.svg){kind=icon}
Abstract:
Managing the rangelands is complex. Soils and vegetation can vary considerablyover short distances in distinct or subtle ways. Separating climatic from managementinfluences on the condition of the land has always been difficult.Whether we live on a sheep station, in a country town, in an Aboriginal community, a miningcamp, or even if we only visit the Australian outback, it is vital that we understand andappreciate the unique character and management requirements of the rangelands. This bookfunded by the National Landcare Program will contribute to that understanding.Much of our vast arid shrubland has only been settled by Europeans for just over a centurycompared with thousands of years of Aboriginal involvement. Consequently, ourunderstanding of its unique landscape and processes is still evolving. Learning to ‘read therangeland’ has been a slow process, involving the knowledge and skills of pastoralists,Aborigines and scientists. In particular, the Resource Inventory and Condition Surveyscommissioned by the Government since the late 1960s have given present and future users anexcellent body of knowledge to guide management. I acknowledge the efforts made bypeople in the Departments of Agriculture and Land Administration in mapping anddescribing the soil and vegetation in the arid shrubland areas.Reading the rangeland has been prepared by an experienced team involving technical expertsin rangeland management and publication. It was also ‘road tested’ by a diverse group ofleading pastoralists and others with love for and interest in the country. I believe the final textmelds the ideas from both these groups in a way that both new and old users of the rangelandwill find fascinating.
