Get reliable rangeland science

We conducted a large research project to address knowledge gaps relating to how grazing management may affect soil organic carbon (SOC) in the northern Australian rangelands. 2257 soil cores over 908 sites were sampled to a depth of 120 cm, and SOC and other relevant soil parameters were determined at 5 cm intervals using spectroscopy. Additionally, in-situ information on land type, land condition and time-series observations of total biomass, vegetation cover, surface reflectance were collected from satellite sensors. The results showed a positive correlation between SOC and land condition. We integrated these results in a modelling tool which will allow us to identify the greatest opportunities for SOC sequestration in the rangelands and potential scenarios of improved grazing management.