Author
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Casler, Michael |
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UNDERSANDER, DANIEL - University Of Wisconsin |
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Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 4/3/2018 Publication Date: 12/1/2018 Citation: Casler, M.D., Undersander, D.J. 2018. Identification of temperate pasture grasses and legumes. P. Sharpe. Horse Pasture Management. Academic Press, UK. p.11-36 Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Grasses and legumes are the foundation of horse pastures and horse hay. The most common of these are Kentucky bluegrass, bromegrass, orchardgrass, timothy, tall fescue, clovers, trefoil, and alfalfa. Identification of these species is critical for both pasture management and livestock management. Undesirable species may produce toxic compounds that can endanger the health and life of valuable livestock. All grasses and legumes can be identified easily when there are reproductive organs, such as flowers, on the legumes or heads on the grasses. It is often difficult to identify individual species when they are in the vegetative stage, which is most common in pastures. At this stage, leaf and stem characteristics are critical for identification. This book chapter provides sufficient details to identify 15 different grasses and legumes in horse pastures at either the reproductive or vegetative growth stage, providing a valuable reference for classroom students and outreach professionals in the horse industry. |
