Can sustainable pasture utilisation rates be derived from commercial paddock data in the Northern Territory?

Can sustainable pasture utilisation rates be derived from commercial paddock data in the Northern Territory? Conference Paper

16th Australian Rangeland Society Biennial Conference

  • Author(s): Walsh, D., Cowley, R.
  • Published: 2010
  • Publisher: Australian Rangeland Society

Abstract: Sustainable pasture utilisation rates are the cornerstone of the grazing industry because they directly determine carrying capacity. To date, we have been able to determine utilisation rates only by using expensive, time-consuming grazing trials. This study successfully tested a quick, cost-effective approach based on a method used previously in Queensland that retrospectively calculates utilisation rates using station cattle records and pasture growth predictions. Our results indicate that an average utilisation rate of up to 30% appears to be sustainable in paddocks with uniform, grey cracking-clay soils on the Barkly Tableland. However, this level of utilisation negatively impacts on preferred pastures and less robust soil types.

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Suggested Citation
Walsh, D., Cowley, R., 2010, Can sustainable pasture utilisation rates be derived from commercial paddock data in the Northern Territory?, Conference Paper, viewed 13 February 2025, https://www.nintione.com.au/?p=3567.

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