Publication Date
1993
Description
Botanical composition and stability of disclimax perennial grasses was examined in a long-term (1967-1990) experiment grazed by Merino sheep at 3 stocking rates (2.5, 3.7 and 4.9 sheeplba) in semiarid (480 mm annual rainfall) central-western New South Wales, Australia. After 24 years, continuous grazing improved ground cover, and increased occurrence (frequency of step-point recordings) of perennial grasses (Enteropogon acicularis, Chloris tuncata, Stipa : spp. and Danthonia spp.) could lead to the conclusion that progression in range condition had occurred at all stocking rates. However, demographic data indicate that when density (plants/m2) and size - (basal diameter) are considered, condition had deteriorated under heavy grazing. The long-term condition of moderate and lightly grazedi pastures indicates that a stocking rate of 4 sheep/ha can be sustained with optimum density and vigour of peiennial grasses and a biomass , contribution from annuals related to the adequacy of autumn rainfall.
Citation
Michalk, D L. and Robards, G E., "Stability of windmill grass pastures grazed by sheep for 24 years in semi-arid south-eastern Australia" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 30.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1993/session11/30
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Stability of windmill grass pastures grazed by sheep for 24 years in semi-arid south-eastern Australia
Botanical composition and stability of disclimax perennial grasses was examined in a long-term (1967-1990) experiment grazed by Merino sheep at 3 stocking rates (2.5, 3.7 and 4.9 sheeplba) in semiarid (480 mm annual rainfall) central-western New South Wales, Australia. After 24 years, continuous grazing improved ground cover, and increased occurrence (frequency of step-point recordings) of perennial grasses (Enteropogon acicularis, Chloris tuncata, Stipa : spp. and Danthonia spp.) could lead to the conclusion that progression in range condition had occurred at all stocking rates. However, demographic data indicate that when density (plants/m2) and size - (basal diameter) are considered, condition had deteriorated under heavy grazing. The long-term condition of moderate and lightly grazedi pastures indicates that a stocking rate of 4 sheep/ha can be sustained with optimum density and vigour of peiennial grasses and a biomass , contribution from annuals related to the adequacy of autumn rainfall.
