2020?

Answer 12

1/3

Question 13

Grassland accounts for ___ of the worlds surface?

Answer 13

40%

Question 14

Grassland accounts for ___of the total land use in Ireland in 2020?

Answer 14

59%

Question 15

Grassland accounts for ____ of Irish Agricultural land area

Answer 15

92%

Question 16

Characteristics of Brown Earths, Brown Podzolics & Luvisols?

Answer 16

• more intensive & productive soils.
• Moderately to well drained.
• Good nutrient retention capacity.

Question 17

Characteristics of sandier well-drained soils?

Answer 17

• Responsive to nitrogen (N) fertiliser inputs.
• Greater risk for N-leaching in wetter periods.

Question 18

Characteristics of Alluvials, surface-water & groundwater Gleys?

Answer 18

• Less productive
• Can release N from organic matter
• Production of nitrous oxide (N20) due to denitrification under anaerobic conditions

Question 19

Where are the soil temperatures more favourable in Ireland for longer?

Answer 19

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.

Question 20

Why is knowing the soil temperature important?

Answer 20

so you know when the plant is growing so that N fertilisers can be applied to promote growth at the opportune time.

Question 21

How many hours of sunshine does Ireland normally get each year?

Answer 21

Between 1400 - 1700

Question 22

What does Topography govern?

Answer 22

Topography governs the position of a soil on the landscape = water runoff & drainage.

Question 23

What are the factors affecting land use & grass growth?

Answer 23

1. Soil type
2. Global location
3. Temperature
4. Rainfall
5. Topography

Question 24

What is the variation in annual profitability between free draining & badly drained soils regardless of milk price?

Answer 24

Up to €28k

Question 25

What should dairy farmers set as a target for increasing grass utilisation to?

Answer 25

10 tonnes/ha

Question 26

What % of national GHG emissions is Ag responsible for in 2021?

Answer 26

37.5%

Question 27

How much does Ireland aim to reduce GHG emissions by 2030 & then by 2050?

Answer 27

25% by 2030 Carbon neutral by 2050

Question 28

How does Ireland aim to improve water quality?

Answer 28

by a 50% reduction in nutrient losses 20% reduction in the use of fertilisers`

Question 29

How many days of the year are livestock dependent on grass for?

Answer 29

Minimum of 200-235 days of the year

Question 30

Why is Ireland suited to grass production?

Answer 30

- 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.

Question 31

What is Ireland's % territory under water stress?

Answer 31

0

Question 32

When does annual grass growth peak in Ireland?

Answer 32

Peaks in late May _________________ Commences in Feb/March Falls off into June Peaks again in August Rapidly decreases thereafter Growth almost ceases in November

Question 33

What is the annual DM yield?

Answer 33

11-15 t/ha

Question 34

What is the % N in the atmosphere?

Answer 34

78%