The concept of grasslands as a global resource is not new. Indeed many recognised authorities have been canvassing for a global approach to understanding, managing and exploiting this resource for many years. This is the first book that gathers together leading experts from around the world to outline our current understanding of this complex ecosystem, the ways in which it can be enhanced and utilised and where the research challenges are for the future. The following themes unite the book:
- Efficient production from grassland;
- Grassland and the environment;
- Delivering the benefits from grassland.

The reader is given an in depth understanding of the biology of the system and how grasslands are crucial for soil stabilisation and water quality. Secondly, much attention is given to how grasslands offer the possibility of increasing food supply and income generation, which is a hugely important but often ignored facet in today's climate of extensification and biodiversity. Current advances in the grassland sciences have a proven potential to promote the economic development and environmental stability of regions, nations and peoples, particularly in some of the most resource-limited areas of the world. Approaches for achieving the most effective development and adoption of new technology are reviewed.

Other publications related to the XX International Grassland Congress:

Utilisation of grazed grass in temperate animal systems
Edited by J. Murphy

Silage production and utilization
Edited by R.S. Park, C.S. Mayne and T.W.J. Keady

Molecular breeding for the genetic improvement of forage crops and turf
Edited by M. Humphreys

Pastoral systems in marginal environments
Edited by J.A. Milne

Optimisation of nutrient cycling and soil quality for sustainable grasslands
Edited by S.C. Jarvis, P.J. Murray and J.A. Roker

XX International Grassland Congress - Offered papers
Edited by F.P. O'Mara