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Publication Date
1993
Location
New Zealand
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" (1993). IGC Proceedings (1985-2023). 30.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1993/session11/30)
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Stability of windmill grass pastures grazed by sheep for 24 years in semi-arid south-eastern Australia
New Zealand
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.
