Publication Date

1993

Description

Aristida spp, (wiregrasses) are invading areas of Heteropogon contortus (black speargrass) pastures in southern Queensland. Interim results from 2 field experiments indicate that increasing the frequency' of annual spring burning over 3 years, with and without grazing, results in a progressive reduction in the yield of Aristida spp. H. contortus yields also increased with increasing frequency of burning under non-grazing but not when grazed, H. contortus yields have increased after burning when grazing has been deferred or where the stocking rate has been halved after the fire. The results suggest that botanical composition in these pastures can be manipulated readily by strategic use of fire in combination with grazing management.

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Fire and Grazing Interact to Manipulate Pasture Composition in Heteropogon contortus (black speargrass) Pastures

Aristida spp, (wiregrasses) are invading areas of Heteropogon contortus (black speargrass) pastures in southern Queensland. Interim results from 2 field experiments indicate that increasing the frequency' of annual spring burning over 3 years, with and without grazing, results in a progressive reduction in the yield of Aristida spp. H. contortus yields also increased with increasing frequency of burning under non-grazing but not when grazed, H. contortus yields have increased after burning when grazing has been deferred or where the stocking rate has been halved after the fire. The results suggest that botanical composition in these pastures can be manipulated readily by strategic use of fire in combination with grazing management.