Grassland

Question 1

What percentage of the total land area globally accounts for grassland?

Answer 1

25%

Question 2

What is the total grassland area in Europe?

Answer 2

13%

Question 3

What are the two broad grassland types?

Answer 3

Tropical Savannah; High rainfall in 7 concentrated months and drought rest of year.

Temperate Grassland; Less rainfall throughout the year and a greater range of temperatures.

Question 4

What are the four Ecosystem Services?

Answer 4

Provisioning Services; Food

Regulating Services;
Pollination

Cultural Services;
Heritage

Supporting Services;
Nutrient Cycling

Question 5

What was the value of Irish food and drink exports for 2023?

Answer 5

16.3 billion euro

Question 6

What percentage of land accounts for grassland in Ireland?

Answer 6

92%

Question 7

Why is grassland Ireland’s dominant crop?

Answer 7

Located between 51degreesN and 55degreesN latitude.

Temperate climate.

Influenced by Westerly winds.

Annual rainfall of 750 to 1450mm.

No defined seasons.

Question 8

What is the annual grassland performance?

Answer 8

Annual DM yield 11 to 15 t/ha.
Growing season of 8 to 11 months.
Starting from 11th Feb to April 20th.
Grazing season varies from 200-300 days.

Question 9

What are the goals of the Farm to Fork Strategy?

Answer 9

Carbon Neutral by 2050
GHG emissions down to 25% by 2030.
Improve water quality via 50% reduction in nutrient losses.
20% reduction in the use of fertilizers.

Question 10

What did the EU’s removal of the 2015 milk quota cause?

Answer 10

Increased milk production by 56%.

Increased dairy cow numbers by 34%.

Question 11

Name some Grassland tools and techniques.

Answer 11

Grass cover measurements; for grass budgeting.

Rising plate meter; measure the quantity of forage available.

Wellington boot technique; measures pre/post grazing height.

Taking grass cuts.

Question 12

What is the 60:40 autumn grassland plan?

Answer 12

This plan ensures that the 60% grazed target by the start of November is met.
Three pieces of info;
Area available for grazing.
The date on which the last round starts.
The date the cows are full time housed.

Question 13

What is the Spring Rotation Planner?

Answer 13

Used to simplify grass measurement.
Three pieces of info needed:
The date of turnout.
The date the first rotation will aim to finish.
The area of ground to be grazed.

Question 14

What is the “days ahead” concept?

Answer 14

The number of days grazing ahead if growth were to cease on the farm.

Question 15

What are the DM percentages of grass preservations.

Answer 15

Silage; 20% DM
Haylage; 40-50% DM
Hay; 80% DM

Question 16

What are the phases of ensiling?

Answer 16

1. The aerobic phase
2. The fermentation phase.
3. The stable phase.
4. The feed-out phase

Question 17

What are the principles of ensilage?

Answer 17

1. Anaerobic conditions
2. Preservation
3. Inhibition of undesirable microorganisims.
4. Reduce water activity.