Grassland Ecology & Management (BS)
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Description
This major focuses on the management of rangeland, the world's most abundant type of land. About 45 percent of the world's land area and half of Nebraska's is classified as rangeland. These are ecosystems made up primarily of grassland that involve complex relationships among plants, animals, microorganisms, and nonliving factors such as soil, water and climate.
The program is offered through the School of Natural Resources, where students will study basic sciences, natural resources and range science. Specialized courses may include forage crop and range management, range management and improvement, wildlife biology and conservation, range ecosystems, integrated resource management, range plants and rangeland analysis.
Rangelands have many uses, most commonly as a forage base for the large livestock industry. Proper range management is essential for sustaining livestock systems, biodiversity, wildlife habitat, quality recreation areas and watershed integrity. Effective range management conserves renewable resources and is a promising career dedicated to the sustenance of a crucial ecological system.