Fostering the future with forages

Authors: Franzluebbers, Alan

Submitted to: Better Crops
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/2/2017
Publication Date: 12/1/2017
Citation: Franzluebbers, A.J. 2017. Fostering the future with forages. Better Crops. 101(4):3-5.

Interpretive Summary: Sustainability of agriculture requires innovation and development of systems with high potential to optimize productivity and environmental quality. An ARS scientist in the Plant Science Research Unit in Raleigh NC summarized the multitude of ecosystem services provided by forages, and the potential benefits to productivity and environmental quality if forages were incorporated into cropping systems. Forages are a key component of natural resource conservation in agricultural systems. Integration of crops and livestock can enhance production while preserving environmental quality. Native warm-season grasses offer flexibility for fodder and biofuel production. Perennial forages should be considered an important tool in agricultural system design – not just for landscape conservation, but for enhanced production by improving soil health, promoting a stronger integration of crops and livestock to avoid ecological disaster, and reducing reliance on subsidy programs supporting monoculture systems.

Technical Abstract: Sustainability of agriculture requires innovation and development of systems with high potential to optimize productivity and environmental quality. An ARS scientist in the Plant Science Research Unit in Raleigh NC summarized the multitude of ecosystem services provided by forages, and the potential benefits to productivity and environmental quality if forages were incorporated into cropping systems. Forages are a key component of natural resource conservation in agricultural systems. Integration of crops and livestock can enhance production while preserving environmental quality. Native warm-season grasses offer flexibility for fodder and biofuel production. Perennial forages should be considered an important tool in agricultural system design – not just for landscape conservation, but for enhanced production by improving soil health, promoting a stronger integration of crops and livestock to avoid ecological disaster, and reducing reliance on subsidy programs supporting monoculture systems.