"The book not only has distinguished scientists at its helm but also in the list of contributing authors from Europe, Australasia, North and South America...Compiling the newest grassland science, key features of the book are that it: assesses latest research on how grasslands function; surveys best sustainable grassland management; and considers wider aspects of sustainability such as ecosystem services and biodiversity." Grass and Forage Manager - British Grassland Society"The comprehensiveness of the book will make it extremely useful for grassland and pasture students. In addition, it has value for anyone interested in a wide range of aspects of cultivated grasslands...it is a valuable source of information on cultivated grasslands in a single book with a good balance between detail and subjects covered."African Journal of Range and Forage ScienceThe shift to more intensive livestock system has put more pressure on grasslands used for pasture. At the same time, there is a greater understanding of the role of grasslands in delivering a range of ecosystems services. This volume reviews the range of research on more sustainable use of grasslands to optimise livestock nutrition whilst protecting biodiversity and delivering a range of broader environmental benefits.Part 1 assesses grassland functions and dynamics, including plant-soil and plant-animal interactions. Part 2 reviews key aspects of grassland management, including sowing, soil health, irrigation and weed control as well as monitoring. The final part of the book considers wider aspects of sustainability such as protecting biodiversity as well as silage processing.With its distinguished editors and international team of subject experts, this will be a standard reference for grassland and rangeland scientists, livestock producers, government and non-governmental organisations responsible for grassland management.

Part 1 Grassland functions and dynamics1.The role of grasslands in biogeochemical cycles and biodiversity conservation: O. Huguenin-Elie, Agroscope, Switzerland; L. Delaby and K. Klumpp, INRA, France; S. Lemauviel-Lavenant, INRA and Université de Caen Normandie, France; and J. Ryschawy and R. Sabatier, INRA, France; 2.The role of pasture in the diet of ruminant livestock: Michael R. F. Lee, University of Bristol, UK and Rothamsted Research, UK; M. Jordana Rivero, Rothamsted Research, UK; and John W. Cone, Wageningen University, The Netherlands; 3.Plant-animal interactions in grazing systems: D. F. Chapman, DairyNZ Lincoln, New Zealand and W. M. Griffiths, Hamilton, New Zealand; 4.Grazing management for sustainable grazing systems: Lilian Elgalise Techio Pereira and Sila Carneiro da Silva, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil; Cory Matthew and Ignacio F. López, Massey University, New Zealand; and André Fischer Sbrissia, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Brazil; Part 2 Management of grasslands5.Planning and sowing grasslands: David B. Hannaway and Linda J. Brewer, Oregon State University, USA; Steve Fransen, Washington State University, USA; and Glenn Shewmaker, Shannon Williams and Sarah Baker, University of Idaho, USA; 6.Managing grassland for forage production: an overview: Deirdre Hennessy, Teagasc, Ireland; 7.Managing grassland systems to optimise livestock farming: J. L. Peyraud, L. Delaby and R. Delagarde, INRA-Agrocampus Ouest, France; 8.Persistence and yield stability of temperate grassland legumes for sustainable animal production: F. Ortega, L. Inostroza and C. Moscoso, Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, Chile; and L. Parra and A. Quiroz, Universidad de La Frontera, Chile; 9.Balancing pasture productivity with environmental and animal health requirements: D. R. Woodfield, Grasslands Research Centre, New Zealand; and H. G. Judson, Kimihia Research Centre, New Zealand;10.Managing soil health for grassland: D. Barker, The Ohio State University, USA; 11.Management of water resources for grasslands: Jean L. Steiner, Pradeep Wagle and Prasanna Gowda, Grazing Lands Research Laboratory - USDA-ARS, USA; 12.Biological weed control in temperate grasslands; Graeme W. Bourdôt and Michael G. Cripps, AgResearch Limited, New Zealand;13.Restoring degraded grasslands: Llewellyn L. Manske, North Dakota State University, USA; 14.Advances in remote sensing for monitoring grassland and forage production; Michael Wachendorf, University of Kassel, Germany;Part 3 Sustainability and wider uses of grasslands15.Research challenges in adapting grasslands to climate change: Richard Kipling, Aberystwyth University, UK; 16.Protecting biodiversity in grasslands: J. Isselstein, University of Göttingen, Germany; 17.Advances in feeding grass silage: Pekka Huhtanen, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden; 18.Use of grassland for bioenergy and biorefining: Ulrich Thumm, University of Hohenheim, Germany; 19.Organic grassland: Thomas F. Doring and Ulrich Köpke, University of Bonn, Germany