Aussie GRASS objectives
Why monitor seasonal conditions
The potential for land and pasture degradation means that both governments and industry have a responsibility to monitor the condition of these resources, and to derive sustainable management practices which allow for year-to-year variation in climate and pasture production.
Pasture research over the last 30 years, combined with modern technologies, is opening up new possibilities for improving pasture management decisions. If we are to manage our pastures profitably and sustainably, we need to have access to the best up-to-date information on seasonal conditions. This information is an important part of the context within which graziers make property management decisions.
Assessing pastures
Pasture studies have indicated that adverse changes in pasture composition are determined by the degree of pasture utilisation; land degradation is determined by the amount of surface cover which is closely related to standing pasture dry matter; and stocking rate affects the processes of pasture growth, detachment and animal consumption.
Thus quantification of the interaction of stock numbers and pasture growth is required in order to understand processes, define sound management practices, monitor resource use and forecast the risk of degradation.
Aussie GRASS agency links
Last updated: 06 April 2010