Agrostology
Definition
- Agrostology is the science of grasses, dealing with their classification, identification, distribution, ecology, management, and utilization.
- The term comes from Greek: Agrostis (grass) + logos (study).
- It includes forage and pasture management, essential for livestock-based farming systems.
Scope of Agrostology
- Taxonomy of Grasses → classification & identification.
- Pasture Science → study of natural grazing lands.
- Forage Agronomy → cultivation & management of fodder crops.
- Grassland Ecology → interaction of grasses with environment.
- Grassland Management → improvement of grazing lands for livestock production.
Importance of Agrostology
- For Agriculture
- Provides fodder and pasture for cattle, sheep, goats, etc.
- Improves soil fertility (many grasses are deep-rooted and recycle nutrients).
- Prevents soil erosion by binding soil particles.
- Used in crop rotations for maintaining soil health.
- For Livestock Economy
- About 80% of cattle feed in India comes from grasses & forage.
- Basis for dairy, meat, and wool industries.
- Improves animal health & productivity.
- For Ecology
- Helps in carbon sequestration.
- Conserves biodiversity in grassland ecosystems.
- Maintains ecological balance in arid and semi-arid zones.
Branches of Agrostology
- Forage Agronomy → cultivation of fodder crops like sorghum, maize, cowpea, berseem.
- Pasture Agronomy → natural and sown pasture management.
- Range Management → improvement of grazing lands in arid/semi-arid regions.
- Grassland Ecology → structure, composition, productivity of grasslands.
Types of Grasslands in India
(According to Dabadghao & Shankarnarayan, 1973)
- Sehima–Dichanthium type → Central India.
- Dichanthium–Cenchrus–Lasiurus type → Arid and semi-arid regions (Rajasthan, Gujarat).
- Phragmites–Saccharum–Imperata type → Humid regions, river basins.
- Themeda–Arundinella type → Himalayan foothills.
- Temperate–Alpine grasslands → Himalayan high-altitudes.
Status of Grasslands in India
- Total grazing land: ~12 Mha (common property resources).
- About 45% of India’s geographical area is under some form of grassland/pasture/forest grazing.
- India’s per capita grazing land availability is very low (<0.1 ha/person).
- Overgrazing is the biggest threat → leads to degradation.
Key Facts for ASRB NET
- Agrostology = Science of grasses.
- Founder of Indian Agrostology: Dr. J.S. Dabadghao & Dr. Shankarnarayan (1973 grassland classification).
- Important fodder grasses in India:
- Cenchrus ciliaris (buffel grass) – arid areas.
- Dichanthium annulatum – semi-arid zones.
- Setaria sphacelata – humid tropics.
- Stylosanthes spp. (legume for pasture improvement).
- National Institute for Grassland and Fodder Research (IGFRI, Jhansi, UP) is the apex body.
Facts on Agrostology
- Meaning: Agrostology = Science of Grasses (Greek: Agrostis = grass, logos = study).
- Founder of Indian Agrostology: J.S. Dabadghao & Dr. Shankarnarayan (1973) → Classified Indian grasslands into 5 types.
- Institutes: IGFRI (Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute), Jhansi → Apex body for research in grasses, pastures, and fodder crops.
- Extent: India has ~12 Mha permanent grazing land, but nearly 45% land supports grazing in some form. Per capita grazing land availability in India is <0.1 ha, among the lowest in the world.
- Productivity: Average productivity of Indian grasslands is 1–2 t dry matter/ha/year, which is very low.
- Major Threats: Overgrazing, deforestation, shifting cultivation, urbanization, and land degradation.
- Fodder deficit in India:
- 35% green fodder deficit,
- 10% dry fodder deficit,
- 35% concentrate feed deficit (as per IGFRI reports).
- Key Fodder Grasses:
- Cenchrus ciliaris (buffel grass) – arid/semi-arid.
- Dichanthium annulatum – semi-arid zones.
- Saccharum munja, Imperata cylindrica – river basins.
- Setaria sphacelata – humid tropics.
- Functions of grasses:
- Prevent soil erosion.
- Support livestock economy (India has ~20% world’s livestock but <2% world’s grazing land).
- Carbon sequestration and ecological stability.
