Grassland science includes all aspects of the conservation, improvement and utilization of natural and established pastures.
Grassland scientists answer questions such as how often, how severely and at what time of the year should pasture plants be stripped of their leaves, how many animals can be kept on a certain pastureland and whether it is necessary to put up fences and make camps.
Pasturelands are becoming more and more important due to the increasing demand for food and raw materials, not only because of a weak economy but also because plant topping forms the basis of soil conservation. Besides natural grasslands, cultivated grasslands play an important role in stabilizing and enhancing animal production.
Grassland scientists have a thorough knowledge of the ecological and physiological principles of pasture utilisation and the practical application of management principles, aimed at the maintenance, effective utilization and recovery of natural and cultivated pastures.
The physical and biological planning of a farm must be done in accordance with the principles of grassland science. Pasture programmes for the different livestock must be planned and implemented.
South Africa has more than 70 main veldt types, all of which have their own characteristics as dictated by climate and type of soil, and each has its own specific management requirements. Grassland scientists continually search for additional forage species, which are suitable for local conditions as cultivated pastures. They also try to improve indigenous material and cultivate new varieties.
Satisfying Aspects
- working both outdoors and indoors
- challenge of finding solutions to ecological problems
- making a difference in animal nutrition
Demanding aspects
- working outdoors in adverse weather conditions
- failures in research projects such as new grass hybrids
- frustration when trying to improve awareness, such as of how the overstocking of goats, for example, causes desertification
Requirements
- love of nature and the outdoors
- interest in ecology and conservation
- able to communicate well
- inquisitive and problem-solving skills
- aptitude for natural sciences
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences
Recommended Subjects: Life Sciences, Geography
Training
Degree: Agricultural subjects are offered at UKZN, UFS, UL, UP, NMMU, UNISA, UV, UZ, UFH, NWU, US. Grassland Science - UKZN.
Subjects include Ecology, Taxonomy, Genetics, Pasture Evaluation Techniques, Applied Field Management and Plant Physiology. Microbiology and Statistics are also recommended.
Diploma: Other courses which enable the students to do work of grassland scientifical nature are the N.Dip. Nature Conservation - CPUT, TUT
Employer
- Department of Agriculture, especially the Roodeplaat Grassland Institute
- National Parks Board and different sections of Nature Conservation
- cooperatives
- manufacturers of fertilizers
- seed growers
- mining companies
- commercial banks
- educational institutions.
- self-employment, as private consultant
Contact
Agricultural Research Council
P O Box 8783
Pretoria, 0001
Tel: (012) 427 9700 Fax: (012) 342 3948
www.arc.agric.za