Grassland Farming and Land Management Systems in Mountainous Regions
Grassland Farming and Land Management Systems in Mountainous Regions

Author: European Grassland Federation. International Symposium

Publisher:

Published: 2011

Total Pages: 664

ISBN-13:

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Mountainous regions, which cover nearly half of the continent’s area, are in many ways of vital importance for the European population. They supply much of the continent ́s water, are centres of biological and cultural biodiversity, provide various opportunities for recreation/ farmers. But mountainous regions are characterised by permanent natural handicaps due to topographic and climatic restrictions on economic and agricultural activity. Because of the geographical constraints to farming, work productivity is on average lower by 28% in mountain areas compared with less favoured areas, and by 40% compared with lowlands. Agriculture in mountainous regions can therefore, in general, not compete with agriculture in advantaged lowlands and, with very few exceptions, cannot hope to become competitive in adopting intensive models in response to the growing global competition.

The Future of Mountain Agriculture
The Future of Mountain Agriculture

Author: Stefan Mann

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-11-08

Total Pages: 180

ISBN-13: 3642335845

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Mountain agriculture is a socially and culturally unique system, but also a regionally important economic sector. In a globalising world, it is clear that fertile areas on all continents will always be used to produce large quantities of agricultural products in order to feed the world and, increasingly, provide biomass as a source of energy. It is far less clear, however, how land use in steep and more peripheral regions will evolve. By definition, farmland in mountain areas is more difficult to work because of steep slopes and missing accessibility. Climate conditions and poor soil quality often add to these adverse conditions. Through overcoming limited views from one region only or from one discipline, this book intends to draw a first truly international perspective on the issue of mountain farming.

Grasslands and Climate Change
Grasslands and Climate Change

Author: David J. Gibson

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2019-03-21

Total Pages: 363

ISBN-13: 1107195268

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A comprehensive assessment of the effects of climate change on global grasslands and the mitigating role that ecologists can play.

Grassland Restoration and Management
Grassland Restoration and Management

Author: David Blakesley

Publisher: Pelagic Publishing Ltd

Published: 2016-04-11

Total Pages: 311

ISBN-13: 1784270717

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Following the destruction of 95% of meadows during the twentieth century, there is an urgent need to understand what little unspoiled habitat remains in order to plan the management and restoration of existing sites, as well as re-creating future grassland habitats. This book is a much-needed guide to grassland restoration and management. Providing a thorough overview of recent research on grassland restoration and its implications for practical grassland restoration and management, it introduces grassland communities and the wildlife they support, including examples of species of conservation concern, and considers the management of semi-natural grassland habitats with particular emphasis on drier grassland habitats. Chapters cover: - Grassland character and communities - Introduction to grassland wildlife - Managing semi-natural grassland - Grassland restoration – threats and challenges - Opportunities in grassland restoration - Plant material for grassland restoration - Defining success in grassland restoration. A variety of management techniques are examined, including soil amendment, cultivation, harvesting and maintenance in creating suitable conditions for the successful restoration of species-rich grasslands. It is essential reading for conservationists, site owners or managers, practitioners, conservation organizations and students of ecological restoration with an interest in the creation of new grassland habitats, the restoration of semi-natural grassland, as well as the continuing management of semi-natural (unimproved) grassland communities.

World Terraced Landscapes: History, Environment, Quality of Life
World Terraced Landscapes: History, Environment, Quality of Life

Author: Mauro Varotto

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2018-12-06

Total Pages: 357

ISBN-13: 3319968157

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This volume collects the best scientific contribution presented in the 3rd World Conference on Terraced Landscapes held in Italy from 6th to 15th October 2016, offering a deep and multifaceted insight into the remarkable heritage of terraced landscapes in Italy, in Europe and in the World (America, Asia, Australia). It consists of 2 parts: a geographical overview on some of the most important terraced systems in the world (1st part), and a multidisciplinary approach that aims to promote a multifunctional vision of terraces, underlining how these landscapes meet different needs: cultural and historical values, environmental and hydrogeological functions, quality and variety of food, community empowerment and sustainable development (2nd part). The volume offers a great overview on strengths, weaknesses, functions and strategies for terraced landscapes all over the world, summarizing in a final manifest the guidelines to provide a future for these landscapes as natural and cultural heritage.

The Science and Practice of Landscape Stewardship
The Science and Practice of Landscape Stewardship

Author: Claudia Bieling

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2017-06-29

Total Pages: 403

ISBN-13: 1108239129

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Improving the dynamic relationship between nature and human well-being is a pressing issue of our time. Landscapes embody this tight interconnectedness and serve as unique sustainability learning hubs, showcased by the global rise of place-based and holistic landscape stewardship initiatives. Incorporating these exciting developments, this book explores the principles of landscape stewardship and their function in fields such as agriculture, ecological restoration and urban green infrastructure. It provides insights into the challenges and the potential of landscape stewardship and identifies future paths for the science and practice of landscape-related sustainability efforts. Aligning analytical perspectives with practical applications, it brings together contributions from leading scholars and innovative models of landscape stewardship from all around the world, making it an essential resource for anyone interested in developing sustainable human-nature relationships.

Examining European semi-natural grassland silages and urban green cut as input sources for the integrated generation of solid fuel and biogas from biomass
Examining European semi-natural grassland silages and urban green cut as input sources for the integrated generation of solid fuel and biogas from biomass

Author: Hensgen, Frank

Publisher: kassel university press GmbH

Published: 2014-01-01

Total Pages: 155

ISBN-13: 3862197484

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To act against the negative effects of climate change, the European Union (EU) has increased its efforts in the field of renewable energies. This led to the definition of national and EU wide targets for the share of energy from renewable sources in gross final consumption of energy by the year 2020 for each EU-Member state and the Union as a whole. To reach these aims without jeopardising other important aims like food security and nature conservation, sustainable systems of recovery of renewable energy have to be developed. One possibility is the “integrated generation of solid fuel and biogas from biomass” (IFBB). Its core element is the mechanical separation of the biomass into a solid fuel for combustion and a liquid for anaerobic digestion. This study investigated the technology on a prototype scale for a variety of European semi natural grasslands and urban green cut biomasses. The quality of the derived energy carriers and the parameters influencing these qualities were in the research focus. In addition, the IFBB system was compared to other energy recovery systems.

Grasslands of the World
Grasslands of the World

Author: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.

Published: 2005

Total Pages: 548

ISBN-13: 9789251053379

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This book brings together information on the contrasting characteristics, condition, present use and problems of the world's main natural grasslands. Since grassland is commercialized through the grazing animal, particular attention is paid to the livestock production systems associated with each main type. Grazing resources are more than simply edible herbage: many other factors have to be taken into account, notably water in all areas, and shelter in winter-cold climates. Seasonality of forage supply is a characteristic of almost all grazing lands, so the strategies for dealing with lean seasons are described. The main problems of each type are mentioned and possible strategies for their sustainable management discussed - taking into account their multiple functions, not only livestock production. The book is primarily aimed at agricultural scientists, educationalists, extensionists and decision-makers with interests in responsible use of extensive grasslands.