ARS | Publication request: Grassland agriculture

Submitted to: USDA-ARS Research Notes
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: July 6, 2009
Publication Date: July 6, 2009
Citation: Franzluebbers, A.J. 2009. Grassland agriculture. Grassland Agriculture. JPC Research Note 18. 2009.

Technical Abstract: Agriculture in grassland environments is facing multiple stresses from: shifting demographics, declining and fragmented agricultural landscapes, declining environmental quality, variable and changing climate, volatile and increasing energy costs, marginal economic returns, and globalization. Degradation of air, water, soil, and biodiversity has been prevalent throughout the industrial epoch, and we can now see that such extensive degradation may be diminishing the future viability of agriculture and the quality of life in rural areas. A 238-page book was published by the Soil and Water Conservation Society and each of the 16 chapters or the entire book can be purchased online: http://www.swcs.org/en/publications/farming_with_grass/. An executive summary of presentations and paths towards a sustainable future was presented as a feature article in the Journal of Soil and Water Conservation (March/April 2009, Volume 64, No. 2, “Farming with Grass – for People, for Profit, for Production, for Protection”, JL Steiner, AJ Franzluebbers).