Plant litter production is important in nutrient cycling and ecosystem productivity, whereas organic matter loss from litter might be affected by defoliation, and the plant canopy. Aboveground litter production by area unit was similar between three grasses; however, leaf blade decomposition rates were higher in desirable than undesirable grasses. The opposite was true for belowground litter. Moderate defoliation did not affect organic matter decomposition, and the presence of desirable grasses promoted litter decomposition, a key factor in determining soil fertility in terrestrial ecosystems.

Hyparrhenia hirta (also known as Coolatai grass or thatching grass) has been recognised as a serious invasive weed in Australia since the early 1980s. Several hundred accessions of H. hirta were earlier introduced into Australia as a promising pasture plant, and almost all were discarded because of poor seed production. However, our results show that present roadside populations have a very large fecundity enabling a very large short-lived seed bank to develop beneath dense stands.

Seismic exploration occurs throughout much of Australia, especially in central and northern regions, although the recovery of vegetation on seismic lines is rarely investigated. We measured the recovery after raised-blade clearing of Pindan vegetation, and the interaction with fire, on seismic lines in the West Kimberley. Overall, the vegetation structure recovered quickly (6–12 months); however, individual characteristics varied in their response after clearing.

Germination of seeds after exposure to the animal digestive tract is necessary for the digestive tract-mediated propagation of plants. The germination rate, structures (e.g. wings, wool) and characteristics (length, width, thickness) of seeds changed significantly in response to simulated digestion by grazing sheep. Digestive tract-mediated propagation increases seed dispersal, which allows plants to adapt to a changing environment.

Shrub encroachment is a new threat to the unique pastoral grasslands of the Tibetan Plateau. Our model, which focuses on ecohydrological feedbacks, suggests that recent shrub encroachment may be an indirect response to climate warming via an extended growing season and the competitive escape of specific shrub species, as indicated by an advancing shrubline. Under high intensity of grazing, only herding by more browsers can prevent both shrub encroachment and the complete loss of herbaceous vegetation.

Numerous tools exist to optimise grazing patterns to overcome livestock distribution challenges. This paper surveys and categorises these tools and analyses the connectivity of existing research to identify and isolate knowledge gaps. A literature review revealed specific types of tools and strategies to improve cattle distribution, categorised as either ‘animal’ or ‘environmental manipulations’. Strategies are overwhelmingly studied in isolation, and potential exists to increase efficacy by integrating multiple strategies to achieve a desired outcome.