We reviewed the Australian Rangeland Society's (ARS) principle publication, the Rangeland Journal (from 1976 to1999), with the aim of assessing its disciplinary focus over time. The rational for this study is that we all identify issues/problems differently, and that problem identification is often clouded by our culture. Research is about problem identification and the creative process of seeking solutions. Researchers too have their own 'culture' which is often strongly influenced through years of detailed and specific training. Specialization makes for efficiency, however, it can also narrow the way we define problems. It is broadly recognised that solutions to problems facing society require holistic vision that integrate/incorporate economic, social and biophysical approaches. However, our analysis of the Rangeland Journal indicates that social-cultural, economic, and trans- or interdisciplinary research is lacking in the Journal. The vast majority of articles in the Journal are focused primarily on the bio-physical sciences. This situation poses several key questions for the ARS.
August 21-24, 2000
Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia
ISSN 1323-6660
Full-text publications from the Australian Rangelands Society (ARS) Biennial Conference Proceedings (1997-), Rangeland Journal (ARS/CSIRO; 1976-), plus videos and other resources about the rangelands of Australia.