Forage Crops of the World, 2-volume set: Volume I: Major Forage Crops; Volume II: Minor Forage Crops

This new 2-volume set discusses the importance of fodder production of the minor fodder crops for animals. The volumes focuses on fodder production for forage crops, cover 17 major forage crops and 25 minor forage crops. The volumes discuss crop production methodology and agronomic management in a systemic way, providing an abundance of information on each type of forage crop discussed, including preferred soil type, land capability, cropping patterns, climate, and socioeconomic conditions. They also address pests of the various forage crops, disease management, agroforestry in fodder and forage crops, preservation of forage crops, and forage production and climate change.

Forage crops are very essential for quality milk and meat production. Farm animals are normally fed fodder available from cultivated areas, supplemented by a small extent with harvested grasses and top feeds. The three major sources of fodder are crop residues, cultivated fodder, and fodder from trees, pastures, and grazing lands. The patterns and types of fodder crops vary by geographical location. With the amount of land under cultivation decreasing, there are limited resources for growing fodder crops, so new trends and solutions are emerging, such as dual purposes crops and using land that normally remains fallow throughout the year.

These volumes provide valuable information needed for effect forage crop production and management. The book, with chapters from highly qualified scientists, will be a rich resource for researchers, academicians, students, and those in the industry.