This book brings together information on the contrasting characteristics, condition, present use and problems of the world's main natural grasslands. Since grassland is commercialized through the grazing animal, particular attention is paid to the livestock production systems associated with each main type. Grazing resources are more than simply edible herbage: many other factors have to be taken into account, notably water in all areas, and shelter in winter-cold climates. Seasonality of forage supply is a characteristic of almost all grazing lands, so the strategies for dealing with lean seasons are described. The main problems of each type are mentioned and possible strategies for their sustainable management discussed - taking into account their multiple functions, not only livestock production. The book is primarily aimed at agricultural scientists, educationalists, extensionists and decision-makers with interests in responsible use of extensive grasslands.

The Forest & Agricultural Sector Optimization Model (FASOM) is a dynamic, nonlinear programming model of the forest & agricultural sectors in the U.S. The FASOM model initially was developed to evaluate welfare & market impacts of alternative policies for sequestering carbon in trees but also has been applied to a wider range of forest & agricultural sector policy scenarios. This report describes the model structure & gives selected examples of policy applications. A summary of the data sources, input data file format, & the methods used to develop the input data files also are provided.