Register      Login
The Rangeland Journal The Rangeland Journal Society
Journal of the Australian Rangeland Society
RESEARCH ARTICLE (Open Access)

Do regenerative grazing management practices improve vegetation and soil health in grazed rangelands? Preliminary insights from a space-for-time study in the Great Barrier Reef catchments, Australia

Rebecca Bartley https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9471-5354 A * , Brett N. Abbott https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3377-1736 B , Afshin Ghahramani https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9648-4606 C , Aram Ali https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2986-9220 C , Rod Kerr D , Christian H. Roth E and Anne Kinsey-Henderson A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A CSIRO Environment, Brisbane, Qld 4068, Australia.

B CSIRO Environment, Townsville, Qld 4811, Australia.

C University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Qld 4350, Australia.

D NQ Dry Tropics, Townsville, Qld 4810, Australia.

E SeeSide Dialogue (formerly CSIRO, Brisbane, Qld 4068, Australia).

* Correspondence to: rebecca.bartley@csiro.au

The Rangeland Journal 44(4) 221-246 https://doi.org/10.1071/RJ22047
Submitted: 11 August 2022  Accepted: 29 November 2022   Published: 18 January 2023

© 2022 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of the Australian Rangeland Society. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND)

Abstract

Regenerative grazing, which generally involves some form of rotational grazing with strategic rest, is increasingly seen as a profitable management approach that will accelerate landscape recovery. However, there is limited quantitative evidence supporting the benefits of this approach in northern Australia. This space-for-time study collected vegetation and soil data from a range of properties in the Burdekin catchment in Queensland that have implemented regenerative grazing strategies for between 5 and 20 years. Data were also collected at adjacent control sites that did not undergo regenerative grazing, but where more traditional continuous set-stocking grazing approaches were applied. Coincident data were also collected from several sites where grazing had been excluded for ~30 years. Data suggested that improvements in vegetation, soil and land condition can be obtained from implementing regenerative grazing principles, although it is likely to take at least 3–5 years, and up to 15–20 years for statistically significant improvements to be measurable at a site, particularly for areas that are moving from a degraded baseline condition. Vegetation attributes such as plant biomass and basal area and litter incorporation all appeared to be better surrogates than percentage ground cover for representing improved landscape condition and soil health. Sites that maintained remotely sensed percentage ground cover at or above the minimally disturbed reference benchmark levels for >10 years, as well as having statistically higher biomass, basal area and litter, had significant increases in total nitrogen (TN) and soil organic carbon (SOC) relative to the local control site. Although there are indications that regenerative grazing can lead to improvements in land condition, this study does not enable us to conclude whether regenerative grazing will accelerate improvements compared with other best-practice grazing land management (GLM) approaches, and further research on the social and economic dimensions of regenerative grazing is needed.

Keywords: Burdekin, cattle grazing, grazing land management, land condition, pasture, regenerative agriculture, restoration, soil organic carbon, water quality.


References

Abdel-Magid, AH, Schuman, GE, and Hart, RH (1987). Soil bulk density and water infiltration as affected by grazing systems. Journal of Range Management 40, 307–309.
Soil bulk density and water infiltration as affected by grazing systems.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Allen, DE, Pringle, MJ, Page, KL, and Dalal, RC (2010). A review of sampling designs for the measurement of soil organic carbon in Australian grazing lands. The Rangeland Journal 32, 227–246.
A review of sampling designs for the measurement of soil organic carbon in Australian grazing lands.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Allen, DE, Pringle, MJ, Bray, S, Hall, TJ, O’Reagain, PO, Phelps, D, Cobon, DH, Bloesch, PM, and Dalal, RC (2013). What determines soil organic carbon stocks in the grazing lands of north-eastern Australia? Soil Research 51, 695–706.
What determines soil organic carbon stocks in the grazing lands of north-eastern Australia?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Allen, DE, Pringle, MJ, Butler, DW, Henry, BK, Bishop, TFA, Bray, SG, Orton, TG, and Dalal, RC (2016). Effects of land-use change and management on soil carbon and nitrogen in the Brigalow Belt, Australia: I. Overview and inventory. The Rangeland Journal 38, 443–452.
Effects of land-use change and management on soil carbon and nitrogen in the Brigalow Belt, Australia: I. Overview and inventory.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ash A, Corfield J, Ksiksi T (2001) The Ecograze Project: developing guidelines to better manage grazing country. CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems and QDPI.

Ash, AJ, Corfield, JP, McIvor, JG, and Ksiksi, TS (2011). Grazing management in tropical savannas: utilization and rest strategies to manipulate rangeland condition. Rangeland Ecology & Management 64, 223–239.
Grazing management in tropical savannas: utilization and rest strategies to manipulate rangeland condition.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Alewijnse M (2003) Grazing and water infiltration in the savanna landscape. Honours thesis, School of Tropical Environmental Studies and Geography, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld, Australia.

Badgery, WB (2017). Longer rest periods for intensive rotational grazing limit diet quality of sheep without enhancing environmental benefits. African Journal of Range & Forage Science 34, 99–109.
Longer rest periods for intensive rotational grazing limit diet quality of sheep without enhancing environmental benefits.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Badgery, WB, Millar, GD, Broadfoot, K, Michalk, DL, Cranney, P, Mitchell, D, and van de Ven, R (2017). Increased production and cover in a variable native pasture following intensive grazing management. Animal Production Science 57, 1812–1823.
Increased production and cover in a variable native pasture following intensive grazing management.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bartley, R, Roth, CH, Ludwig, J, McJannet, D, Liedloff, A, Corfield, J, Hawdon, A, and Abbott, B (2006). Runoff and erosion from Australia’s tropical semi-arid rangelands: influence of ground cover for differing space and time scales. Hydrological Processes 20, 3317–3333.
Runoff and erosion from Australia’s tropical semi-arid rangelands: influence of ground cover for differing space and time scales.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bartley, R, Hawdon, A, Post, DA, and Roth, CH (2007). A sediment budget for a grazed semi-arid catchment in the Burdekin basin, Australia. Geomorphology 87, 302–321.
A sediment budget for a grazed semi-arid catchment in the Burdekin basin, Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bartley, R, Corfield, JP, Hawdon, AA, Kinsey-Henderson, AE, Abbott, BN, Wilkinson, SN, and Keen, RJ (2014). Can changes to pasture management reduce runoff and sediment loss to the Great Barrier Reef? The results of a 10-year study in the Burdekin catchment, Australia. The Rangeland Journal 36, 67–84.
Can changes to pasture management reduce runoff and sediment loss to the Great Barrier Reef? The results of a 10-year study in the Burdekin catchment, Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bartley, R, Poesen, J, Wilkinson, S, and Vanmaercke, M (2020). A review of the magnitude and response times for sediment yield reductions following the rehabilitation of gullied landscapes. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms 45, 3250–3279.
A review of the magnitude and response times for sediment yield reductions following the rehabilitation of gullied landscapes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bastin, GN, Pickup, G, Stanes, J, and Stanes, A (1996). Estimating landscape resilience from satellite data and its application to pastoral land management. The Rangeland Journal 18, 118–135.
Estimating landscape resilience from satellite data and its application to pastoral land management.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bastin, G, Scarth, P, Chewings, V, Sparrow, A, Denham, R, Schmidt, M, O’Reagain, P, Shepherd, R, and Abbott, B (2012). Separating grazing and rainfall effects at regional scale using remote sensing imagery: a dynamic reference-cover method. Remote Sensing of Environment 121, 443–457.
Separating grazing and rainfall effects at regional scale using remote sensing imagery: a dynamic reference-cover method.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Behrendt, K, Cacho, O, Scott, JM, and Jones, R (2013). Optimising pasture and grazing management decisions on the Cicerone Project farmlets over variable time horizons. Animal Production Science 53, 796–805.
Optimising pasture and grazing management decisions on the Cicerone Project farmlets over variable time horizons.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Beutel, TS, Shepherd, R, Karfs, RA, Abbott, BN, Eyre, T, Hall, TJ, and Barbi, E (2021). Is ground cover a useful indicator of grazing land condition? The Rangeland Journal 43, 55–64.
Is ground cover a useful indicator of grazing land condition?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Blois, JL, Williams, JW, Fitzpatrick, MC, Jackson, ST, and Ferrier, S (2013). Space can substitute for time in predicting climate-change effects on biodiversity. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 110, 9374–9379.
Space can substitute for time in predicting climate-change effects on biodiversity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bray, SG, Allen, DE, Harms, BP, Reid, DJ, Fraser, GW, Dalal, RC, Walsh, D, Phelps, DG, and Gunther, R (2016). Is land condition a useful indicator of soil organic carbon stock in Australia’s northern grazing land? The Rangeland Journal 38, 229–243.
Is land condition a useful indicator of soil organic carbon stock in Australia’s northern grazing land?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bremner, JM (1960). Determination of nitrogen in soil by the Kjeldahl method. The Journal of Agricultural Science 55, 11–33.
Determination of nitrogen in soil by the Kjeldahl method.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Briske, DD, Derner, JD, Brown, JR, Fuhlendorf, SD, Teague, WR, Havstad, KM, Gillen, RL, Ash, AJ, and Willms, WD (2008). Rotational grazing on rangelands: reconciliation of perception and experimental evidence. Rangeland Ecology & Management 61, 3–17.
Rotational grazing on rangelands: reconciliation of perception and experimental evidence.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Briske, DD, Sayre, NF, Huntsinger, L, Fernandez-Gimenez, M, Budd, B, and Derner, JD (2011). Origin, persistence, and resolution of the rotational grazing debate: integrating human dimensions into rangeland research. Rangeland Ecology & Management 64, 325–334.
Origin, persistence, and resolution of the rotational grazing debate: integrating human dimensions into rangeland research.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Briske, DD, Ash, AJ, Derner, JD, and Huntsinger, L (2014). Commentary: a critical assessment of the policy endorsement for holistic management. Agricultural Systems 125, 50–53.
Commentary: a critical assessment of the policy endorsement for holistic management.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Chen, Y, Guerschman, J, Shendryk, Y, Henry, D, and Harrison, MT (2021). Estimating pasture biomass using Sentinel-2 imagery and machine learning. Remote Sensing 13, 603.
Estimating pasture biomass using Sentinel-2 imagery and machine learning.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Cowley RA, McCosker KD, MacDonald RN, Hearnden MN (2007) Optimal pasture utilisation rates for sustainable cattle production with a commercial Brahman herd in the Victoria River Downs region of the Northern Territory. In ‘Northern Beef Research Update Conference’, Townsville, Qld, Australia, 21–22 March 2007. (North Australian Beef Research Council: Brisbane, Qld, Australia)

Dalal, RC, Thornton, CM, Allen, DE, and Kopittke, PM (2021a). A study over 33 years shows that carbon and nitrogen stocks in a subtropical soil are increasing under native vegetation in a changing climate. Science of the Total Environment 772, 145019.
A study over 33 years shows that carbon and nitrogen stocks in a subtropical soil are increasing under native vegetation in a changing climate.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Dalal, RC, Thornton, CM, Allen, DE, Owens, JS, and Kopittke, PM (2021b). Long-term land use change in Australia from native forest decreases all fractions of soil organic carbon, including resistant organic carbon, for cropping but not sown pasture. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 311, 107326.
Long-term land use change in Australia from native forest decreases all fractions of soil organic carbon, including resistant organic carbon, for cropping but not sown pasture.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Damgaard, C (2019). A critique of the space-for-time substitution practice in community ecology. Trends in Ecology & Evolution 34, 416–421.
A critique of the space-for-time substitution practice in community ecology.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Department of Environment Science Queensland Government (2021) Seasonal ground cover - Landsat, JRSRP algorithm, Australia coverage. Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network. Available at https://portal.tern.org.au/seasonal-ground-cover-australia-coverage/22022

De La Torre Ugarte DG, Hellwinckel CC (2010) The problem is the solution: the role of biofuels in the transition to a regenerative agriculture. In ‘Plant biotechnology for sustainable production of energy and co-products. Vol. 66’. (Eds PN Mascia, J Scheffran, JM Widholm) pp. 365–384. (Springer: Berlin, Heidelberg, Germany)
| Crossref |

de Villiers, AC, Esler, KJ, and Knight, AT (2014). Social processes promoting the adaptive capacity of rangeland managers to achieve resilience in the Karoo, South Africa. Journal of Environmental Management 146, 276–283.
Social processes promoting the adaptive capacity of rangeland managers to achieve resilience in the Karoo, South Africa.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Donohue, RJ, Mokany, K, McVicar, TR, and O’Grady, AP (2022). Identifying management-driven dynamics in vegetation cover: applying the Compere framework to Cooper Creek, Australia. Ecosphere 13, e4006.
Identifying management-driven dynamics in vegetation cover: applying the Compere framework to Cooper Creek, Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Dowling, PM, Kemp, DR, Ball, PD, Langford, CM, Michalk, DL, Millar, GD, Simpson, PC, and Thompson, RP (2005). Effect of continuous and time-control grazing on grassland components in south-eastern Australia. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 45, 369–382.
Effect of continuous and time-control grazing on grassland components in south-eastern Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

England, JR, Paul, KI, Cunningham, SC, Madhavan, DB, Baker, TG, Read, Z, Wilson, BR, Cavagnaro, TR, Lewis, T, Perring, MP, Herrmann, T, and Polglase, PJ (2016). Previous land use and climate influence differences in soil organic carbon following reforestation of agricultural land with mixed-species plantings. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 227, 61–72.
Previous land use and climate influence differences in soil organic carbon following reforestation of agricultural land with mixed-species plantings.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Fraser, GW, and Stone, GS (2016). The effect of soil and pasture attributes on rangeland infiltration rates in northern Australia. The Rangeland Journal 38, 245–259.
The effect of soil and pasture attributes on rangeland infiltration rates in northern Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Gee G, Bauder J (1986) Particle‐size analysis. In ‘Methods of Soil Analysis. Part 1. Physical and Mineralogical Methods’. (Ed. A Klute) pp. 383–411. (Soil Science Society of America: Madison, WI, USA)

Gosnell, H, Gill, N, and Voyer, M (2019). Transformational adaptation on the farm: processes of change and persistence in transitions to ‘climate-smart’ regenerative agriculture. Global Environmental Change 59, 101965.
Transformational adaptation on the farm: processes of change and persistence in transitions to ‘climate-smart’ regenerative agriculture.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Gosnell, H, Grimm, K, and Goldstein, BE (2020). A half century of Holistic Management: what does the evidence reveal? Agriculture and Human Values 37, 849–867.
A half century of Holistic Management: what does the evidence reveal?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Hall, TJ, McIvor, JG, Reid, DJ, Jones, P, MacLeod, ND, McDonald, CK, and Smith, DR (2014). A comparison of stocking methods for beef production in northern Australia: pasture and soil surface condition responses. The Rangeland Journal 36, 161–174.
A comparison of stocking methods for beef production in northern Australia: pasture and soil surface condition responses.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Hart, RH, Bissio, J, Samuel, MJ, and Waggoner Jr, JW (1993). Grazing systems, pasture size, and cattle grazing behavior, distribution and gains. Journal of Range Management 46, 81–87.

Hawdon A, Keen RJ, Post DA, Wilkinson SN (2008) Hydrological recovery of rangeland following cattle exclusion. In ‘Sediment dynamics in changing environments. Vol. 325’, Christchurch, New Zealand. (Eds J Schmidt, T Cochrane, C Phillips, S Elliott, T Davies, L Basher) ISBN Number: 978‐1‐901502‐84‐8. pp. 532–539. (IAHS Publications)

Hawkins, H-J (2017). A global assessment of Holistic Planned Grazing™ compared with season-long, continuous grazing: meta-analysis findings. African Journal of Range & Forage Science 34, 65–75.
A global assessment of Holistic Planned Grazing™ compared with season-long, continuous grazing: meta-analysis findings.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Hawkins, H-J, Short, A, and Kirkman, KP (2017). Does Holistic Planned Grazing™ work on native rangelands? African Journal of Range & Forage Science 34, 59–63.
Does Holistic Planned Grazing™ work on native rangelands?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Hodgkinson KC, Freudenberger DO (1997) Production pulses and flow-ons in rangeland landscapes. In ‘Landscape ecology: function and management: principles from Australia’s rangelands’. (Eds JA Ludwig, DJ Tongway, DO Freudenberger, JC Noble, KC Hodgkinson) pp. 23–34. (CSIRO Publishing: Melbourne, Vic., Australia)

Humanes, A, Ricardo, GF, Willis, BL, Fabricius, KE, and Negri, AP (2017). Cumulative effects of suspended sediments, organic nutrients and temperature stress on early life history stages of the coral Acropora tenuis. Scientific Reports 7, 44101.
Cumulative effects of suspended sediments, organic nutrients and temperature stress on early life history stages of the coral Acropora tenuis.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Hunt, LP, McIvor, JG, Grice, AC, and Bray, SG (2014). Principles and guidelines for managing cattle grazing in the grazing lands of northern Australia: stocking rates, pasture resting, prescribed fire, paddock size and water points – a review. The Rangeland Journal 36, 105–119.
Principles and guidelines for managing cattle grazing in the grazing lands of northern Australia: stocking rates, pasture resting, prescribed fire, paddock size and water points – a review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Jackson, J, and Ash, AJ (1998). Tree-grass relationships in open eucalypt woodlands of northeastern Australia: influence of trees on pasture productivity, forage quality and species distribution. Agroforestry Systems 40, 159–176.
Tree-grass relationships in open eucalypt woodlands of northeastern Australia: influence of trees on pasture productivity, forage quality and species distribution.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Jackson, J, and Ash, AJ (2001). The role of trees in enhancing soil nutrient availability for native perennial grasses in open eucalypt woodlands of north-east Queensland. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 52, 377–386.
The role of trees in enhancing soil nutrient availability for native perennial grasses in open eucalypt woodlands of north-east Queensland.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Karfs, RA, Abbott, BN, Scarth, PF, and Wallace, JF (2009). Land condition monitoring information for reef catchments: a new era. The Rangeland Journal 31, 69–86.
Land condition monitoring information for reef catchments: a new era.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Koci, J, Sidle, RC, Kinsey-Henderson, AE, Bartley, R, Wilkinson, SN, Hawdon, AA, Jarihani, B, Roth, CH, and Hogarth, L (2020). Effect of reduced grazing pressure on sediment and nutrient yields in savanna rangeland streams draining to the Great Barrier Reef. Journal of Hydrology 582, 124520.
Effect of reduced grazing pressure on sediment and nutrient yields in savanna rangeland streams draining to the Great Barrier Reef.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kutt, AS, and Fisher, A (2011). Increased grazing and dominance of an exotic pasture (Bothriochloa pertusa) affects vertebrate fauna species composition, abundance and habitat in savanna woodland. The Rangeland Journal 33, 49–58.
Increased grazing and dominance of an exotic pasture (Bothriochloa pertusa) affects vertebrate fauna species composition, abundance and habitat in savanna woodland.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lawrence, R, Whalley, RDB, Reid, N, and Rader, R (2019). Short-duration rotational grazing leads to improvements in landscape functionality and increased perennial herbaceous plant cover. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 281, 134–144.
Short-duration rotational grazing leads to improvements in landscape functionality and increased perennial herbaceous plant cover.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lebbink, G, Dwyer, JM, and Fensham, RJ (2021). Managed livestock grazing for conservation outcomes in a Queensland fragmented landscape. Ecological Management & Restoration 22, 5–9.
Managed livestock grazing for conservation outcomes in a Queensland fragmented landscape.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lebbink, G, Dwyer, JM, and Fensham, RJ (2022). ‘Invasion debt’ after extensive land-use change: an example from eastern Australia. Journal of Environmental Management 302, 114051.
‘Invasion debt’ after extensive land-use change: an example from eastern Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Leuning, R, Cleugh, HA, Zegelin, SJ, and Hughes, D (2005). Carbon and water fluxes over a temperate Eucalyptus forest and a tropical wet/dry savanna in Australia: measurements and comparison with MODIS remote sensing estimates. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 129, 151–173.
Carbon and water fluxes over a temperate Eucalyptus forest and a tropical wet/dry savanna in Australia: measurements and comparison with MODIS remote sensing estimates.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lewis, SE, Bartley, R, Wilkinson, SN, Bainbridge, ZT, Henderson, AE, James, CS, Irvine, SA, and Brodie, JE (2021). Land use change in the river basins of the Great Barrier Reef, 1860 to 2019: a foundation for understanding environmental history across the catchment to reef continuum. Marine Pollution Bulletin 166, 112193.
Land use change in the river basins of the Great Barrier Reef, 1860 to 2019: a foundation for understanding environmental history across the catchment to reef continuum.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lodge, GM, and Murphy, SR (2002). Ground cover in temperate native perennial grass pastures. II. Relationship with herbage and litter mass. The Rangeland Journal 24, 301–312.
Ground cover in temperate native perennial grass pastures. II. Relationship with herbage and litter mass.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ludwig J, Bastin G (2008) Rangeland condition: its meaning and use. In ‘A Discussion Paper prepared for the Australian Collaborative Rangelands Information System (ACRIS) Management Committee’. p. 90. (Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water: Canberra, ACT, Australia) Available at http://www.environment.gov.au/resource/rangeland-condition-its-meaning-and-use

Ludwig, JA, Bartley, R, Hawdon, AA, Abbott, BN, and McJannet, D (2007). Patch configuration non-linearly affects sediment loss across scales in a grazed catchment in north-east Australia. Ecosystems 10, 839–845.
Patch configuration non-linearly affects sediment loss across scales in a grazed catchment in north-east Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Mariotti, A, Croke, J, Bartley, R, Kelley, SE, Ward, J, Fülöp, R-H, Rood, AH, Rood, DH, Codilean, AT, Wilcken, K, and Fifield, K (2021). Pre-development denudation rates for the Great Barrier Reef catchments derived using 10Be. Marine Pollution Bulletin 172, 112731.
Pre-development denudation rates for the Great Barrier Reef catchments derived using 10Be.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

McCloskey, GL, Baheerathan, R, Dougall, C, Ellis, R, Bennett, FR, Waters, D, Darr, S, Fentie, B, Hateley, LR, and Askildsen, M (2021). Modelled estimates of fine sediment and particulate nutrients delivered from the Great Barrier Reef catchments. Marine Pollution Bulletin 165, 112163.
Modelled estimates of fine sediment and particulate nutrients delivered from the Great Barrier Reef catchments.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

McCosker, T (2000). Cell grazing: the first 10 years in Australia. Tropical Grasslands 34, 207–218.

McDonald, SE, Lawrence, R, Kendall, L, and Rader, R (2019). Ecological, biophysical and production effects of incorporating rest into grazing regimes: a global meta-analysis. Journal of Applied Ecology 56, 2723–2731.
Ecological, biophysical and production effects of incorporating rest into grazing regimes: a global meta-analysis.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

McLennan SR, McLean I, Paton C (2020) Re-defining the animal unit equivalence (AE) for grazing ruminants and its application for determining forage intake, with particular relevance to the northern Australian grazing industries. Project Report B.GBP.0036. Meat and Livestock Australia, Sydney, Australia.

Melland, AR, Fenton, O, and Jordan, P (2018). Effects of agricultural land management changes on surface water quality: a review of meso-scale catchment research. Environmental Science & Policy 84, 19–25.
Effects of agricultural land management changes on surface water quality: a review of meso-scale catchment research.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

MLA (2019) ‘Grazing land management sustainable and productive natural resource management.’ (Meat and Livestock Australia: Sydney, NSW, Australia)

MLA (2020) State of the Industry Report: the Australian red meat and livestock industry. Meat and Livestock Australia.

Newton, P, Civita, N, Frankel-Goldwater, L, Bartel, K, and Johns, C (2020). What is regenerative agriculture? A review of scholar and practitioner definitions based on processes and outcomes. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems 4, 577723.
What is regenerative agriculture? A review of scholar and practitioner definitions based on processes and outcomes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Noble, AD, Orr, DM, Middleton, CH, and Rogers, LG (2000). Legumes in native pasture: asset or liability? A case history with stylo. Tropical Grasslands 34, 199–206.

Northup, BK, Brown, JR, and Holt, JA (1999). Grazing impacts on the spatial distribution of soil microbial biomass around tussock grasses in a tropical grassland. Applied Soil Ecology 13, 259–270.
Grazing impacts on the spatial distribution of soil microbial biomass around tussock grasses in a tropical grassland.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Northup, BK, Dias, CD, Brown, JR, and Skelly, WC (2005). Micro-patch and community scale spatial distribution of herbaceous cover in a grazed eucalypt woodland. Journal of Arid Environments 60, 509–530.
Micro-patch and community scale spatial distribution of herbaceous cover in a grazed eucalypt woodland.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

O’Reagain, P, Bushell, J, and Holmes, B (2011). Managing for rainfall variability: long-term profitability of different grazing strategies in a northern Australian tropical savanna. Animal Production Science 51, 210–224.
Managing for rainfall variability: long-term profitability of different grazing strategies in a northern Australian tropical savanna.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

O’Reagain PJ, Bushelle J, Pahl L, Scanlan JC (2018) ‘Wambiana grazing trial Phase 3: stocking strategies for improving carrying capacity, land condition and biodiversity outcomes’. (Meat and Livestock Australia: Sydney, NSW, Australia) Available at https://era.daf.qld.gov.au/id/eprint/6338/

Orgill, SE, Waters, CM, Melville, G, Toole, I, Alemseged, Y, and Smith, W (2017). Sensitivity of soil organic carbon to grazing management in the semi-arid rangelands of south-eastern Australia. The Rangeland Journal 39, 153–167.
Sensitivity of soil organic carbon to grazing management in the semi-arid rangelands of south-eastern Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Orgill, SE, Condon, JR, Conyers, MK, Morris, SG, Alcock, DJ, Murphy, BW, and Greene, RSB (2018). Removing grazing pressure from a native pasture decreases soil organic carbon in southern New South Wales, Australia. Land Degradation & Development 29, 274–283.
Removing grazing pressure from a native pasture decreases soil organic carbon in southern New South Wales, Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Owens J, McKeonb G, O’Reagain P, Carter J, Fraser G, Nelson B, Scanlan J (2021) Disentangling the effects of management and climate on perennial grass pastures and the degradation that follows multi-year droughts. In ‘24th International Congress on Modelling and Simulation’, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 5–10 December 2021. pp. 106–112. Available at mssanz.org.au/modsim2021

Papritz, A, and Webster, R (1995). Estimating temporal change in soil monitoring: II. Sampling from simulated fields. European Journal of Soil Science 46, 13–27.
Estimating temporal change in soil monitoring: II. Sampling from simulated fields.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Pearson, CJ (2007). Regenerative, semiclosed systems: a priority for twenty-first-century agriculture. Bioscience 57, 409–418.
Regenerative, semiclosed systems: a priority for twenty-first-century agriculture.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Pringle, MJ, Allen, DE, Dalal, RC, Payne, JE, Mayer, DG, O’Reagain, P, and Marchant, BP (2011). Soil carbon stock in the tropical rangelands of Australia: effects of soil type and grazing pressure, and determination of sampling requirement. Geoderma 167-168, 261–273.
Soil carbon stock in the tropical rangelands of Australia: effects of soil type and grazing pressure, and determination of sampling requirement.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Pringle, MJ, Allen, DE, Phelps, DG, Bray, SG, Orton, TG, and Dalal, RC (2014). The effect of pasture utilization rate on stocks of soil organic carbon and total nitrogen in a semi-arid tropical grassland. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 195, 83–90.
The effect of pasture utilization rate on stocks of soil organic carbon and total nitrogen in a semi-arid tropical grassland.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

R Core Team (2015) ‘A language and environment for statistical computing.’ (R Foundation for Statistical Computing: Vienna, Austria) Available at https://www.r-project.org/

Rayment GE, Lyons DJ (2011) ‘Soil Chemical Methods: Australasia.’ (CSIRO Publishing: Melbourne, Vic., Australia)

Richards, C, and Lawrence, G (2009). Adaptation and change in Queensland’s rangelands: cell grazing as an emerging ideology of pastoral-ecology. Land Use Policy 26, 630–639.
Adaptation and change in Queensland’s rangelands: cell grazing as an emerging ideology of pastoral-ecology.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Rogers L, Cannon M, Barry E (1999) ‘Land resources of the Dalrymple Shire.’ (Department of Natural Resources and CSIRO)

Roth, CH (2004). A framework relating soil surface condition to infiltration and sediment and nutrient mobilization in grazed rangelands of northeastern Queensland, Australia. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms 29, 1093–1104.
A framework relating soil surface condition to infiltration and sediment and nutrient mobilization in grazed rangelands of northeastern Queensland, Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Sanderman, J, Reseigh, J, Wurst, M, Young, M-A, and Austin, J (2015). Impacts of rotational grazing on soil carbon in native grass-based pastures in southern Australia. PLoS ONE 10, e0136157.
Impacts of rotational grazing on soil carbon in native grass-based pastures in southern Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Sanjari, G, Ghadiri, H, Ciesiolka, CAA, and Yu, B (2008). Comparing the effects of continuous and time-controlled grazing systems on soil characteristics in southeast Queensland. Soil Research 46, 348–358.
Comparing the effects of continuous and time-controlled grazing systems on soil characteristics in southeast Queensland.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Sanjari, G, Yu, B, Ghadiri, H, Ciesiolka, CAA, and Rose, CW (2009). Effects of time-controlled grazing on runoff and sediment loss. Australian Journal of Soil Research 47, 796–808.
Effects of time-controlled grazing on runoff and sediment loss.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Savory, A (1983). The savory grazing method or holistic resource management. Rangelands 5, 155–159.

Scanlan, JC, Pressland, AJ, and Myles, DJ (1996). Run-off and soil movement on mid-slopes in North-east Queensland [Australia] grazed woodlands. The Rangeland Journal 18, 33–46.
Run-off and soil movement on mid-slopes in North-east Queensland [Australia] grazed woodlands.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Scarth P, Byrne M, Danaher T, Henry B, Hassatt R, Carter J, Timmers P (2006) State of the paddock: monitoring condition and trend in groundcover across Queensland. In ‘Proceedings of the 13th Australasian Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Conference’. Canberra, ACT, Australia, 20–24 November 2006. (Spatial Sciences Institute: Adelaide, SA, Australia)

Schatz, T, Ffoulkes, D, Shotton, P, and Hearnden, M (2020). Effect of high-intensity rotational grazing on the growth of cattle grazing buffel pasture in the Northern Territory and on soil carbon sequestration. Animal Production Science 60, 1814–1821.
Effect of high-intensity rotational grazing on the growth of cattle grazing buffel pasture in the Northern Territory and on soil carbon sequestration.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Scott, JM, Behrendt, K, Colvin, A, Scott, F, Shakhane, LM, Guppy, C, Hoad, J, Gaden, CA, Edwards, C, Hinch, GN, Cacho, OJ, Donald, GE, Cottle, D, Coventry, T, Williams, G, and Mackay, DF (2013a). Integrated overview of results from a farmlet experiment which compared the effects of pasture inputs and grazing management on profitability and sustainability. Animal Production Science 53, 841–855.
Integrated overview of results from a farmlet experiment which compared the effects of pasture inputs and grazing management on profitability and sustainability.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Scott, JM, Gaden, CA, Edwards, C, Paull, DR, Marchant, R, Hoad, J, Sutherland, H, Coventry, T, and Dutton, P (2013b). Selection of experimental treatments, methods used and evolution of management guidelines for comparing and measuring three grazed farmlet systems. Animal Production Science 53, 628–642.
Selection of experimental treatments, methods used and evolution of management guidelines for comparing and measuring three grazed farmlet systems.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Searle, KR, Gordon, IJ, and Stokes, CJ (2009). Hysteretic responses to grazing in a semiarid rangeland. Rangeland Ecology & Management 62, 136–144.
Hysteretic responses to grazing in a semiarid rangeland.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Segoli, M, Bray, S, Allen, D, Dalal, R, Watson, I, Ash, A, and O’Reagain, P (2015). Managing cattle grazing intensity: effects on soil organic matter and soil nitrogen. Soil Research 53, 677–682.
Managing cattle grazing intensity: effects on soil organic matter and soil nitrogen.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Shakhane, LM, Scott, JM, Murison, R, Mulcahy, C, Hinch, GN, Morrow, A, and Mackay, DF (2013). Changes in botanical composition on three farmlets subjected to different pasture and grazing management strategies. Animal Production Science 53, 670–684.
Changes in botanical composition on three farmlets subjected to different pasture and grazing management strategies.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Sherwood, S, and Uphoff, N (2000). Soil health: research, practice and policy for a more regenerative agriculture. Applied Soil Ecology 15, 85–97.
Soil health: research, practice and policy for a more regenerative agriculture.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Silburn, DM, Carroll, C, Ciesiolka, CAA, deVoil, RC, and Burger, P (2011). Hillslope runoff and erosion on duplex soils in grazing lands in semi-arid central Queensland. I. Influences of cover, slope, and soil. Soil Research 49, 105–117.
Hillslope runoff and erosion on duplex soils in grazing lands in semi-arid central Queensland. I. Influences of cover, slope, and soil.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Teague, R, and Barnes, M (2017). Grazing management that regenerates ecosystem function and grazingland livelihoods. African Journal of Range & Forage Science 34, 77–86.
Grazing management that regenerates ecosystem function and grazingland livelihoods.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Teague, R, and Kreuter, U (2020). Managing grazing to restore soil health, ecosystem function, and ecosystem services. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems 4, 534187.
Managing grazing to restore soil health, ecosystem function, and ecosystem services.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Teague, R, Provenza, F, Kreuter, U, Steffens, T, and Barnes, M (2013). Multi-paddock grazing on rangelands: why the perceptual dichotomy between research results and rancher experience? Journal of Environmental Management 128, 699–717.
Multi-paddock grazing on rangelands: why the perceptual dichotomy between research results and rancher experience?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

The National Committee on Soil and Terrain (2009) ‘Australian Soil and Land Survey Field Handbook.’ (CSIRO Publishing: Melbourne, Vic., Australia)

Thornton, CM, and Elledge, AE (2021). Heavy grazing of buffel grass pasture in the Brigalow Belt bioregion of Queensland, Australia, more than tripled runoff and exports of total suspended solids compared to conservative grazing. Marine Pollution Bulletin 171, 112704.
Heavy grazing of buffel grass pasture in the Brigalow Belt bioregion of Queensland, Australia, more than tripled runoff and exports of total suspended solids compared to conservative grazing.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Tongway D, Hindley N (1995) ‘Manual for soil condition assessment of tropical grasslands.’ (CSIRO Publishing: Melbourne, Vic., Australia)

Tothill JC, McDonald CK, Jones RM, Hargreaves JNG (1992) ‘BOTANAL: a comprehensive sampling and computing procedure for estimating pasture yield and composition. Field sampling.’ (CSIRO Division of Tropical Crops and Pastures: St Lucia, Brisbane, Qld, Australia)

US Salinity Laboratory Staff (1954) ‘Diagnosis and improvement of saline and alkali soils’. Agriculture Handbook 60. (US Department of Agriculture: Washington, DC, USA)

Walkley, A, and Black, IA (1934). An examination of the Degtjareff method for determining organic carbon in soils: Effect of variations in digestion conditions and of inorganic soil constituents. Soil Science 63, 251–263.

Walsh, D, and Cowley, RA (2011). Looking back in time: can safe pasture utilisation rates be determined using commercial paddock data in the Northern Territory? The Rangeland Journal 33, 131–142.
Looking back in time: can safe pasture utilisation rates be determined using commercial paddock data in the Northern Territory?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Walsh, D, and Cowley, R (2016). Optimising beef business performance in northern Australia: what can 30 years of commercial innovation teach us? The Rangeland Journal 38, 291–305.
Optimising beef business performance in northern Australia: what can 30 years of commercial innovation teach us?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Walsh, D, Russell-Smith, J, and Cowley, R (2014). Fire and carbon management in a diversified rangelands economy: research, policy and implementation challenges for northern Australia. The Rangeland Journal 36, 313–322.
Fire and carbon management in a diversified rangelands economy: research, policy and implementation challenges for northern Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Walvoort, DJ, Brus, DJ, and De Gruijter, JJ (2010). An R package for spatial coverage sampling and random sampling from compact geographical strata by k-means. Computers & Geosciences 36, 1261–1267.
An R package for spatial coverage sampling and random sampling from compact geographical strata by k-means.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wang, B, Waters, C, Orgill, S, Cowie, A, Clark, A, Li Liu, D, Simpson, M, McGowen, I, and Sides, T (2018a). Estimating soil organic carbon stocks using different modelling techniques in the semi-arid rangelands of eastern Australia. Ecological Indicators 88, 425–438.
Estimating soil organic carbon stocks using different modelling techniques in the semi-arid rangelands of eastern Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wang, B, Waters, C, Orgill, S, Gray, J, Cowie, A, Clark, A, and Liu, DL (2018b). High resolution mapping of soil organic carbon stocks using remote sensing variables in the semi-arid rangelands of eastern Australia. Science of the Total Environment 630, 367–378.
High resolution mapping of soil organic carbon stocks using remote sensing variables in the semi-arid rangelands of eastern Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Waters, CM, Melville, GJ, Orgill, SE, and Alemseged, Y (2015). The relationship between soil organic carbon and soil surface characteristics in the semi-arid rangelands of southern Australia. The Rangeland Journal 37, 297–307.
The relationship between soil organic carbon and soil surface characteristics in the semi-arid rangelands of southern Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wenger, AS, Williamson, DH, da Silva, ET, Ceccarelli, DM, Browne, NK, Petus, C, and Devlin, MJ (2016). Effects of reduced water quality on coral reefs in and out of no-take marine reserves. Conservation Biology 30, 142–153.
Effects of reduced water quality on coral reefs in and out of no-take marine reserves.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Westoby, M, Walker, B, and Noy-Meir, I (1989). Opportunistic management for rangelands not at equilibrium. Journal of Range Management 42, 266–274.
Opportunistic management for rangelands not at equilibrium.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wilcox, BP, Huang, Y, and Walker, JW (2008). Long-term trends in streamflow from semiarid rangelands: uncovering drivers of change. Global Change Biology 14, 1676–1689.
Long-term trends in streamflow from semiarid rangelands: uncovering drivers of change.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wilkinson, SN, Dougall, C, Kinsey-Henderson, AE, Searle, RD, Ellis, RJ, and Bartley, R (2014). Development of a time-stepping sediment budget model for assessing land use impacts in large river basins. Science of the Total Environment 468–469, 1210–1224.
Development of a time-stepping sediment budget model for assessing land use impacts in large river basins.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wilkinson, SN, Kinsey-Henderson, AE, Hawdon, AA, Hairsine, PB, Bartley, R, and Baker, B (2018). Grazing impacts on gully dynamics indicate approaches for gully erosion control in northeast Australia. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms 43, 1711–1725.
Grazing impacts on gully dynamics indicate approaches for gully erosion control in northeast Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |