Forage Legumes for Temperate Grasslands, by J. FRAME, xviii+309 pp. Enfield (NH) USA:Science Publishers Inc. and Rome: Food and Agriculture of the United Nations (2005). US$59(paperback) ISBNs (SPI):1-57808-3 and (FAO)92-5-105043-0.doi:10.1017/S0021859606226054
There is increasing interest amongst agronomists and livestock specialists in increasing the role of legumes to support ruminant production. The nitrogen (N)-fixing potential of legume crops and their often superior feed value compared with grass, and cost advantages compared with using artificial N fertilizers and feed grains, has led many researchers to the view that global agriculture will become increasingly dependent on exploiting legume-based forages. At present relatively few forage legume species are grown on significant areas ? Lucerne (alfalfa), red clover and white clover are the most well known, and varieties of these have been bred for a range of geographical and environmental conditions ? but there are many other related genera and species whose characteristics and agricultural potential are little understood. While there has been considerable progress with breeding and agronomic evaluation in recent years, much of this information remains relatively inaccessible. The author of this book, an acknowledged authority on the subject, is to be congratulated on having thoroughly researched the international literature, including numerous conference proceedings and technical reports, to provide a useful reference source on the range of forage legumes that are grown in the world?s temperate zones. The temperate range here includes Mediterranean and some other seasonally dry areas as well as mid-latitude maritime zones. The first 50 pages comprise a series of short chapters giving concise and well-referenced background information on legume plant biology, including germination, N-fixation, and aspects of agronomy such as establishment, nutrient requirements, weeds and pest/disease problems, feed value and utilization. This section alone is a useful introduction, particularly for students new to the subject. The main part of the book profiles over 35legume species, including 15 species of Trifolium, and others including species of Lotus, Galega, Hedysarum,Onobrychis, Astragalus, Ornithopus and Vicia. Many of these are currently of minor agricultural importance; for some there is very limited information available, while others have been the subject of considerable research effort, leading to inevitable differences in detail for the species profiled. Descriptions of each species include growth characteristics, breeding and varieties, agronomy, nutritive value, utilization and animal performance, and their main attributes and shortcomings. Colour photographs of each species are included. Over 700references will guide the reader to original sources for more detailed information. The book is primarily a reference book, reasonably priced, and one which addresses the needs of a potentially large international community. Students, researchers, educationists, consultants and advisers seeking information on any one of the species covered will find here an invaluable starting point, and perhaps gain inspiration for investigating the many knowledge gaps that currently contribute to the under-use of legumes in world agriculture.
A. HOPKINS