Introduction to the Department of Pasture, Meadow and Forage Crops

The Department of Pasture, Meadow and Forage Crops is an academic unit within the Department of Field Crops that conducts education, teaching, research, and extension activities. Established in 2002, the department offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs.

The department currently has a total of four academic staff members, including two Professors and two Assistant Professors. It consists of three sub-disciplines: Forage Crop Production and Breeding, Pasture and Rangeland Management and Improvement, and Turfgrass Science and Green Area Establishment.

Pastures and rangelands are not only areas that provide the cheapest source of roughage for livestock, but also possess numerous ecological functions. The natural vegetation of grasslands contributes significantly to biodiversity in our country. These areas harbor wild species that serve as important genetic resources. They also provide habitats for many living organisms, supporting feeding, sheltering, and reproduction. Furthermore, grasslands play a crucial role in maintaining and improving soil fertility, preventing soil erosion, and protecting water resources. Despite these important functions, rangelands have been neglected for many years.

Within the department, courses are designed to teach students the fundamental principles of proper rangeland management, as well as practical knowledge on rangeland improvement techniques and artificial pasture establishment.

Forage crops play a vital role in animal nutrition. They are also valuable plants that contribute to soil and water conservation, can be included in crop rotation systems, and improve the yield of subsequent crops. Suitable forage species can be grown successfully in all regions of our country and should be included in agricultural production planning. Türkiye is also an important center of origin for many forage species. Therefore, it is our responsibility to properly recognize and effectively cultivate these crops.

Courses offered in the department cover in detail the importance, cultivation practices, growth requirements, diseases and pests, feed values, breeding methods, and livestock significance of important forage plants. These include legumes (such as alfalfa, clover, sainfoin, vetch, pea, bitter vetch, birdsfoot trefoil, lupin, chickpea vetch, etc.), grasses (such as maize, sorghum, smooth brome, orchardgrass, turfgrass species, bluegrass, fescues, etc.), and other plant families (such as burnet, fodder beet, buckwheat, phacelia, forage rapeseed, fodder turnip, etc.).

The Department of Pasture, Meadow and Forage Crops adopts a practice- and project-oriented education system. Numerous research projects are conducted in both forage crops, rangeland management, and turfgrass science. Aiming to meet the nutritional needs of livestock through natural and environmentally friendly methods, the department contributes to sustainable agriculture and livestock production by training qualified agricultural engineers who are committed to eco-friendly farming practices.