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Mitchell grass death in Qld: extent, economic impact and potential for recovery

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Phelps, D. G., Orr, D. and Houston, I. (2007) Mitchell grass death in Qld: extent, economic impact and potential for recovery. Project Report. Meat & Livestock Australia Limited.

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Article Link: https://www.mla.com.au/contentassets/de0085ef71884...

Abstract

Severe drought conditions from 2001 to 2007 have resulted in poor land condition across 53% of the Mitchell grasslands. Poor (or ‘C’) condition was associated with the dieback of Mitchell grass plants, leading to a dominance of annual plants or bare ground instead of the desirable perennial Mitchell grass. However, dieback did not occur uniformly across the landscape and this appeared to be associated with variation in recent management and rainfall history. Mitchell grass pastures usually support productive cattle and sheep grazing enterprises throughout 33,800,000 ha of Queensland. It is estimated that this dieback will cost industry $58.5 to $92.4 million per annum through reduced carrying capacity. Low recorded soil seed reserves suggest that recovery to full productivity will occur slowly over the next 3-5 years. Measurements at key sites suggest alternative management practices, such as wet season spelling and burning, may have a role in reducing susceptibility of Mitchell grass pastures to dieback in the future. Further research is needed to confirm these possibilities and to then refine viable future management strategies.

Item Type:Monograph (Project Report)
Corporate Creators:Department of Primary Industries, Queensland
Business groups:Animal Science
Keywords:Final report
Subjects:Agriculture > Agriculture (General) > Special aspects of agriculture as a whole > Sustainable agriculture
Agriculture > Agriculture (General) > Agriculture and the environment
Agriculture > Agriculture (General) > Agricultural conservation
Agriculture > Agriculture (General) > Conservation of natural resources
Animal culture > Cattle
Animal culture > Rangelands. Range management. Grazing
Animal culture > Feeds and feeding. Animal nutrition
Live Archive:15 Jan 2025 02:22
Last Modified:15 Jan 2025 02:22

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