PSS/ASCI 143
Forage
Crop and Pasture Management
Fall
Semester, 2007
PSS 143/ASCI 143, Forage Crop and
Pasture Management, covers the scientific principles and
practical
applications of the production, management, and utilization of
perennial
and annual forage crops used by ruminant and equine livestock. The
course will
involve a combination of lectures, reading assignments, "hands-on"
activities,
farm visits, problem solving exercises, quizzes and exams.
Instructor:
Sid
Bosworth, Plant and Soil Science Dept., 207 Hills
Phone: 656-0478 email: sid.bosworth@uvm.edu
Location
and Time
| Lecure: |
Lafayette L403, M W F from 9:05am to 9:55am |
| Lab: |
Hills 17, Monday from 1:25pm to 4:25pm |
Prerequisites:
Three credits in BIOL or PBIO or permission
of instructor
Course
Topics
The course outline will be posted just
prior to the fall semester. The following topics will be covered:
- Introduction to forages in the Northeast
- Perennial and annual forage species
description
and adaptation
- Forage plant morphology, growth and
development
- Forage quality for ruminants and equine
- Forage crop and weed identification
- Formulating mixtures for pasture
and
hay
- Forage seed and principles of
establishment
- Defoliation physiology
- Pasture and paddock management
- Cutting management for grasses,
legumes and
mixtures
- Forage fertilization and nutrient
management
- Hay quality and storage
- Silage management
- Forage-related animal disorders
and
poisonous
plants
Field
Activities (Lab)
The major objectives of the field
activities
are to provide some "hands on" activities involving forage and grazing management
and
to visit various types of farms to observe their management of forage
crops and pastures.
Students should always come prepared for inclement weather (old shoes,
work clothes, raincoat).
Reading
Materials and Text:
A text will be announced at the beginning of the semester. Most of the reading material for this
course will be in downloadable format (pdf) that will be posted on the
course website. There will also be several books on reserve at
the
library under PSS/ASCI 143.
Independent
Projects
There are at least two projects
during
the course of the semester. A handout will be given the first day of
class
for each assignment providing instructions, due dates and grading
procedures.
Projects include the following:
- Evaluating and Designing a Forage
Plan
(on
a farm chosen by the student)
- Research paper and
presentation focusing on the student's choice
of topic related to forage species, management, feeding, etc.
Grading
and Points
Will be posted at the beginning of the
semester
This site is maintained by Sid Bosworth. (sid.bosworth@uvm.edu)
