1. Expert session grassland
Gerard Velthof

2. Set-up of discussion session
Discussion about the topics and questions in the short questionnaire
Suggestions for the more detailed questionnaire about grasslands (March/April)

3. Short questionaire Topics Grassland classification systems
Grasslands in calculation of gross nitrogen and phosphorus balances
Estimate of grassland yields
Estimate of biological N fixation
Scales

4. Results
21 responses, from which 3 countries were not yet able to fill in the questionnaire

5. Grassland classification; sources of information
Many Statistical sources
Farm Structural Survey (FSS) , Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN), Eurostat Crop Statistics, FAOSTAT, Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS), LUCAS, UNFCCC, OECD, Economy-wide material flow accounts (EW-MFA), Pasture Knowledge Base (PASK) , FAO country pasture profiles, High Nature Value farmland
Remote sensing based sources
GlobCover, GLC2000, CORINE/CLC, GIO HR grassland, Geoland2 HR Grassland

6. Grassland classification: first impression

7. Q1
Is it feasible to develop one grassland classification system for all these purposes or are several classification systems needed.
0 One classification system
0 Classification according FSS/crop statistics
0 Other existing system, please explain ……
0 New classification system required
0 More classification systems are needed

8. Is it feasible to develop one grassland classification system for all these purposes or are several classification systems needed.

9. Q2 Which kind of classifications are used in your country? How many?
Which criteria are they based on?

10. Q2 Which kind of classifications are used in your country?
Most countries: FSS/Crop statistics

11. Q3
Is there a specific national grassland survey organised in your country?
If yes, on which parameters are included and how often is it repeated?

12. Q3
Is there a specific national grassland survey organised in your country?
About 10 countries

13. Grasslands in gross N and P balance
The grassland area considered in nutrient balance can largely affect the calculated surplus on a hectare basis
Example: N balance with and without rough grazing area

14. Q4
Which type of permanent grasslands are included in the calculation of gross nitrogen and phosphorus balances in your country?
0 Grasslands of FSS/FADN classification:
0 Permanent grassland and meadow: all categories
0 Permanent grassland and meadow excluding rough grazing and Permanent grassland no longer used for production purposes
0 Permanent grassland and meadow excluding rough grazing
0 Other …

15. Which type of permanent grasslands are included in the calculation of gross nitrogen and phosphorus balances in your country?

16. Estimates of yields and nutrient contents
Many methods available
Measurements
Estimates
Modelling
Feed balance calculations
Remote sensing
Chemical analyses

17. Q5 How are grassland yields estimated in your country?
0 Estimates by experts
0 Default values from literature
0 Measurements (harvests)
0 Use of remote sensing
0 Results of a crop model
0 Estimates using feed balance calculation
0 Other ………

18. How are grassland yields estimated in your country?
Most countries use several methods

19. Q6
How are nitrogen and phosphorus contents in grass estimated in your country?
0 Estimates by experts
0 Default values from literature
0 Measurements
0 Derived from measured protein and phosphorus contents of grass
0 Other …….

20. How are nitrogen and phosphorus contents in grass estimated in your country?
Some countries use several methods

21. Biological nitrogen fixation
Biological N fixation may be a significant sources of input of N in grasslands (up to more than 100 kg N/ha/yr)
How to determine N fixation?

22. Q7
Is biological N fixation included in the N balance calculations of your country? If yes, how is the biological N fixation estimated?
0 No
0 Yes
0 Estimates by experts
0 Default values from literature
0 Measurements
0 Model calculations
0 Other ……

23. Is biological N fixation included in the N balance calculations of your country?
Some countries use several methods
(grassland – arable land)

24. Scales
Yields are dependent on soil type, climate, and other environmental factors
Both spatial and temporal variations in yields can be high?
Should these variations be taking into account?
How?

25. Q8 On what temporal scale is the grassland yield estimated?
0 Annual basis
0 No temporal scale; every year the same value
0 Other …..

26. On what temporal scale is the grassland yield estimated?

27. Q9 On what spatial scale is the grassland yield estimated?
0 National scale (NUTS 0)
0 Regional scale NUTS II
0 Farm scale
0 Field scale
0 Other ……

28. On what spatial scale is the grassland yield estimated?
Some countries: different scales

29. Questionnaire about grasslands
A more detailed questionnaire will be sent in March/April to members of the working group “Agriculture and Environment”, the working party on “Crop production statistics” and grassland experts
Suggestions for topics and questions?
Experts or contact persons (name, institution, address and ):

30. Contact Gerard Velthof Alterra, Wageningen UR
P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen
tel

31. Thank you