Abstract Full Text:PDF Recommended articles How to Cite

¹ Tarla Bitkileri Merkez Araştırma Enstitüsü ,PK:226 Ulus/ANKARA - In this essay, Turkey`s present production patterns of forage and pasture have been evaluated, and the current opportunities available to maximize production have been examined. In the introductory part, as a general framework, the country geographic location, land area, arable and pastoral lands, ruminant and farming sectors have been delineated with the use of some statistics. In the second and third parts, the soil and topographic characteristics along with the climate and agro-ecological zones are presented in-depth. The fourth and fifth parts of the essay cover the ruminant livestock production systems with historical perspectives and pasture resources in the country. And, in the last section, the existing opportunities for improvement of pasture resources have been probed. As a conclusion, although Turkey has a great potential for forage and pasture production, it has not reached the desired level yet. Keywords : Pasture, Meadow, Rangeland, Forage Crop, Livestock Sector, Production, Turkey