Herbage refers to the green, leafy parts of non-woody, herbaceous plants found in various landscapes, from natural fields to cultivated pastures. This plant material forms a significant part of many ecosystems and plays various roles in nature and agriculture.
What Exactly Is Herbage?
This category includes a diverse range of plant types, such as grasses, legumes like clover, and forbs, which are broad-leaved plants that are neither grasses nor legumes. These plants commonly grow in fields, meadows, and pastures, forming a layer of vegetation close to the ground.
Herbage’s Place in Nature
Herbage contributes to maintaining healthy soils by preventing erosion and adding organic matter as plants decompose. Their root systems help bind soil particles, reducing the impact of wind and water, thus limiting soil loss. When herbage dies, it adds carbon and other organic compounds to the soil, which feeds microorganisms and improves soil structure.
This vegetation also supports a wide array of life, providing habitat and food for various wildlife, insects, and microorganisms. Diverse plant species within herbage offer different food sources for herbivores, while dense growth provides shelter for small animals and nesting sites for birds. Additionally, herbage plays a role in nutrient cycling, as soil organisms decompose plant matter, transforming nutrients into forms available for new plant growth. For example, nitrogen-fixing bacteria associated with legume roots contribute to the nitrogen cycle, making this element available in the soil.
The Importance of Herbage to Livestock and Farming
Herbage serves as the primary forage for grazing animals such as cattle, sheep, and horses, forming a significant portion of their diet. In agricultural systems, herbage is grazed directly in pastures or harvested and preserved as hay or silage to feed livestock during periods of low forage availability. The quality and quantity of herbage directly influence animal performance, including milk production in dairy cows and weight gain in beef cattle.
The economic value of herbage in livestock farming is substantial, as it often represents a low-cost feed source compared to purchased supplements. Farmers consider the costs associated with producing and managing various forage species to optimize their farm’s profitability. Cultivated forage crops, largely grasses and legumes, are the main source of nutrition for most ruminant livestock in developing countries, contributing to the supply of meat and milk.