Because of the long life of a coconut palm--sixty to eighty years--and the relatively wide spacing the plants require, every coconut grower faces the problem of how to manage the land beneath the palms. Many of the small-scale farmers who manage over 90 percent of the 6 million hectares of coconut palms in the world have learned that raising cattle or other livestock under the palms can be profitable, as well as an effective method of controlling weeds. This book reviews current knowledge on this productive farming system, drawing on research results and experiences of successful farmers. Well illustrated with photographs from producing areas, the book includes information on the management of both natural (unimproved) and improved pastures.

The purpose of this book is to provide an introduction to the subject for college and university students, to serve as a "state of the art" reference for researchers and provide information and ideas of practical use to extension workers, plantation managers and progressive smallholders. the material presented is a mixture of basic principles and practical ideas. An extensive bibliography is included

This book looks at significant current grassland problems and issues, and provides an insight into grassland productivity in diverse areas of the world, with their various production systems. There is a focus on recent technical advances and the prospects for further innovation, through twenty-one chapters by eminent grassland scientists, grouped i

Identifying and naming Brachiaria species. Morphology, taxonomy, and natural distribution of Brachiaria (Trin.) Griseb. Natural variation in Brachiaria and existing germplasm collections. The agronomy and physiology of Brachiaria species. National requirementes of Brachiaria and adaptation to acid soils. Nutrient cycling and environmental impact of Brachiaria Pastures. Pests and diseases of Brachiaria species. Nutritional quality and animal production of Brachiaria pastures. Reproductive physiology, seed production, and seed quality of Brachiaria. Seed production: perspective from the Brazilian private sector. Genetic, cytogenetics, and reproductive biology of Brachiaria. Manipulation of apomixis in Brachiaria breeding. Theoretical potential of biotechniques in crop improvement. Aplication of biothecnology to Brachiaria. Regional experience with Brachiaria: Tropical America-humid lowlands. Regional experience with Brachiaria: Tropical America-savannas. Regional experience with Brachiaria: Sub-savannas Africa. Regional experience with Brachiaria: Asia, the South Pacific, and Australia. Reports of working groups.