Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this module the student should be able to:Describe the importance of grass in Irish Agricultural systems, explain the factors affecting grass growth on a seasonal and regional level, discuss the key stages in grassland management, outline a protocol for the conservation of winter feed from grass and potential for alternatives, discuss the interactions between the sward and the grazing animal that impact on sward quality and animal performance, evaluate the potential for loss of nutrients from grassland and outline the advantages and disadvantages of a grassland based agricultural system.