ABSTRACT
This paper summarises the historical development of point -based monitoring systems in Central
Australia and the soil and vegetation changes that have been observed. Three main point -based
monitoring systems have been implemented on pastoral lands since the 1960s, each using slightly
different methods. The geographical spread of sites varies across the region, as does the frequency of
recording. In combination with seasonal effects, this makes it somewhat difficult to build a picture of
what changes have occurred on Central Australian pastoral lands. Recent results would suggest that
there has been a general stabilisation of soils, an increase in perennial vegetation cover and widespread
establishment of woody species. It is apparent that buffel grass has recently colonised areas where it
has not previously been recorded.
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.