🗹 Policy and Operations
Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya has established a policy to reduce the potential impacts of alien species associated with university operations, including measures to manage their use and prevent uncontrolled spread on campus. This policy provides a framework for the responsible management of alien species within university-managed areas.
In line with this policy, the Faculty of Agriculture manages Napier grass (Cenchrus purpureus), an alien plant species cultivated within the university agricultural farm as a forage resource for livestock. On 9 January 2025, students in the Animal Science Program participated in harvesting Napier grass for use as fresh forage and fermented feed for cattle and goats.
The harvesting and controlled use of Napier grass demonstrate the practical management of an alien plant species within the university’s agricultural operations. Rather than allowing cultivated plants to grow and spread without management, the grass is maintained within the farm production system and regularly utilized as a livestock feed resource. This practice supports the university’s policy approach to managing alien species while integrating responsible resource management into agricultural teaching and farm operations.
The activity reduced the amount of standing Napier grass within the agricultural-farm area while providing a useful feed resource for university livestock. It also enabled students to gain practical experience in responsible forage management, including the importance of controlling the growth and distribution of alien plant species. By applying its policy through regular harvesting, controlled use, and restriction of uncontrolled expansion, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya supports the reduction of potential impacts from alien species on campus while promoting sustainable agricultural resource use.
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Information Provider: Asst.Prof.Dr.Prapot Maliwan