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Forage-Based Production Systems

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Introduction to Agroecology
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Abstract

Forage crops are grown to feed animals in the form of pasture, hay, and silage. They cover more land than any other type of agricultural crop. Forages are important components of healthy agroecosystems by providing benefits beyond feed for animals. They play a significant role in maintaining healthy, sustainable agroecosystems for long-term stability both economically and environmentally.

“The agriculture we seek will act like an ecosystem, feature material recycling and run on the contemporary sunlight of our star.”

—Wes Jackson

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Correspondence to Nancy Mclean .

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Mclean, N. (2020). Forage-Based Production Systems. In: Caldwell, C., Wang, S. (eds) Introduction to Agroecology. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-8836-5_13

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