Managing ground cover for economic and sustainability outcomes on grazing lands in the Great Barrier Reef Lagoon catchments : Literature Review

Abstract

This literature review identifies information regarding the interaction between grazing land management (GLM) practices, ground cover and economic outcomes. The review focuses on research conducted in northern Australian rangelands and specifically, the Great Barrier Reef lagoon (GBRL) catchment areas. It is limited to publically available peer reviewed journal papers and reports by government and industry research bodies. The aim of this review is to expand on information contained in the report “Understanding the economics of grazing management practices and systems for improving water quality run-off from grazing lands in the Burdekin and Fitzroy Catchments” (Moravek, et al., 2016) about the economic implication of adopting management practices that improve ground cover.
The review identified the following papers relevant to each section:
- Ground cover and sediment runoff: seven (7) studies. The studies examine the relationship between ground cover levels and associated runoff and/or sediment concentration in runoff from grazing land.
- Grazing land management (GLM). These studies identify (where possible) relationships between specific GLM practices, ground cover and/or land condition and economic outcomes.
-- stocking intensity: 14 studies
-- wet season spelling: seven (7) studies
-- mechanical intervention: six (6) studies
The findings and gaps identified from the review include:
- The available literature supports the claim that deteriorating ground cover is contributing to increased sediment and nutrient runoff to the GBRL.
- Results of several trials establish decreased sediment concentration and increased infiltration rates associated with increasing ground cover levels.
- A need to determine the relationship between ground cover and pasture quality. High levels of ground cover do not necessarily translate to high quality pastures.
- There is limited published trial data to support animal productivity and pasture response assumptions necessary for the bio economic modelling of management strategies such as wet season spelling.
- Minimal data is available around the economics of changing between strategies such as high intensity stocking and sustainable grazing practices.