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| Web URL(s): | https://stri.lib.msu.edu/vol66-1990/sptri90066177.html
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https://stri.lib.msu.edu/vol66-1990/pdf/sptri90066177.pdf
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| Publication Type:
| Report |
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| Content Type: | Abstract or Summary only |
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| Author(s): | Faulkner, J. S. |
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| Author Affiliation: | Countryside and Wildlife Branch, Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland |
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| Title: | Amenity grassland--a conservation perspective |
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| Meeting Info.: | Abstract of paper given at the Seventh Amenity Grass Research Discussion Meeting held at Queen's University, Belfast 18-21 December 1989. |
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| Source: | Journal of the Sports Turf Research Institute. Vol. 66, June 1990, p. 180. |
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| Publishing Information: | Bingley, England: Sports Turf Research Institute |
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| Keywords: | TIC Keywords: Genetic diversity; Biodiversity; Nature conservation; Drainage; Herbicides; Amenity grasslands; Seeding; Conservation; Grassland management
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| Abstract/Contents: | "One of the prime objectives of conserving nature is to preserve genetic diversity. On a global scale, this means avoiding the extinction of species and varieties of plants and animals. At the more parochial level at which most of us are obliged to operate, it can be less clear exactly how to pursue this objective. How do amenity grasslands contribute towards preservation of genetic diversity? Grasslands in agricultural use are tending to contain fewer and fewer plant species, and consequently to support an impoverished fauna. The major reasons include reseeding and increased fertility, with factors such as drainage, herbicides, early cutting and increased stocking densities playing a part. Most lowland grassland now has a flora limited to a few sown species together with a small number of common 'weeds'. Species rich swards are something of a rarity and many of the remaining ones are specially protected by nature conservation designations. A dichotomy is developing between mainstream intensive agricultural grasslands on the one hand and conservation grasslands on the other hand. Amenity grasslands are not subject to the same pressures. Herbage production is not at a premium and indeed may even be a disadvantage. Amenity grasslands are of course immensely varied, At one extreme are the intensively managed sports pitches and greens. The paramount need for a uniform hard wearing well drained turf indicates that these are normally species poor and contribute little to conservation. Towards the other extreme and far more significant in overall area, there is a whole array of ornamental or functional grasslands. It includes lawns, golf course rough and fairway, public parks, play areas, road verges and protected archaeological sites. Much of the open hill and coastal land in the British Isles, although maintained by grazing rather than mowing, could also be classed amenity grassland. In these areas of dunes and heath, moorland and downland, scenery and recreation are often of greater value to society than a marginal agriculture sustained by subsidy. These diverse amenity grasslands are not places where the type of usage warrants a high level of inputs. Some heterogeneity in the swards is acceptable, or even desirable. Many of them have botanically rich swards and support a rich and varied grassland fauna. The declining wildlife interest of agricultural grassland has prompted an interest in creating new botanically rich grasslands by seeding. There are problems in obtaining seed from appropriate sources and in establishing many of the demanding species. Nevertheless it is possible, given the right management, to create swards which are extremely colourful in summer and will within a few years develop a respectable grassland fauna. These new wild flower meadows have a valuable role at the popular end of the conservation spectrum, though they are no substitute for the richest ancient grasslands. It is clearly no longer adequate to rely on agriculture alone to maintain the genetic diversity of grasslands. A few areas can be managed as nature reserves using outdated agricultural practices to conserve special habitats. But it is to the broad range of amenity and dual function grasslands that we must increasingly look for the main role in conserving our grassland flora and fauna." |
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| Language: | English |
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| References: | 0 |
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| Note: | This item is an abstract only! |
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| ASA/CSSA/SSSA Citation (Crop Science-Like - may be incomplete):
Faulkner, J. S. 1990. Amenity grassland--a conservation perspective. J. Sports Turf Res. Inst. 66:p. 180. |
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| Web URL(s):
https://stri.lib.msu.edu/vol66-1990/sptri90066177.html
Last checked: 02/2003
Notes: Available to TGIF and STRI users
https://stri.lib.msu.edu/vol66-1990/pdf/sptri90066177.pdf
Last checked: 02/2003
Requires: PDF Reader
Notes: Available to TGIF and STRI users |
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MSU catalog number: SB 433 .A1 S63 |
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