The objectives of the course ‘Range Management’ are to introduce basic concepts of rangelands, its importance and management. At the end of the course, the student must be able to identify range plants, to calculate carrying capacity of rangeland, to suggest proper stocking rate and distribution of live stock on the range lands. The students must also be able to use various instruments used for range vegetation analysis.

The students will be able to learn about the important features of rangelands of the country and their management requirement according to their ecological needs. Students will also be able to identify the range vegetation types, their preservation and quantitative analysis.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

The students will be able to learn about the important features of rangelands of the country and their management requirement according to their ecological needs. Students will also be able to identify the range vegetation types, their preservation and quantitative analysis.

COURSE CONTENTS

1. Introduction. Definition and importance of Rangeland and Range resources of Pakistan (Description, distribution, status, constraints etc.)
2. Principles of Range Management: Proper stocking and their distribution (kind, number) and season of grazing.
3. Grazing effects on plant morphology and physiology.
4. Range vegetation analysis.

a.   Basic Concepts: Animal unit (AU), Animal Unit Month (AUM), Range Frequency, Range Trend, Frequency of use, Intensity of use. Vegetation Preference.

b.   Measurement of Vegetation: Estimation of grazing/carrying capacity. Range condition, range trend and range utilization.

1. Grazing Systems: Seasonal/yearlong grazing. Rotational grazing. Deferred grazing. Deferred-rotational grazing. Rest-rotation grazing. Nomadic and semi-nomadic grazing. Integrated range land management.
2. Range Improvement Techniques: Importance of range improvement. Artificial reseeding. Site selection. Seeding methods. Calculation of seed rate for artificial reseeding. Water Development. Water spreading. Sand dune fixation. Salting. Fencing. Herding. Range fertilization. Control of undesirable and poisonous plants.

READINGS

• Quraishi, M. A. A., G.S. Khan and M. S. Yaqoob. Range Management in Pakistan. (University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. 1993).
• Quraishi, M. A. A. Basics of Forestry and Allied Sciences. (A-one publishers, Lahore. 2012).
• Holechek, J. et al. Range Management, Principles and Practices. (Prentice Hall, Inc. Newberry. USA. 1989).

  Assessment Criteria

• Mid Term Exam: 12
• Sessional: 08 (Assignment + Presentation)
• Final Exam: 20
• Practical Exam: 20
• Total Marks: 60

Time table Classes

Wednesday Time: 12:10-1:00

Thursday Time: 11:20-12:10

Friday Time: 11:20-1:00