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Rangeland Ecology I (000026)

Overview

This course examines the interaction of soil, water, air, pants, animals, humans (SWAP + H), and the pastureland ecosystem. Instruction is designed to analyze various scenarios in animal foliage management. The scenarios are set in the context of plant morphology and growth factors; herbage mass and animal intake; pasture design systems and animal production goals. It course conducts economic analysis of planting, fertilization and grazing management as well as practical application of pasture design, fencing, watering, and feed rotation..

Objectives

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

  • Increase insight into the structure and function of rangeland ecosystems
  • Recognize the major components of vegetation change on rangelands
  • Understand the relative contribution of grazing, climate and fire and their potential interactions on vegetation change
  • Explore managerial opportunities to affect vegetation change
  • Identify fundamental concepts for monitoring vegetation change
  • Introduce state-and-transition models for ecological site evaluation
  • Introduce rangeland health concepts and approaches
  • participate in classroom activities and field demonstrations
  • Develop a farm plan for specific animal enterprise. (The development should include economic analysis, plating and fertilization recommendations, grazing management practices, animal capabilities and deed budgeting).
  • maximize value and sustainable use of land and natural resources

Prerequisites

Enrollees are encouraged to complete “Working effectively with Livestock Producers” course prior to enrolment for this course

Duration

32 hours

Target Audience

Natural Resources Conservation Service personnel who need to understand the state of the science details of range ecology and those working with rangeland, pastureland, grazeable woodland and native pasture

NEDC Contact

Stanley Sackeyfio

Technical Specialist

Arnold Norman, Rangeland Specialist

Enrollment

Go to AgLearn to request enrollment in Rangeland Ecology I (000026).