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These articles are the latest published in the journal. The Rangeland Journal has moved to a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 16 September 2024

RJ24021Managing grazing to increase ground cover in rangelands: using remote sensing to detect change

Sarah E. McDonald, Aaron T. Simmons, Steven Harden, Susan E. Orgill, Juan Guerschman and Craig Strong

 

Managing the timing, intensity and duration of livestock grazing is commonly used with the goal of improving land condition and productivity. Using time-series estimates of ground cover derived from satellite imagery, this study demonstrates that significant increases in ground cover can be achieved by strategically managing grazing in the semiarid rangelands of western NSW, Australia. The complexities of achieving and measuring changes in ground cover are highlighted and potential opportunities in using this remote sensing monitoring approach are discussed.

This article belongs to the Collection 2023 ARS Conference.

RJ24021 Abstract  |  RJ24021 Full Text  | RJ24021PDF (2.9 MB)  | RJ24021Supplementary Material (544 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 10 September 2024

RJ24007Low-emission beef production in the Southern Rangelands of Western Australia: an analysis of herd structure and stocking rate experiencing droughts

C. d’Abbadie

 

This study investigated how cattle producers in the Southern Rangelands of Western Australia can strike a balance between being profitable, protecting grasslands, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers found that raising heavier steers for slaughter and running a conservative stocking rate leads to the lowest emissions, larger profitability and resilience to droughts. This approach benefits both the environment and producers, suggesting a win–win for sustainable cattle production.

This article belongs to the Collection 2023 ARS Conference.

RJ24007 Abstract  |  RJ24007 Full Text  | RJ24007PDF (1.7 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 10 September 2024

RJ24019Evolving nature-based solutions for Australia’s Indigenous estate in 2024 – opportunities and challenges

Jeremy Russell-Smith, Jarrad Holmes, Ben Lewis, John Brisbin and Kamaljit K. Sangha

 

We assess opportunities and challenges for Australia’s Indigenous estate associated with existing and emerging Nature-based Solutions markets. The Indigenous estate covers 57% of the Australian land mass, but most is ineligible for existing funding streams. Currently proposed schemes focus on repair and restoration of degraded land. Little market opportunity currently exists to support equally important stewardship projects on less-degraded lands and seas. We outline conditions for incentivising evolution toward schemes that engage with a holistic view of country and culture.

This article belongs to the Collection Carbon and Environmental Service Markets.

RJ24019 Abstract  |  RJ24019 Full Text  | RJ24019PDF (3.6 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 02 September 2024

RJ24015Carbon farming co-benefits: a review of concepts, policy and potential in Australian landscapes

Sarah Milne , Sam Beaver, Caitlyn Baljak, Alex Cox and Mark Howden

 

Land-use changes through carbon farming in Australia have the potential to deliver significant environmental, economic, social and cultural benefits to regional areas, especially in the rangelands. We review current initiatives related to carbon co-benefits in Australia, identifying over 20 separate schemes with distinct governance arrangements. Our findings point to the significant potential and value of carbon co-benefits in Australia; but nationwide policy frameworks must support this by harmonising approaches, standardising units and measures, and localising implementation strategies.

This article belongs to the Collection Carbon and Environmental Service Markets.

RJ24015 Abstract  |  RJ24015 Full Text  | RJ24015PDF (1.5 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 29 August 2024

RJ23052The importance of camel (Camelus dromedaries) in the livelihoods of herders: the case of camel herders’ households in peri-urban N’Djamena and pastoral Fitri, Chad

Mahamat Amine Mahamat Ahmat, Charles-Henri Moulin, Touka Abakar, Arada Izzedine Abdel-Aziz, Mian Oudanang Koussou and Guillaume Duteurtre

 

Owing to its multiple functions and ability to live in harsh environments, camel is now getting renewed interest from pastoral societies in the context of climate change. Our survey of two groups of nomads in central Chad showed that camel herding is spreading throughout the country and not only in the Saharan zone. Camel plays a crucial role as a source of cash income and as a supplier of meat and dairy products for pastoral households and urban markets.

RJ23052 Abstract  | PDF (1.2 MB) - $35.00 

Published online 13 August 2024

RJ24005Soil carbon sequestration in rangelands: a critical review of the impacts of major management strategies

Beverley Henry, Diane Allen, Warwick Badgery, Steven Bray, John Carter, Ram C. Dalal, Wayne Hall, Matthew Tom Harrison, Sarah E. McDonald and Hayley McMillan

 

Increasing the carbon stored in soils is promoted as a technology to mitigate climate change, but the potential for sequestration (long-term storage) in the vast area of rangelands is debated. Our review of research in Australia’s rangelands found few field or modelling studies with robust data on soil carbon sequestration linked to new management. We conclude that the potential for sequestration is likely modest and present recommendations to increase confidence in management strategies for climate change benefits and sustainable productivity.

This article belongs to the Collection Carbon and Environmental Service Markets.

RJ24005 Abstract  |  RJ24005 Full Text  | RJ24005PDF (1.4 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 07 August 2024

RJ24006Carbon sequestration uncertainty: is grazing-induced soil organic carbon accrual offset by inorganic carbon loss?

Kurt O. Reinhart , Matthew J. Rinella, Richard C. Waterman, Hilaire S. Sanni Worogo and Lance T. Vermeire

 

If the supposed soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil inorganic carbon (SIC) trade-off exists, then grazing practices that increase SOC will decrease SIC which may have unintended impacts on carbon sequestration. We found no effect of grazing treatments on SIC and no evidence that grazing-induced SOC accrual was associated with SIC loss. Our findings support the interpretation that SIC stocks (mass per unit area) are stable and unaffected by grazing and grazing-induced SOC accrual, at least over the short term (5 years).

This article belongs to the Collection Carbon and Environmental Service Markets.

RJ24006 Abstract  |  RJ24006 Full Text  | RJ24006PDF (501 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 06 August 2024

RJ24017A systematic approach to soil carbon inventory on rangelands

Shawn W. Salley and Joel R. Brown

 

Predicting long-term soil carbon changes in rangelands requires understanding of the ecological potential and current state of the land. Although weather can cause short-term fluctuations within the ecological state, it is not reliable for long-term predictions. Instead, vegetation type and behaviour are better indicators of ecological state and can be easily measured through existing technology. This information can be used to develop a system for both monitoring soil carbon and guiding land management decisions.

This article belongs to the Collection Carbon and Environmental Service Markets.

RJ24017 Abstract  |  RJ24017 Full Text  | RJ24017PDF (818 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 09 July 2024

RJ23031Calotropis procera (Apocynaceae) shrub intrusion on wildlife foraging rangelands in the Ruaha National Park

John Bukombe, Pius Kavana, Wilfred Marealle, John Sanare, Norbert Wanzara, Wolfgang Sagari, Halima Kiwango, Joely Efraim, Godwell Ole Mein’gataki and Alex Lobora

 

The association between the rapidly encroaching plant apple of sodom (Calotropis procera) and the understorey plant cover and environmental variabless such as soil pH, humidity, light intensity, and soil temperature in wildlife grazing land was investigated in Ruaha National Park, south of Tanzania. The findings demonstrated that the apple of sodom decreases the canopy cover of understorey herbaceous plants and, further, it changes the pH of the soil, hence reducing percentage cover of forage plant species for wildlife. It is therefore emphasised that control efforts are needed promptly to stop the spread of the encroaching plants that have shown properties of invasiveness.

RJ23031 Abstract  | PDF (2.1 MB) - $35.00 

Published online 17 June 2024

RJ24004Can simple, on-ground vegetation and soil measures reliably indicate the health of rangelands? An application in Australia’s semi-arid woodlands

John A. Ludwig, David J. Tongway and Norman Hindley

 

Assessing the health of vegetation and soils is essential for managing grazing in natural pastures. Four simple indicators reliably assessed pasture health. (1) Pastures were in good, fair, poor or very poor health based on tree death and the condition of vegetation and soils, (2) healthy groves of trees were larger and (3) had a healthy band of perennial grasses upslope of groves, and (4) sites in poor health had soil erosion. These four pasture health indicators are widely applicable.

RJ24004 Abstract  |  RJ24004 Full Text  | RJ24004PDF (2 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 06 June 2024

RJ24009Effects of ivermectin on soil nutrient cycling, plant biomass, and dung beetle abundance

Shiva Torabian , A. Joshua Leffler and Lora Perkins

 

This study examined the impact of ivermectin on dung beetle abundance, and subsequent soil nutrient concentrations and plant growth during spring and summer in South Dakota grassland. Ivermectin decreased dung beetle abundance, particularly in high concentrations, yet did not significantly affect soil or plant nutrient content. These findings underscore the complex interplay between anthropogenic chemicals and ecosystem dynamics.

RJ24009 Abstract  | PDF (2.1 MB) - $35.00   | RJ24009Supplementary Material (341 KB)

Published online 30 May 2024

RJ21051Above-ground carbon in mulga-dominated rangelands, Murchison Bioregion, Western Australia

Adrian Williams, Peter Russell and David Blood

 

How much organic carbon is stored in Australia’s rangelands, and how would you measure it efficiently as part of an immense carbon-farming initiative? The on-ground surveys described in this paper collected detailed information that will help establish a remote-sensing methodology to assess carbon stored in mulga woodlands and the rate of carbon sequestration. On suitable sites, carbon farming could help sequester Western Australia’s greenhouse-gas emissions, rehabilitate country, and provide a new income stream for pastoral communities.

RJ21051 Abstract  |  RJ21051 Full Text  | RJ21051PDF (1.7 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 06 May 2024

RJ23046Measuring transaction costs of grassland eco-compensation policies: the case of the Compensation and Rewards Policy for Grassland Protection in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region

Bao Zhang, Scott Waldron, Colin Brown, Jing Zhang and Guanghua Qiao

 

Accounting for transaction costs in grasslands policies is particularly important, given the vast areas, dispersed location of herders and remoteness from local administrators could lead to high costs. This paper reports that transaction costs are still substantial, with the majority of costs being incurred in the category of policy enforcement. The paper highlights that more of the burden of the enforcement costs is being imposed on the lower administrative levels. The results showed the value in accounting for transaction costs in the design and assessment of eco-compensation schemes.

RJ23046 Abstract  | PDF (848 KB) - $35.00 

Published online 28 March 2024

RJ23049Climate change must be factored into savanna carbon- management projects to avoid maladaptation: the case of worsening air pollution in western Top End of the Northern Territory, Australia

David M. J. S. Bowman , Nicolas Borchers-Arriagada, Andrew Macintosh, Donald W. Butler, Grant J. Williamson and Fay H. Johnston

 

Since 2012, the Australian Government has provided carbon credits to landholders for burning tropical savannas in the early dry season when most fires have lower intensity and lower greenhouse-gas emissions than do late dry-season wildfires. Air pollution across the northern half of the Northern Territory has worsened following implementation of these projects, exacerbated by intense fires from drier fuels associated with climate change. To avoid maladaptation, savanna burning carbon abatement must be carefully designed and monitored.

This article belongs to the Collection Carbon and environmental service markets.

RJ23049 Abstract  |  RJ23049 Full Text  | RJ23049PDF (2.5 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 25 March 2024

RJ23042Conflict actors influence the dynamics of agropastoral policies to accommodate their preferences and expectations in Ghana

Lawrence Kwabena Brobbey , Frank Kwaku Agyei, Paul Osei-Tutu and Boateng Kyereh

 

Multiple governmentalities have been used to regulate agropastoral sector in Ghana. Agropastoral policies in Ghana have been dynamic in response to market interest. Past policies have focused on separating arable farmers from pastoralists spatially. Recent policies aim at promoting coexistence of arable farming and ranching. Conflict actors use narratives and actions to influence agropastoral policies.

RJ23042 Abstract  |  RJ23042 Full Text  | RJ23042PDF (1.5 MB)   Open Access Article

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1. Soil carbon sequestration in rangelands: a critical review of the impacts of major management strategies

   The Rangeland Journal 46 (3)

   Beverley Henry, Diane Allen, Warwick Badgery, Steven Bray, John Carter, Ram C. Dalal, Wayne Hall, Matthew Tom Harrison, Sarah E. McDonald, Hayley McMillan

2. Carbon farming co-benefits: a review of concepts, policy and potential in Australian landscapes

   The Rangeland Journal 46 (3)

   Sarah Milne , Sam Beaver, Caitlyn Baljak, Alex Cox, Mark Howden

3. A systematic approach to soil carbon inventory on rangelands

   The Rangeland Journal 46 (2)

   Shawn W. Salley , Joel R. Brown

4. Carbon sequestration uncertainty: is grazing-induced soil organic carbon accrual offset by inorganic carbon loss?

   The Rangeland Journal 46 (2)

   Kurt O. Reinhart , Matthew J. Rinella, Richard C. Waterman, Hilaire S. Sanni Worogo, Lance T. Vermeire

5. Can simple, on-ground vegetation and soil measures reliably indicate the health of rangelands? An application in Australia’s semi-arid woodlands

   The Rangeland Journal 45 (6)

   John A. Ludwig, David J. Tongway, Norman Hindley

6. Donkey production systems and breeding practices in selected districts of South Omo Zone, southern Ethiopia

   The Rangeland Journal 45 (3)

   Awoke Melak Wassie, Teklewold Belayhun Getachew, Abebe Hailu Kassa, Ashenafi Getachew Megersa, Tesfalem Ayele

7. Above-ground carbon in mulga-dominated rangelands, Murchison Bioregion, Western Australia

   The Rangeland Journal 45 (6)

   Adrian Williams, Peter Russell, David Blood

8. Toward land restoration transitions: elevating regional voices and the provenance of co-benefits in Queensland rangelands

   The Rangeland Journal 46 (1)

   Nikki P. Dumbrell , Catherine J. Robinson, Katie D. Ricketts, Danilo Urzedo, Lisa Walker, Anthelia J. Bond

9. Climate change must be factored into savanna carbon- management projects to avoid maladaptation: the case of worsening air pollution in western Top End of the Northern Territory, Australia

   The Rangeland Journal 46 (1)

   David M. J. S. Bowman , Nicolas Borchers-Arriagada, Andrew Macintosh, Donald W. Butler, Grant J. Williamson, Fay H. Johnston

10. Carbon and ecosystem service markets in rangelands and grazing systems are a wicked problem: multi-stakeholder partnership or roundtable as a vehicle forward?

    The Rangeland Journal 46 (1)

    Rebecca Cotton , Bradd Witt

11. Low-emission beef production in the Southern Rangelands of Western Australia: an analysis of herd structure and stocking rate experiencing droughts

    The Rangeland Journal 46 (3)

    C. d’Abbadie

12. Adaptive multi-paddock grazing management reduces diet quality of yearling cattle in shortgrass steppe

    The Rangeland Journal 45 (4)

    Tamarah R. Jorns, J. Derek Scasta, Justin D. Derner , David J. Augustine, Lauren M. Porensky, Edward J. Raynor,

13. Managing grazing to increase ground cover in rangelands: using remote sensing to detect change

    The Rangeland Journal 46 (4)

    Sarah E. McDonald, Aaron T. Simmons, Steven Harden, Susan E. Orgill, Juan Guerschman, Craig Strong

14. Arid erosion mapping: comparing LiDAR and structure from motion

    The Rangeland Journal 45 (4)

    Angus Retallack , Dillon Campbell, Graeme Finlayson, Ramesh Raja Segaran, Bertram Ostendorf, Molly Hennekam, Sami Rifai, Megan Lewis

15. Evolving nature-based solutions for Australia’s Indigenous estate in 2024 – opportunities and challenges

    The Rangeland Journal 46 (4)

    Jeremy Russell-Smith, Jarrad Holmes, Ben Lewis, John Brisbin, Kamaljit K. Sangha

16. Conflict actors influence the dynamics of agropastoral policies to accommodate their preferences and expectations in Ghana

    The Rangeland Journal 45 (5)

    Lawrence Kwabena Brobbey , Frank Kwaku Agyei, Paul Osei-Tutu, Boateng Kyereh

17. Applying two remotely-sensed methods for monitoring grazing impacts in the Australian arid zone

    The Rangeland Journal 45 (4)

    Gary Bastin, Robyn Cowley, Margaret Friedel , Chris Materne

18. Effects of ivermectin on soil nutrient cycling, plant biomass, and dung beetle abundance

    The Rangeland Journal 45 (6)

    Shiva Torabian , A. Joshua Leffler, Lora Perkins

19. The importance of camel (Camelus dromedaries) in the livelihoods of herders: the case of camel herders’ households in peri-urban N’Djamena and pastoral Fitri, Chad

    The Rangeland Journal 46 (3)

    Mahamat Amine Mahamat Ahmat, Charles-Henri Moulin, Touka Abakar, Arada Izzedine Abdel-Aziz, Mian Oudanang Koussou, Guillaume Duteurtre

20. Calotropis procera (Apocynaceae) shrub intrusion on wildlife foraging rangelands in the Ruaha National Park

    The Rangeland Journal 46 (1)

    John Bukombe, Pius Kavana, Wilfred Marealle, John Sanare, Norbert Wanzara, Wolfgang Sagari, Halima Kiwango, Joely Efraim, Godwell Ole Mein’gataki, Alex Lobora

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