What is the Meaning of Pasture and Forage Crops?
Pasture and forage crops are crops grown for the purpose of grazing animals, such as cattle, horses, sheep, and goats. These crops are typically grasses, legumes, or other plants that are high in nutritional content and can be eaten by livestock. The primary purpose of pasture and forage crops is to provide food for livestock, but they can also be used to improve soil fertility and reduce soil erosion.
Pasture crops are typically grasses, such as ryegrass, fescue, and brome, as well as legumes, such as alfalfa, clover, and vetch. These crops are grown in pastures and are grazed by livestock. The grasses provide a high-quality source of nutrition for the animals, while the legumes fix nitrogen in the soil, improving soil fertility.
Forage crops are also grown for grazing animals, but they are typically annual crops, such as corn, sorghum, and millet. These crops are usually planted in a field and harvested for hay or silage. The hay or silage is then used to feed the animals during the winter months when pasture grasses are not available.
Pasture and forage crops are important for maintaining healthy livestock and soil fertility. They provide a high-quality source of nutrition for livestock and help to improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen in the soil. They are also important for reducing soil erosion, as the roots of the plants help to hold the soil in place.