Environmental Services Derived From Forages and Their Management Systems.

Perennial grasses, forbs, and legumes have numerous ecological attributes to support robust and resilient ecosystems, whether these occur as native prairies, naturalized grasslands, or managed forage systems.  Some of these attributes include, biomass production; air purification and climate regulation through greenhouse gas exchange; soil formation and retention; water cycling, quality, and infiltration; nutrient cycling; habitat provision; aesthetic experience; recreation; and reflection.  Some of these ecosystem attributes, particularly soil organic carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling, will be explored and identified in this presentation for further key research investigation and development of resource-efficient, sustainable agricultural systems.