Natural Resources and Energy Paper Robert Huitt, Rocharda Carter, Roxabel Perez Garcia, Salatethia Thomas, and Stephanie Lowe SCI 256 William Okrepkie April 13, 2015

Large open areas of grass or plants that are similar to grass are considered to be grasslands. The majority of time trees are not found in grasslands because grasslands tend to be too dry in an environment. Rainfall is the primary source of water, and the absorption occurs through the roots of the grass. The roots are extensive and yield multiple networks and modified photosynthesis. Multiplication of the grass occurs by pollen being excreted from wind or additional plants growing from the roots. During a period, grasslands accounted for over 42% of Earth. European settlers considered grasslands "prairies," which is French for "grassland." There are two main categories of grasslands which are Tropical Savannah and Temperate Grassland. These two are in areas that have hot summers and little rainfall. Africa, Australia, South America and Indonesia are where you can find Tropical Savannah Grasslands. Prairies or Steppes are other names used for Temperate Grassland.

Grasslands are among the largest ecosystems in the world. Their area is estimated at fifty- two point five million. Square kilometers (Forages Information Systems, 2009). In actual practice, grassland agriculture includes the proper use of legumes as well as grasses. Grasses and legumes are used to feed livestock, support wildlife, and maintain land resources in good condition. Grasslands occupy about one- half the total land in the contiguous forty- eight states and, therefore, deserve attention and proper utilization by everyone concerned with and stewardship of the earth (Forages Information Systems, 2009).

Integrating grassland agriculture into a farming system provides a number of significant benefits to farmers