Contents


Preface

Grasses and grassland are tools for an integral ecology. Putting this science in the category of well-being is still relevant today. Whether grasses and grassland can meet the present and future challenges requires an update on empirical and

Environmental integration into politics has led to experts and decision-makers facing (1) problem complexity, (2) risk invisibility, and (3) strong future

This book project has been initiated by IntechOpen. It is indeed a privilege to have this book published. An array of specialists was invited to contribute seven

The present volume therefore shows how grasses and grassland can deal with life issues and meet societal expectations: food, environmental, ecological, medicinal, energy, economic, etc. These issues require representation because of environmental changes and their solutions need to be assessed. However, this decision-making process must be undertaken in a context of high complexity and

Grasses and grassland are multifunctional for society, expressing a great diversity of flora and fauna, sustainably managed by grazing, and adapted to the objectives of preserving and restoring diversity, which are ecological and agronomic issues.

By storing carbon and other key nutrients in soils, grasses and grassland provide biological feedstock for developing agricultural and associated human societies feeding humans, supporting domestic livestock production for human use, and

Moreover, grasslands are known for developing and testing ecological theories for assessing the impacts of global change, including responses to chronic nitrogen deposition, elevated CO2 concentrations, and climate change. These include the most threatened ecosystems, such as the North American tall grass prairies. Conserving or restoring these ecosystems will require a strong ecological knowledge

In this context, this book aims to provide the reader with a better understanding

Varied perspectives on a common interest—the future of grasses and grassland science—reinforce the book's imitative and dominant subject matter. Progress in

associated functional consequences using as models of study: (1) degradation of soil vegetation and ecosystems; (2) pastoral fires; (3) pastoral use of crops and residues; (4) soil–plant–atmosphere continuum; and (5) fodder cropping sustainability.

of the achievements of grasses and grassland, values, and the response to management factors, including grazing, fires, pesticides, fertilization, and

research is needed on social challenges regarding environmental crises.

uncertainties. In light of these certainties on which to base decision-maker's actions,

scientific achievements and the life quality on earth.

chapters.

uncertainty.

base.

using for biofuel production.
