bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A quantitative state and transition model for the Mitchell grasslands of central western Queensland
Authors: Phelps D. G. , Bosch O. J. H.
Published: December 2005

Concerns of reduced productivity and land degradation in the Mitchell grasslands of central western Queensland were addressed through a range monitoring program to interpret condition and trend. Botanical and edaphic parameters were recorded along piosphere and grazing gradients, and across fenceline impact areas, to maximise changes resulting from grazing. The Degradation Gradient Method was used in conjunction with State and Transition Models to develop models of rangeland dynamics and condition. States were found to be ordered along a degradation gradient, indicator species developed according to rainfall trends and transitions determined from field data and available literature. Astrebla spp. abundance declined with declining range condition and increasing grazing pressure, while annual grasses and forbs increased in dominance under poor range condition. Soil erosion increased and litter decreased with decreasing range condition. An approach to quantitatively define states within a variable rainfall environment based upon a time-series ordination analysis is described.
The derived model could provide the interpretive framework necessary to integrate on-ground monitoring, remote sensing and geographic information systems to trace states and transitions at the paddock scale. However, further work is needed to determine the full catalogue of states and transitions and to refine the model for application at the paddock scale.
Ground cover in temperate native perennial grass pastures. II. Relationship with herbage and litter mass
Authors: Lodge G. M. , Murphy S. R.
Published: December 2005

Studies were conducted to examine the relationship between ground cover and herbage mass; ground cover and litter mass; herbage mass and litter mass, and, ground cover and total (herbage and litter) mass for two grazed, native pastures in the high rainfall, temperate rangelands of northern NSW.
Ground cover was visually estimated by two experienced observers, litter (unattached plant material) was collected and herbage mass was estimated by harvesting to ground level in 30 quadrats (40 by 40 cm). Data were collected for 16 sampling times at the change of season and from spring 1997 to spring 2000 (a total of 465 quadrats at each site) and examined by regression analysis for the mean data for each level of ground cover and for data from individual quadrats.
The relationship between ground cover and herbage, litter or total mass was logarithmic at each site. The logarithmic nature of the relationship reflected the occurrence of low herbage, litter and total mass even when ground cover was 100%.
For the mean data, herbage and total mass accounted for 68–77% of the variation in ground cover, but for the individual quadrat data these variables accounted for 42–53% and 43–55%, respectively of this variation. Litter and herbage mass had a low correlation (R2<~0.20) and for the mean data litter mass accounted for around 40–60% of the variation in ground cover, compared with 15–21% for the individual quadrats. Some seasonal differences in these relationships were apparent and these were attributed to the occurrence of annual forb and legume species that had different growth habits to those of the native perennial grasses. For these pastures the data indicated that herbage mass could not be used as a surrogate measure of ground cover or litter mass.
Managing saffron thistle in pastures with strategic grazing
Authors: Grace B. S. , Whalley R. D. B. , Sheppard A. W. , Sindel B. M.
Published: December 2005

Saffron thistle (Carthamus lanatus L.) is a widespread and troublesome weed in grazing land throughout much of eastern Australia. Conventional control measures are not feasible in much of this area, so the prospect for controlling saffron thistle through strategic grazing with sheep was investigated.
By sowing seeds, and counting seedlings that emerged, we found that as little as 2 cm of pasture cover reduced the number of seedlings that emerged by 96% compared with bare ground. Grazing experiments showed that the survival of saffron thistle rosettes was reduced by 12% in plots that were strategically rested for one month in autumn, followed by grazing at high stocking rates. Grazing in late spring, when plants produced flowering stems, killed 20% of thistles before they set seed. A comparison of thistle density and pasture composition on farms that practice strategic grazing with neighbouring farms that used continuous grazing supported these results. Pastures had few thistles when perennial grasses accounted for over 35% of groundcover. We conclude that grazing management can help control saffron thistle.
Emergence, seedling development and survival of native and exotic grasses on a sandy red earth in South-Western Queensland.
Authors: Silcock RG , Williams LM
Published: December 2005

The growth and development of eight perennial grasses, from sowing until flowering, was studied in the field on a sandy red earth near Charleville, south-western Queensland. They included four species native to this soil, Thyridolepis mitchelliuna, Aristida armata, Digitaria ammophila and Monachather paradoxa, and four exotic species Cenchrus ciliuris cv. Biloela, Anthephora pubescens, Eragrostis curvula and Schmidtia bulbosa. Cenchrus ciliaris, A. pubescens and S. bulbosa emerged much more promptly than the other species and much less viable seed was left in the soil after the fist germination event. The native species tillered and flowered earlier than the exotic grasses and survived better under adverse growing conditions. Average survival at the end of the first growing season, during which good seasonal conditions pre- vailed, was 30% of the emergent seedlings. Schmidtia bulbosa performed best within the exotic group and this was associated with early tillering and earlier flowering. The exotic species needed at least a four month growing season before they flowered under field conditions compared with two months or less for the native grasses. However this disadvantage was offset somewhat by their greater dry matter yield at this stage of development.
Some concepts for range assessment in Australia.
Authors: Cunningham GM
Published: December 2005

From recent discussions with rangeland administrators in the arid parts of the United States of America it is apparent that current Australian thinking on the philosophy of range assessment is very close to that in the United States. Formal range assessment and management in Australia is a very young science compared to that in the United States. Although we lack the 50 or so years' experience of organized range management teaching and research the true gap is much less. In the field of range inventory, it appeared that Australian expertise and progress was at least equal to that in the United States. As range inventory is a basic prerequisite to range assessment and application of management manipulations on rangelands, Australia already has a firm basis for future work in this field. Some concepts on range assessment are outlined and an approach to range assessment is suggested. It is to be hoped that one general approach to range assessment can be adopted in Australia and that we can avoid the problems which occur in the United States when different Government agencies use different assessment methods.
Survey of paddock size and stock water supplies in the Western Riverina District of New South Wales.
Authors: Squires VR
Published: December 2005

In order to assess the current level of stock watering facilities on pastoral properties within the western Riverina district of New South Wales and to relate this information to paddock size and vegetation type, large of areas of land (785,000 ha) within the region were surveyed. Paddock boundaries and the location of watering points were plotted. Watering points were classified as to type. Three broad vegetation types were represented: chenopod shrublands (Atriplex and Maireana spp.) degraded grasslands (Stipal Danthonia spp.), and mallee woodlands (Eucalyptus socinlis F. Meull., E, oleosa, F. Meull.) Size of paddocks was related to the dominant vegetation type. On the degraded grasslands in the eastern part of the study area the mean paddock size was 746 ha; on the chenopod shrublands it was 780 ha, and in the Malleedominated areas it was 1,553 ha. The number of permanent watering points per paddock varied from one to four. Less than half the paddocks (43%) had fresh water available as well as saline waters from sub-artesian bores. Almost half the paddocks (47%) were so large, or the watering points so positioned, that the sheep would need to walk more than 3 km to reach the most remote parts of the paddock when temporary waters had dried up. Overall 18% of the land in the non- mallee areas was more than 3 km from permanent water. Therefore the majority of the land could be used in all seasons. Generally the central and northern Riverina district is adequately watered. It would be uneconomic to supply permanent water in the mallee woodlands. In some paddocks in the chenopod dominated area extra watering points may be justified.
General effects of management and grazing by domestic livestock on the rangelands of the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales.
Authors: Whalley RDB , Robinson GG , Taylor JA
Published: December 2005

Three major pasture types probably occurred on the Northern Tablelands prior to European settlement. The dominants were probably Poa sieberana Spreng. and Themeda australis (R.Br.1 Stapf. at the higher elevations, T. australis, P. Sieberana and Sorghum leiocladum (Hack.) C.E. Hubbard on fine textured soils at lower elevations and T. australis, Aristida ramosa (R.Br.) and Cymbopogon refractus (R.Br.1 A. Camus. on coarse textured soils. The subsidiary species composition of these pasture types is also suggested, derived from fragmentary early accounts, earlier published work and observations on the behaviour under grazing of the different species involved. The characteristics of the important native and naturalised grass species are described. These species are classified into warm season perennials, warm season annuals, cool season perennials and cool season annuals. The native warm season perennials is the largest group of species at present on the Tablelands. The effects of grazing on the species composition of natural pastures is described. The grazing behaviour of merino sheep leads to a striking zonation of herbaceous species resulting from uneven grazing intensity and distribution of dung and urine. Data from an unreplicated stocking rate by superphosphate application rate trial at Shannon Vale are presented. This trial indicated that the proportion of white clover in the pasture depended on both stocking rate and superphosphate rate and that the proportion of Danthonia spp. increased when white clover decreased. Wool production data are also presented which show that high levels of pro- ductivity per hectare can be obtained from topdressed natural pastures. A number of different natural pasture types occur on the Tablelands. A schemeis presented showing the interrelationship$ between the original and the present pasture types as affected by grazing intensity and the addition or depletion of plant nutrients.
Perceived research needs of the primary producer in the popular box lands of South-Western Queensland
Authors: Moore RM , Roberts EPS
Published: December 2005

This article gives a brief background to the problems of poplar box and shrub regrowth in south-western Queensland as seen by a primary producer who was concerned with them, and sets out the two-part research programme that was initiated by the senior author in the early 1960s to produce answers to these problems. The management objective of the primary producer in the poplar box lands is to reduce the production of trees and woody shrubs, and increase production of the herbaceous layers under them. The range of techniques which are used to produce more herbage include tree felling, thinning of the woody layers, cultivation,
Pastoral Management, Economics and Land Use Options in the Poplar Box (Eucalyptus populnea) Lands of New South Wales.
Authors: Condon RW
Published: December 2005

This article describes how land settlement policies over a period of 100 years and shrub regeneration in parts of the poplar box (Eucalyptus populnea) lands in New South Wales have had and will continue to have a major influence on the economics of grazing properties in the region. Choise of animals offers few options, but there are many methods of improving productivity which may be applicable to a particular property; their feasibility is being tested in a pilot rehabilitation scheme which is described. Choice of animals offers few options, but there are many methods of improving productivity which may be applicable to a particular property; their feasibility is being tested in a pilot rehabilitation scheme which is described.
The effects of feral goats and sheep on the shrub populations in a semi-arid woodland.
Authors: Harrington G
Published: December 2005

Shrubs are increasing in density in extensive areas of semi-arid woodland in Queenstand and New South Wales, reducing their carrying capacity for stock and increasing the difficulty of sheep management. A case study is reported in which an area exclosed from grazing increased from 6000 to 9000 shrubslha in 3 years. Grazing by sheep or goats both reduced the establishment ofAcacia aneura (mulga) and Dodonaea 11iscosa (broad-leaf hopbush) seedlings. Cassia spp. (punty and silver cassia), Eremophila sturtii (turpentine), E. rnitchellii (budda) and Geijera parviflora (wilga) were not reduced. Sheep did not affect mature shrubs to any extent. Extremely heavy goat pressure destroyed several problem shrubs, including Acacia arzeura and Dodorzaea viscosa, and reduced Cassia spp. Mechanical shrub-clearing is often followed by sprouting from the roots of some species. Moderate goat pressure failed to control such sprouts; heavy goat pressure eliminated sprouts from E. rnitchellii and G. parviflora but E. sturtii was not eaten, probably because of its higher oilcontent, and increased to 166% of its preclearing density in two years. Mechanical clearing increased shrub seedling establishment four-fold. Future increases in shrub density may be expected in semi-arid woodland communities and goats do not offer an answer to the problem because they are selective between species and because managerially significant reductions in shrub populations can only be achieved at extremely high stocking pressures. The expense of fencing for such a treatment, the damage to the herb layer and the lack of a post treatment management, that would prevent the replacement of palatable shrubs by unpalatable ones, makes it an unsuitable technique for extensively grazed properties.
Plant communities of the poplar box (Eucalyptus populnea) lands of eastern Australia.
Authors: Beeston GR , Walker PJ , Purdie R , Pickard J
Published: December 2005

The literature relating to vegetation of the poplar box (Euca4,ptus populnea) lands of inland eastern Australia mas revieaed and a total of 31 plant communities recognised in which poplar bou (E pupulnea) was present. Descrjptions of floristics and structure were prepared for each community using published reports and data from approsimately 1,400 cite\ recorded during various regional and biological surveys. Structurally the communities occur mainly as low a.oodlands, woodlands and open forests, although closed scrubs and tall open shrublands also occur. I:loristically the communities varied considerably in composit~on and relative importance. Pastures of the communities show variation in composition due to the influences of climate, soils arid disturbance Areas for the conservation of the communities described are sma!l or non existent and further areas nerd to be reserved to conserve the variation in the communities.
Change in range condition with distance from watering point and its implications for field survey.
Authors: Foran BD
Published: December 2005

The effect of distance from a water point on range condition was examined for two rangeland types in central Australia; an open woodland community and a mulga annual community. Range condition was measured on a systematic grid pattern around the bore using the STARC method. In open woodland, range condition improved at about 2 km from water, but in mulga annual no change was detected due partly to a low number of sites close to the bore. The location of sampling sites adjacent to station roads did introduce some bias vrhen compared to the mean score over the whole area. The amount of bias acceptable must be seen in relation to factors such as time available for survey and the ease with which sample sites can be relocated. Two to four sampling sites located at a distance greater than 2 km, in rangeland preferred by cattle gave a mean score within 30% of the true mean for the whole area with the influence of 'sacrifice area' excluded. A reasonable accuracy of range condition sampling can be achieved in extensive central Australian rangelands. by stratifying the areas sampled with respect to country preferred by cattle and distance grazed from water.
Pastoral Development and Research in the Pilbara Region of Western Australia.
Authors: Suijdendorp H
Published: December 2005

This article describes the pastoral development in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, first for sheep grazing and more recently for cattle. Vegetation changes due to the grazing regime and to a changed fire regime were profound. In coastal lands these vegetation changes are non-reversible but inland the disclimax rangeland has responded to a cycle of summer fires and grazing defer ments. This research on grazing management has led to more nutritious pastures and subsequent research on sheep management has led to enhanced reproduction. However, market forces have worked to claim the increase in rangeland productivity for cattle. The interaction between domestic livestock, rangeland condition and certain of the native fauna is discussed.
Effects of Spring Wildfires on Astrebla (Mitchell grass) Grasslands in North-West Queensland Under Varying Levels of Growing Season Rainfall.
Authors: Scanlan JC
Published: December 2005

The response of Asr~ebla (Mitchell grass) grasslands to burning was determined in relation to the amount of rainfall re- ceived in the following growing season. Nine A. lappacea and three A. pecrinata locations in north-west Queensland were studied [:or both species, fire tended to increase the number and total dry weight of new tillers, although the individual tillers were smaller. Very low and very high rainfall resulted in sub-optimal new tiller formation in unburnt areas of A. lappacea. 1,lowering and seed set was also stimulated by wildfires. The nitrogen content of new tillers in burnt treatments was higher than for those in unburnt treatments under low growing season rainfall and lower under high growing season rainfall. Dry matter production from burnt A, lappacea, relative to unburnt areas, decreased under low rainfall and increased under high rainfall. Burning at a time of high soil moisture resulted in higher dry matter production and higher nitrogen content than burning during the spring period when soil moisture was low. The ecological and management implications of these responses are discussed
Vegetation changes and animal productivity under sheep and goat grazing on an arid Belah (Casuarina cristata) - Rosewood (Heterodendrum oleifolium) woodland in western New South Wales.
Authors: Wilson AD , Mulham WE
Published: December 2005

In an arid (275 mm rainfall) belah (Casuarina cristata)-rosewood (Heterodendrurn olrifolium) woodland, goat does of feral origin and Merino ewes were grazed separately or in mived groups to.determine the relative effects of the different com- binations on the shrub and herbaceous vegetation, and on total animal production. The goats browsed the accessible foliage of trees, but did not obtain a substantial amount of their forage from that source. Thus they were competitive with sheep for the herbaceous layer (principally Stipa variabilis (variable speargrass) and Sclerolaet~a spp. (copperburrs). Grazing sheep and goats together did not achieve greater animal production than grazing them separately. Under drought conditions, those sheep grazing in conjunction with goats lost weight sharply in comparison with the goats, or to other sheep grazing without goat competition. The weights of the kids born in this trial were only 60% of the weights of the lambs, at both weaning and 1.5 years of age, although the net reproduction rate of does (120%) was twice that of the ewes (57%). Goat grazing did not suppress the unpal- atable shrubs. It is concluded that the grazing of feral goats. either alone or mixed with sheep, will not result in higher animal production or shrub control in this woodland community.
Effect of vegetation states on the simulated water balance in Poplar Box (Eucalyptus populnea) lands.
Authors: Burch GJ , Nicholls AO
Published: December 2005

Climate, soil and vegetation data were used in a simulation of the soil water balance of different vegetation states common to regions of south-western Queensland characterized by the presence of poplar box (Eucalvptrrs populrira). Published information on water use by the four vegetation states, natwe grassland, buffel (Cetzchms czlraris) grassland, mulga (Acacla aneura) shrubland and niulga-poplar box woodland was used to derive input relationships fo~ the water balance model, AGWATMD. Good agreement was obtained between the observations from which the parameters for the model were derived and the predicted soil water availabilities over a two year period for shrubland and woodland communities. Inadequacies in the model for simulating natural communities, particularly those composed of spaced plants, are discussed in relation to the hydrologic processes affecting their water balance. A comparison of predicted long term patterns in the water balance of the four vegetation states using 82 years of climate records indicates that the highest probabilitjt of experiencing wet soils occurs in winter. Wettest conditions in winter are likely to occur in grasslands, although the expected variation in soil water content is also higher for these communities. Therefore, in years uith above-average rainfall, wet soils under grassland could favour enhanced shrub encroachment, particularly where grasslands are g-azcd. The driest soils were predicted under shrubland, indicating that shrubs encroaching on lands recently cleared of woodland will compete with, and suppress the growth of herbage species..
Methods of clearing and woody weed control in the Poplar Box (Eucalyptus populinea) lands.
Authors: Robertson JA , Beeston GR
Published: December 2005

Eucalyptus populnea Eucalj'ptus populnea (poplar or bimble box) can be controlled by ringbarking, mechanical pulling and by direct chemical appiication; fire alone has little effect. The initial ringbarking usually kills only a small percentage of trees, but repeated removal of the coppice growth leads to a complete kill. Mechanical pulling under favourable soil moisture conditions can remove many of the fignotubers from the ground and Little regrowth occurs, but in dry soils the trees break off at or near ground level and profuse re- growth occurs from the broken stumps. Chemical injection treatment, using the picloram compounds or 2,4,5-T, is probably the most economical method and high percentage kills can be obtained under all seasonal conditions. Of the shrub associates of poplar box, Eremophila mitchellii can be effectively controlled by basal stem sprays of 1.0% butyl 2,4,5-T in diesel distillate, whilst shrubs such as Cassia nemophila, C. artemisioides and Acacia deanei have been shown to be suscep- tible to fie under suitable fuel loads. Other important shrub species have reacted in varying degrees to both chemical and fue treat- ment.
The measurement of shrub forage weight: three methods compared.
Authors: Andrew MH , Noble IR , Lange RT , Johnson AW
Published: December 2005

Three methodsfor measuringshrub forage (the capacitance probe, shrub dimension measurement, and the Adelaide technique) were applied to a common set of chenopod shrubs and compared on statistical and operational criteria. All methods gave linear relationships between forage and method reading and the Adelaide technique was best overall. Dimen- sion measurement was least accurate for predicting forage, but its simplicity makes it appropriate for some purposes. However, this method was not able to cope satisfactorily with differently-grazed shrubs. The capacitance probe proved difficult to use on these shrubs (for which it was not designed) because of physical'limitations of relatively large spreading canopies and of uneven ground, and because the probe's bulk made it tiring to use. It seems likely that it would be unable to cope satisfactorily with shrubs of vary- ing degrees of grazing and water status, but no data were available to demonstrate this.
The role of plant mass, basal area and density in assessing the herbage mass response to fertility of some native perennial grasses.
Authors: Lodge GM
Published: December 2005

The effects of nitrogen (N) application and differing past fertilizer history on the ,preen leaf mass per plant, plant basal area, green leaf mass per unit of plant basal area and the plant density of some native perennial grasses were investigated in pot culture and field experiments. Data on each of these components of herbage mass were assessed, either individually or in combination with each other, as methods of evaluating the responsiveness of some native perennial grasses to increased fertility.

Different mechanisms of increasing plant green leaf mass with applied N (pot culture) and superphosphate (field) were deter- mined in different species and these affected the relationship between green leaf mass anti basal area. Species such as Aristida ramosa and Bothriochloa macra increased their green leaf mass per unit of plant basal area but not their plant basal area. In the glasshouse the application of N significantly (P<0.05) increased the basal area of Chloris truncata, Eragrostis leptostachya, Dichanthium sericeum, Sporoholus elongatus, Danthonia linkii and Stipa variabilis. However, in the field long-term superphosphate application only significantly increased the basal area of C. truncata and D. linkii plants. In the field the mean densities of A. ramosa, D. sericeum and C. truncata plants growing at the unfertilized site were significantly higher than those at the fertilized site and the density of E. leptostachya plants was significantly higher (P<0.01) at the fertilized site.

These data indicated that the use of either mass per plant, mass per unit basal area, plant basal area or plant density alone could bias the apparent responsiveness of some species to fertility. To accurately determine the effect of management on the herbage mass of individual native perennial grasses in the field either mass per plant and plant density data, or mass per unit basal area, basal area and plant density data should be combined.
Establishment and survival of lucerne in a semi-arid environment.
Authors: Rogers VE
Published: December 2005

Dry matter production and plant density were measured after seeding lucerne: (Medicago rarii'a) into grassland at two sites in New South Wales having inearl annual rainfalls of 292 and 425 mm. Various methods of minimal tillage establishment were used. Sod-seeding failed to produce a satisfactory stand at either site, even where herbicide had been applied. Survival was best when lucerne was sown in furrows 15 cm wide, the lucerne density after five years being 8 plants ~n'~, or 80,000 plants ha-'. This treat- ment was also superior in dry matter production to the use of furrows of 5 and 10 an width, or to seeding after a single cultivation. The effect on production of a herbicide applied at sowing decreased with increasing width of furrow. The results of this study could also be relevant to the establishment of other species under rangeland conditions.
Vegetation change in a Poplar Box (Eucalyptus populnea) Woodland. Effects of tree killing and domestic livestock.
Authors: Tunstall BR , Torsell BWR , Moore RM , Robertson JA , Goodwin WF
Published: December 2005

Results are summarized for a number of separate studies which investigated the effects of killing the trees, and of grazing by domestic livestock on herbage biomass, densities of grasses, forbs and woody plants and some surface soil properties in poplar box woodlands. Some temporal changes in vegetation and spatial patterns in soil properties occurred in all treatments. Forb and grass densities increased from 1966 to 1970 and 1972 respectively and then declined. Surface soil pH, micro-relief, salt content and litter biomass were generally higher at the tree bole than between the tree canopies. Herbage biomass was highest where trees had been killed but the killing of trees did not have a direct effect on the densities of either grasses or shrubs. The increased growth of herbage is attributed to an increase in the availability of water and nitrogen. The vegetation changes following tree killing with livestock excluded are summarized in the form of changes in the proportions of the grasses, shrubs and trees; grass proportion increased for the first six years following tree killing after which grasses tended to be replaced by shrubs. The density of shrubs increased following the exclusion of livestock. Shrub densities were less in experimental grazed plots than in ungrazed plots but still increased with time. With grazing by livestock, herbage biomass was highest adjacent to trees and the percentage of bare soil increased away from trees. Changes resulting from interactions between the grazing and killing treat- ments mainly related to soil compaction and water infiltration. It is suggested that shrub encroachment in the poplar box lands may arise because of fluctuations in grazing pressure resulting from large paddock and property sizes and variability in rainfall. Little of the available herbage is grazed during abnormally wet years, thus there is an effective release from grazing at a time when germination of shrubs is likely to occur.
The response to season, exclosure, and distance from water of three central Australian pasture types grazed by cattle.
Authors: Foran BD , Bastin G , Remenga E , Hyde KW
Published: December 2005

Three central Australian pasture types grazed by beef cattle were exdosed for eleven years, and detailed plant measure- ments made over the last seven years. The exclosed land extended out 3.2 km from permanent watering points. Rainfall during this period (1968-1979) varied from well above average for three years to near drought conditions. The series of above average rainfall years had a @eater influence on yield, density and cover of the herbage layer than the experimental treatments of exclosure and distance from water. Dry matter production varied from 217 kg ha-1 to 2377 kg ha-1. Overall, plant density and cover were generally not affected by treatments, although some plant species and species groups were affected. Grazing should continue at present stocking levels and under similar management on the studied landscapes, as no dele terious effects have been found during the study period.
Runoff and the ameliorating effect of plant cover in the Mulga communities of South Western Queensland.
Authors: Pressland AJ , Lehane KJ
Published: December 2005

Surface runoff was recorded from mall plots situated in the mulga rangelands of Queensland. Even small falls of rain (< 15 mm) produced runoff equivalent to over 50% of the rain but plant tussocks were instrumental in decreasing the number
of rainfall events which generated runoff. Runoff was greater from the hard mulga and residud land zones than from the soft
mulga zone. Regression and correlation analysis was used to identify topography, soil and vegetation factors influencing runoff.
The maintenance of a perennial grass basal area > 2% is considered essential to reduce the loss of surface soil and nutrients.
The efficiency and equity of livestock rating systems and the accuracy of data obtained from them.
Authors: Young MD , Miles GE
Published: December 2005

When graziers are required to pay a rate in proportion to the number of livestock they declare, some tend to reduce the number declared. In western New South Wales discrepancies exist between livestock numbers reported to local Pastures Protection Boards for rating purposes and those collected by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The size of the discrepancy is considerable. Other systems of collecting revenue may be more efficient and more equitable. Data obtained from livestock rating systems provide an accurate indication of trends in livestock numbers but do not give an accurate assessment of the total number of livestock within an area
The diet of free-ranging cattle on the Bogong High Plains, Victoria
Authors: van Rees H
Published: December 2005

The diet of free-ranging cattle on the Bogong High Plains, in the Victorian alpine region, was investigated during the 1980181 summer and autumn grazing season. Cattle were seen to eat 26 species of plants, while only 19 species were identified from microscopic examination of cattle faeces. A further 28 species examined in the field showed signs of grazing. The smaller number of species identified in the faeces may be accounted for by the almost complete digestion of some mesophytic forbs or by the low abundance of some species in the diet. The nutritional quality was determined for a range of alpine plants grazed by cattle. Common Poa australis spp. agg. tussocks were of low digestibility and nigrogen content. It was concluded that cattle must graze on the more nutritious forbs and sedges to maintain an adequate diet.
Range condition assessment in bladder saltbush (Atriplex vesicaria) communities.
Authors: Wilson AD , Tupper GJ , Tongway DJ
Published: December 2005

Factors contributing to changes in the condition of saltbush communities (Atriplex vesicaria) in the Riverine Plain and Barrier Range regions of New South Wales were measured under a variety of seasonal situations. Groups of eight plots, representing a range of past grazing intensity, were established at each location and measurements were made of species biomass, canopy cover and frequency, forage availability and soil fertility.
In both regions, high grazing intensity was characterized by the elimination of the saltbush (A. vesicaria) and an increase in other species, such as Astrebla (mitchell grass), Sclerolaena spp. (copperburrs), annual Atriplex spp. and a wide range of ephemeral species. These changes were best characterized by canopy cover measurements which gave a quantitative assessment of the vegetation changes (in contrast to frequency) and gave values that were less seasonally variable than biomass. Up to 83 species were recorded, but these were aggregated into approximately 9 groups to simplify the collection and analysis of data, without loss of information.
On the Barrier Range site, the A. vesicaria was replaced by palatable species, so that there was little loss of overall forage production. Similarly, there was little evidence of loss of soil fertility, as measured by various measures of soil nitrogen, available phosphorus and organic carbon. There was no erosion on these sites, although this may occur on other saltbush communities that grow on texture contrast soils.
On the basis of these results, four separate indices of condition are proposed for saltbush communities. These are based on the measurement in the growing season of the canopy cover of major perennial and biennial species or species groups. They are (i) the relative cover of A. vesicaria (the major observable change in these communities), (ii) the relative total cover of desirable forage species (an index of forage productivity), (iii) percentage similarity (an index of community change for conservation purposes), and (iv) the relative area of eroded soil surface.
The importance of plant density, plant basal area and plant mass per unit basal area as factors influencing the herbage mass of some native perennial grasses.
Authors: Lodge GM , Gleeson AC
Published: December 2005

Four native perennial grasses, Aristida ramosa R.Br. (wire grass), Bothrioc.llloa macra (Steud) S.T. Blake (red grass), Spovo- bolus elongatus R.Br. (slender rats tail grass) and Stipa variabilis Hughes (corkscrew grass) were collected from 60 randomly allocated quadrats (0.16 m2) in a grazed unfertilized native pasture in November 1979. In each quadrat all plants of each species were counted, harvested individually and their basal areas were estimated. The mass of green leaf, green stem, dead herbage and total herbage of each species was estimated using the mean mass of the individual plants harvested in each of the quadrats. A method for determining the relative importance of the components of this herbage mass viz. plant density, basal area and mass per unit basal area is presented and these values are compared for each species. Plant density contributed significantly fP <0.05) to green leaf, green stem, dead and total herbage mass estimates of A. ramosa and S. elongatus; basal area to all herbage mass estimates of A. ramosa, S. elongatus and S. variabilis; and mass per unit basal area to all herbage mass estimates of A. ramosa and B. macra. The plant basal area of individual plants contributed signifi- cantly more (P <0.05) to the herbage mass estimate of S. vaviabilis and S, elongatus plants than did mass per unit basal area, whereas for B. rnacra mass per unit basal area was the significant (P < 0.05) component. Field procedures for estimating herbage mass and assessing the relative significance of its components are discussed and the extra time taken to collect plant density, plant basal area, and plant mass per unit basal area datais outlined.
Drought relief schemes for the 'Pastoral Zone'.
Authors: Robinson IB
Published: December 2005

In this article I have attempted to firstly provide a consensus view of graziers to sound drought strategies; secondly, outline Government policies or action directed towards assisting graziers affected by drought; and finally, address the subject of drought policy as it relates to conservation of the rangeland resource. Drought strategies discussed include pre-drought (e.g. fodder reserves, conservative stocking), longer term (e.g. increasing property size, spatial diversification of grazing blocks) and in-drought (e.g. reduce stock numbers early in drought). Grounds for Government intervention and aid for drought affected producers are analysed with regard to both the individual farmer's needs and the impact nationally of low return from a drought-affected primary industry. Aspects discussed include provision of better infrastructure (e.g, new roads), taxation concessions, a National Drought Fodder Reserve, land tenure policy, the Rural Adjust- ment Scheme and credit and freight concessions. From the conservation viewpoint, it is pointed out that officially declared 'droughts' occur too frequently and there are no incentives for graziers to either act early before a drought becomes firmly established or to delay re-stocking after the drought has broken. It is concluded that a balance between in-drought assistance and long term assistance needs to be struck, and that drought policies should be directed towards 'good' management strategies. If this can be achieved then primary producers should be less dependent on relief schemes.
Some characteristics of the trees used by sheep for diurnal camping and differences between the shade and nocturnal camps in a paddock on the northern tablelands of New South Wales.
Authors: Taylor JA , Hedges DA
Published: December 2005

This paper examines some of the characteristics of trees under which sheep camped during the day and the differences between the shade and the nocturnal camps in a large paddock.

Of the five tree species present, Merinos preferred to camp under Augophora floribunda and Brachychiton populneum during the day. The selected trees had a high canopy/bole ratio and either an elevated convex or a convex shaped canopy.

Nocturnal camps occurred in an upperslope position and were much larger, better developed and had more sheep faeces per unit
area than the shade camps in the paddock. Shade camps occurred downslope of the nocturnal camps and were within the area of the paddock used primarily for grazing.
The occurance, distribution and characteristics of sheep camps on the northern tablelands of New South Wales.
Authors: Taylor JA , Hedges DA , Whalley RDB
Published: December 2005

This paper examines the characteristics of sites where sheep camp or rest and explores the circumstances under which water. shelter, open space, rockiness, shade, elevation, aspect and contiguity were important in determining the location of such sites.

From one to six camps were distinguished in all paddocks grazed by either Merino or Dorset Horn sheep. Camps were most conspicuous in lightly stocked native and natural pastures.

A hierarchy was presented to show relationships among the various types of camp defined. Contiguous camps were a particular feature of small flocks of Merinos grazing small paddocks. In commercial flocks, Merinos mostly camped at or about the highest reasonably open locations with a north-easterly aspect. Water and shelter do not appear to be important in influencing the location of nocturnal sheep camps on the Northern Tablelands.
Seasonal variation in in vitro digestibility and chemical composition of a range of alpine plants, from Victoria, Australia.
Authors: van Rees H , Beard JA
Published: December 2005

Seasonal trends in in vitro digestibility, nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium content were assessed for 10 alpine plant species, during the summer months of 1981182, on an alpine range in north-east Victoria, Australia. In March, 1983, at the end of an unusually dry summer the same species were tested for in vitro digestibility and nitrogen content.

In vitro digestibility and nitrogen content of the alpine plant species sampled were estimated to be sufficient for lactating pregnant cattle during December and January. Towards the end of the grazing season, from late February until late March, the in vitro digestibility and nitrogen content of some of the common alpine species had declined to a point where they were too low to provide cattle with sufficient energy and protein. In general, the level of the macro-element content of the plants, as sampled, was inadequate for optimum animal production throughout the season.
The dynamics of a Mitchell grass (Astrebla spp.) rangeland on the Barkly Tableland, Northern Territory.
Authors: Foran BD , Bastin G
Published: December 2005

The response of an area of Astrebla grassland at Helen Springs Station on the Barkly Tableland to the treatments of exclosure and distance from water were studied from 1974 to 1979. The seasonal effect produced by a number of above average rainfall years was greater than the effects of exclosure and distance from water. The total standing biomass varied from 940 kg hdl in 1974 to 2258 kg ha-' in 1979. Both Aristida latifolia and Astrebla pectinata increased in standing biomass and basal cover while the annual Iseilema vaginiflorunz decreased. Apparent responses of some species to the distance from water treatment were explained by local vegetation patterning within a seemingly uniform grassland. Regression relationships were developed that related basal cover to both species and total plant standing biomass.
The case for prescribed burning to control shrubs in eastern semi-arid woodlands.
Authors: Hodgkinson KC , Harrington GN
Published: December 2005

of the paper highlights his willingness to contribute his experience freely to the discussion of issues confronting rangeland managers: "In this paper I hope to lead you through the financial history of Willangee Station. Through decisions we made, the mistakes we have made, the lessions we have learnt, the debts we have taken on and the profits we have made. Our aim is to expose all of these factsso people may learn from them'. The paper, along with others presented at the Seminar, was published in the Australian Rangeland Journal. In 1980 Bill hosted a tour of Willangee by the Barrier Environment Group during a Conference on the theme'% the West Darling becoming a Desert?" By his actions, conservationists and graziers were brought together duringa period when conservation of Australia's arid lands was becoming a major issue. Through his leadership of the Broken Hill Branch of the Australian Rangeland Society, Bill has contributed greatly to the exchange of ideas between academics, the pastoralist community and conservationists. With such a wealth of knowledge of the district and its people Bill has been aguiding influence to the Broken Hill Branch, the Committee and its members. Aust. Rangel. J. 7(2) 1985, 64- 74 THE CASE FOR PRESCRIBED BURNING TO CONTROL SHRUBS IN EASTERN SEMI-ARID WOODLANDS K.C. Hodgkinson and G.N. Harrington CSIRO Division of Wildlife and Rangelands Research, Private Bag, P.O., Deniliquin, N.S. W. 2710 Abstract A theor) for shrub control by prescnbed burn~ng In semi-and woodlands of eastern Australla IS outlmed. Th~s theory IS based on ~nev~table shrub Increases wh~ch occur pnnc~pally by ep~sod~c, w~despread, mass establ~shment events Wet per~ods whlch foster shrub establ~shment also promote abundant grass growth pred~sposlng the plant community to be~ng burnt Fue then k~lls nearly all recently establ~shed shrubs and many of theadult shrubs, thereby con- trollmg the shrub populat~on Today, fire IS much less frequent and IS prevented altogether In some areas. Prescr~bed burn~ng before any potential wddflre season w~ll both control shrubs and hm~t the spread of wddfires Three constraints to the adopt~on of prescrtbed burn~ng are recogn~sed economlc benefits are ma~nly real~sed over a 10-20 year term: * grazlers have l~ttle experience and Infrequent opportunltles to learn about fire; grazlers are reluctant to accept the nsks associated with burnmg. If semi-and woodlands are to be burnt at a frequency necessary for shrub control. grazlng pressures may need to be reduced to husband the vlgour of perenn~al pasture plants Opponun~st~c burnlng should take place at times of w~despread shrub seedl~ngestabl~shment. Prescribed burnlng IS the only known method for broad-scale shrub control and relevant State departments and grazlers are urged to collaborate In prescr~bed burn~ng to a regonal strategy. rather than property by property
The effect of proportion of sown grasses on pasture and animal production from fertilised pastures on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales.
Authors: Robinson GG , Dowling PM
Published: December 2005

Pasture and animal production from fertilised pastures with varying proportions of sown grass (0-60%) were recorded and compared. The presence of sown grass increased pasture production when compared to natural pasture, but no difference was detected in liveweight or wool production between the var- ious pastures. It is doubtful whether sowing of introduced grasses for wool production can be justified at the levels of grazing intensity usually adopted on the Northern Tablelands.
Trends in vegetation cover in the grassland community on the Bogong High Plains, Victoria.
Authors: van Rees H , Papst WA , McDougall K , Boston RC
Published: December 2005

Cover and luxuriance of plant species in the alpine grassland community were measured. Four grassland sites were monitored regularly from 1979 to 1984; three are grazed during summer months by free-ranging cattle, the other has not been grazed since 1974. Data are presented for cover of major species at another grazed site monitored since 1947. Three classes of total vegetation cover were defined in relation to the susceptibility of a site toerosion. Results show that there have been no trends in vegetation cover and luxuriance. Species composition and total vegetation cover varied between sites but there were no dis- cernible trends in these characteristics.