Course Content
PPS 460: 2 crdt hrs (1+1)
Dynamics of vegetation changes under grazing. Rangeland sampling and measurements (cover, density, frequency, abundance), range site characterization. Estimation of rangeland carrying capacity. Setting stocking rates. Determination of utilization. Evaluation of rangeland condition and trend. Palatability measurement. Evaluation of forage nutrient content.
Textbook
Refrences 
Bonham, C.D. (1989). Measurements for terrestrial vegetation. John Wiley and Sons, Inc. New York, N.Y.
Kent, M. and P. Coker. (1992). Vegetation description and analysis. Belhaven Press, London
Readings
Vegetation Measurment handouts طرق المسح الحقلي
The Importance of Monitoring.doc
Presentations
Vegetation 1 الغطاء النباتي
Vegetation 2 الغطاء النباتي
Dr. Al-Rowaily.ppt
Field Trips
Biweekly field trips to diffferent different rangeland ecosystems for applied measurement. Reports are required for each field trip.
Lecture Schedule
|
Week |
Topic |
|
1 |
Introduction |
|
2 |
Statistics Review |
|
3 |
Samples and Sampling |
|
4 |
Vegetation Measurements (Density) |
|
5 |
Vegetation Measurements (Frequency) |
|
6 |
Vegetation Measurements (Cover) |
|
7 |
Comparison of different Vegetation Measurements |
|
8 |
Mid-Term Exam |
|
6 |
Field work (range site to be selected) |
|
7 |
Methods of yield estimates |
|
8 |
Methods of utilization estimates |
|
9 |
Determination of carrying capacity |
|
10 |
Determination of range condition |
|
11 |
New Tech. in Vegetation Measurements (GIS, Remote Sensing) |
|
11 |
Lab Work in New Tech. in Vegetation Measurements |
|
12 |
Data analysis |
|
13 |
Data analysis |
|
13 |
Presentations & Report is Due |
|
14 |
FINAL EXAM |
Examinations
There will be two 1-HOUR EXAMINATIONS during the semester, and a FINAL EXAMINATION. The final exam will be comprehensive. Grades will be based on the percentage of total points acquired in the examinations:
A+ ≥ 95% A = 90-94% B+ = 85-89%
B = 80-84% C+ = 70-79% C = 70-74%
D+ = 65-69% D = 61- 64% F < 60%
Attendance
Under the University regulations, students will will fail the course if their absence exceeds 25% of the total number of lectures. A grade Denied (DN) will be shown in his transcript.