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Abstract

The contribution of non-domestic grazing pressure to pastoral areas of western NSW has been

reported to increase grazing intensity by at least 50%. Any control of these external grazing

pressures will increase the capacity for landholders to manage and restore pastoral areas. The

use of total grazing pressure (TGP) fencing to enhance ground cover is assumed but as yet

unproven. This paper describes the preliminary results of a study that is assessing the impact

of TGP fencing in combination with alternative grazing management on ground cover and

floristic diversity in western NSW. Two management systems - ‘TGP fencing with rotational

grazing’ and ‘non-TGP fencing with set stocking’- were contrasted using a series of paired

sites in similar landscapes. Non-TGP fencing with set stocking resulted in less than half the

floristic diversity and almost twice the proportion of bare ground compared with TGP fencing

and rotational grazing. These preliminary results suggest that both catchment targets of

maintaining 40% ground cover and increased biodiversity can be achieved by combining

rotational grazing with control of total grazing pressure.