Rangeland Ecology & Management

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Changing Stocking Rates and Burning Management to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Northern Queensland Rangelands
Author
Howden, S.M.
McKeon, G.M.
Scanlan, J.C.
Carter, J.O.
White, D.H.
Publisher
Australian Rangeland Society
Publication Year
1992
Body

GRASSMAN, an agricultural decision -support model, has been modified to include sources, sinks and storages of greenhouse gases. The modified model was used to investigate the effects of changes in stocking rate and burning management on greenhouse gas emissions of northern Queensland rangelands. These rangelands are significant net emitters of greenhouse gases in their natural state, resulting in large differences between net and anthropogenic (man -made) emissions and hence, to different conclusions regarding emission reduction strategies. At moderate stocking rates, anthropogenic emissions could be reduced by about 20% with little loss of productivity. However, similar reductions in net emissions require larger management changes with substantial drops in productivity. At heavy stocking rates, reducing stock numbers reduced emissions whilst increasing cattle production. Reducing burning frequency can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, recommendations to minimise burning have to recognise the benefits achieved through burning.

Language
English
Resource Type
Text
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Conference Name
7th Australian Rangeland Society Biennial Conference
Keywords
stocking rate
burning
management
greenhouse gases
emission reduction
Australia
burning management
emission reduction
emissions
greenhouse gas emissions
stocking rates