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In grazed landscapes, the condition, location, size and frequency of grazing induced patches can relate directly to hydrological function, sediment and nutrient loss at the paddock scale and beyond. A new patch classification framework (PATCHKEY) linking descriptors of the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (QDPI &F's) ABCD landcondition framework with measurable drivers of hydrological function, has been developed to help quantify the processes of degradation and recovery on crusting soil types in the upper Burdekin region of North Queensland. PATCHKEY is being tested and refined using multivariate examination of measured patch attributes collected at a range of scales and sites. We are also using PATCHKEY to explore links between grazing preference and land condition at patch scale.