Rangeland Ecology & Management

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Rangeland Grazing Strategies For Improved Economics And Resource Sustainability
Author
Fisher, J.H.
Kain, A.J.
Publisher
The Australian Rangeland Society
Publication Year
2006
Body

The Central Australian Grazing Strategies Partnership is a collaboration between the CLMA, NT DPIFM, Desert Knowledge CRC, CSIRO and the pastoral industry, to promote research into rangeland spell grazing strategies. The Partnership has initiated a three year research program encompassing three commercial, on-ground spell grazing trials and a series of case studies in central Australia. Mt Riddock Station is trialling an eight paddock rotation aiming to maximise feed potential and productivity of a mixed buffel and native grass pasture. Idracowra Station is trialling an alternative approach to rotation by moving a mobile water trough along 30km of pipeline. The aim is to use pasture more evenly, reducing the impactand extent of the grazing gradient, and consequently come out of dry periods with heavier cattle and better land condition. The third trial is being undertaken on the NT Government Old Man Plains Research Station. This involves a four paddock rotation that spells pasturesduring the summer growing season. The Partnership will seek additional funding in 2007 to secure the long term focus of this project as we are well aware that it takes a long time to realise change resulting from new grazing strategies! Early results and observations from the spell grazing trials will be discussed.

Language
English
Resource Type
Text
Document Type
Conference Paper
Additional Information
3 - 7 September, 2006

Renmark, South Australia

ISSN 1323 660
Conference Name
Australian Rangeland Society 14th Biennial Conference
Keywords
rangelands
grazing management
strategies
sustainability
Central Australia