Grasslands Earths Green Empire

This video explores Grasslands, a major Terrestrial Ecosystem and Biome covering approximately 20% of the Earth's surface. Characterized by vegetation primarily formed by grasses, grasslands thrive where moisture and temperature are limiting factors and rainfall is insufficient for forests. They are classified into Temperate Grasslands (Steppes, Prairies, Pampas, Veld, and Downs), characterized by hot summers and cold winters and being practically treeless, and Tropical Grasslands or Savannas , which feature tall grass (up to 15 feet high) and short, scattered trees. Grasslands have a highly seasonal appearance, and their soil is often fertile with considerable organic material (humus). They are the major producers of biomass and natural home for large grazing ungulates like wildebeest, giraffe, zebra, and elephants in African savannas, and blackbuck in Indian grasslands. Grasslands are critical as rangelands providing fodder for livestock and temperate grasslands are considered the "breadbaskets of the world" due to their productivity of crops like corn and wheat. They provide vital Ecosystem Services like Soil Protection from erosion and deflation. However, grasslands are among the world's most highly modified biomes. Overgrazing is a major cause of deterioration, leading to increased soil erosion and disruption of biogeochemical cycles. A major threat is also the conversion of grasslands into irrigated farmlands, and severe degradation can lead to desertification, converting rangeland into nonproductive desertlike conditions. Conservation is a National priority, requiring strategies like Rotational grazing, establishing National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries, and avoiding Afforestation which destroys the unique grassland habitat.

#Grasslands, #Ecosystem, #Biome, #Savanna, #TemperateGrasslands, #Overgrazing, #Desertification, #SoilErosion, #Biodiversity, #Rangelands, #BreadbasketOfTheWorld, #Ecotone, #Conservation