Grassland Utilization Agricultural Classification System by Ruthenberg.

The Grassland Utilization Agricultural Classification System by Ruthenberg is a method of categorizing and classifying different types of grasslands based on their utilization for agricultural purposes. This system takes into account factors such as climate, soil type, topography, and vegetation cover to determine the most suitable agricultural practices for each type of grassland.

The classification system divides grasslands into several categories, including natural grasslands, improved grasslands, and degraded grasslands. Natural grasslands are those that have not been significantly altered by human activity and are typically used for grazing livestock. Improved grasslands have been cultivated and managed to increase productivity, often through the use of fertilizers, irrigation, and other agricultural practices. Degraded grasslands are those that have been overgrazed or otherwise damaged, resulting in reduced productivity and biodiversity.

By classifying grasslands according to their agricultural potential, the Ruthenberg system helps farmers and land managers make informed decisions about how to best utilize and manage these valuable resources. This can help to improve productivity, sustainability, and biodiversity in grassland ecosystems, ultimately benefiting both farmers and the environment.

Grassland Utilization Agricultural Classification System by Ruthenberg (1980)

Class 1: Perennial Grasslands

- Dominated by perennial grasses
- Used for grazing year-round
- Subclasses:
- Steppe grasslands (dry, open grasslands with scattered trees)
- Savanna grasslands (grasslands with scattered trees or shrubs)

Class 2: Seasonal Grasslands

- Dominated by perennial grasses
- Used for grazing during specific seasons
- Subclasses:
- Wet season grasslands (grazing during the rainy season)
- Dry season grasslands (grazing during the dry season)

Class 3: Grass-Shrub Savannas

- Mix of grasses and shrubs
- Used for grazing and browsing
- Subclasses:
- Open grass-shrub savannas (sparse vegetation cover)
- Dense grass-shrub savannas (dense vegetation cover)

Class 4: Grass-Forest Transition

- Mix of grasses and forest
- Used for grazing and forest products
- Subclasses:
- Grass-woodland savannas (open grass cover with scattered trees)
- Grass-forest mosaics (grasslands interspersed with forest patches)

Class 5: Semi-Deserts and Deserts

- Arid or semi-arid areas with sparse vegetation
- Used for grazing of drought-tolerant animals
- Subclasses:
- Desert grasslands (grazing during the few rainy months)
- Semi-desert grasslands (grazing during the brief rainy season)

Class 6: Floodplains and Wetlands

- Areas with periodic flooding or waterlogging
- Used for grazing during the dry season
- Subclasses:
- Floodplain grasslands (grazing during the dry season)
- Wetland grasslands (grazing during the dry season)

Class 7: Other Grasslands

- Grasslands that do not fit into other classes
- May include grasslands on steep slopes, rocky areas, or with high rainfall
- Subclasses:
- Mountain grasslands (grazing on mountain slopes)
- Stony grasslands (grazing on rocky areas)
- High rainfall grasslands (grazing in areas with high annual rainfall)