Evaluating short term cropping for restoration of native perennial grasslands in western NSW
Evaluating short term cropping for restoration of native perennial grasslands in western NSW Conference Paper
16th Australian Rangeland Society Biennial Conference
- Author(s): Alemseged, Y., Hacker, R. B., Smith, W. J., Melville, G. J.
- Published: 2010
- Publisher: Australian Rangeland Society
Abstract: Invasive Native Scrub (INS) is a major problem in the pastoral lands of western NSW. The objective of the project was to test the hypothesis that native perennial grasslands do regenerate in areas that have been cropped following removal of INS. A total of 30 paddocks that had been cropped during the last 20 years were selected. Vegetation surveys were conducted in each paddock in March/April 2008. Results indicated that ground cover, native perennial grass cover and standing dry matter were highest under light/rotationally grazed conditions and availability of soil seed did not appear to be a limiting factor. We conclude that short term cropping can be used successfully to remove INS and restore native perennial grasses if post-cropping grazing management is appropriate.