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The Rangeland Journal

The Rangeland Journal

The Rangeland Journal publishes original work on the biophysical, social, cultural, economic, and policy influences affecting rangeland use and management. Read more about the journalMore

Editor-in-Chief: Paul Novelly

Publishing Model: Hybrid. Open Access options available.

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Latest

These articles are the latest published in the journal. The Rangeland Journal is published under a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 10 October 2024

RJ24024Non-compliance and under-performance in Australian human-induced regeneration projects

Andrew Macintosh, Megan C. Evans 0000-0001-6763-310X, Don Butler, Pablo Larraondo, Chamith Edirisinghe, Kristen B. Hunter 0000-0002-5678-4620, Maldwyn J. Evans, Dean Ansell, Marie Waschka and David Lindenmayer
 

Rangeland ecosystems are superficially attractive locations for low-cost carbon sequestration, but the variability in these systems creates integrity problems for carbon offsets. We use remotely sensed imagery to analyse 116 Australian Human-induced Regeneration Projects, and find most projects are non-compliant with regulatory requirements and that they have had minimal impact on tree cover. The findings point to major failings in Australia’s carbon offset scheme and extend the literature showing offset schemes are frequently plagued by integrity issues.

This article belongs to the Collection Carbon and Environmental Service Markets.

RJ24024 Abstract  |  RJ24024 Full Text  | RJ24024PDF (2.6 MB)  | RJ24024Supplementary Material (2.5 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 16 September 2024

RJ24021Managing grazing to increase ground cover in rangelands: using remote sensing to detect change

Sarah E. McDonald, Aaron T. Simmons, Steven Harden, Susan E. Orgill, Juan Guerschman and Craig Strong
 

Managing the timing, intensity and duration of livestock grazing is commonly used with the goal of improving land condition and productivity. Using time-series estimates of ground cover derived from satellite imagery, this study demonstrates that significant increases in ground cover can be achieved by strategically managing grazing in the semiarid rangelands of western NSW, Australia. The complexities of achieving and measuring changes in ground cover are highlighted and potential opportunities in using this remote sensing monitoring approach are discussed.

This article belongs to the Collection 2023 ARS Conference.

RJ24021 Abstract  |  RJ24021 Full Text  | RJ24021PDF (2.9 MB)  | RJ24021Supplementary Material (544 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 10 September 2024

RJ24007Low-emission beef production in the Southern Rangelands of Western Australia: an analysis of herd structure and stocking rate experiencing droughts

C. d’Abbadie 0000-0001-5960-5790
 

This study investigated how cattle producers in the Southern Rangelands of Western Australia can strike a balance between being profitable, protecting grasslands, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers found that raising heavier steers for slaughter and running a conservative stocking rate leads to the lowest emissions, larger profitability and resilience to droughts. This approach benefits both the environment and producers, suggesting a win–win for sustainable cattle production.

This article belongs to the Collection 2023 ARS Conference.

RJ24007 Abstract  |  RJ24007 Full Text  | RJ24007PDF (1.7 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 10 September 2024

RJ24019Evolving nature-based solutions for Australia’s Indigenous estate in 2024 – opportunities and challenges

Jeremy Russell-Smith, Jarrad Holmes, Ben Lewis, John Brisbin and Kamaljit K. Sangha 0000-0002-7675-9916
 

We assess opportunities and challenges for Australia’s Indigenous estate associated with existing and emerging Nature-based Solutions markets. The Indigenous estate covers 57% of the Australian land mass, but most is ineligible for existing funding streams. Currently proposed schemes focus on repair and restoration of degraded land. Little market opportunity currently exists to support equally important stewardship projects on less-degraded lands and seas. We outline conditions for incentivising evolution toward schemes that engage with a holistic view of country and culture.

This article belongs to the Collection Carbon and Environmental Service Markets.

RJ24019 Abstract  |  RJ24019 Full Text  | RJ24019PDF (3.6 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 02 September 2024

RJ24015Carbon farming co-benefits: a review of concepts, policy and potential in Australian landscapes

Sarah Milne 0000-0003-4209-9435, Sam Beaver, Caitlyn Baljak, Alex Cox and Mark Howden
 

Land-use changes through carbon farming in Australia have the potential to deliver significant environmental, economic, social and cultural benefits to regional areas, especially in the rangelands. We review current initiatives related to carbon co-benefits in Australia, identifying over 20 separate schemes with distinct governance arrangements. Our findings point to the significant potential and value of carbon co-benefits in Australia; but nationwide policy frameworks must support this by harmonising approaches, standardising units and measures, and localising implementation strategies.

This article belongs to the Collection Carbon and Environmental Service Markets.

RJ24015 Abstract  |  RJ24015 Full Text  | RJ24015PDF (1.5 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 29 August 2024

RJ23052The importance of camel (Camelus dromedaries) in the livelihoods of herders: the case of camel herders’ households in peri-urban N’Djamena and pastoral Fitri, Chad

Mahamat Amine Mahamat Ahmat, Charles-Henri Moulin, Touka Abakar, Arada Izzedine Abdel-Aziz, Mian Oudanang Koussou and Guillaume Duteurtre
 

Owing to its multiple functions and ability to live in harsh environments, camel is now getting renewed interest from pastoral societies in the context of climate change. Our survey of two groups of nomads in central Chad showed that camel herding is spreading throughout the country and not only in the Saharan zone. Camel plays a crucial role as a source of cash income and as a supplier of meat and dairy products for pastoral households and urban markets.

RJ23052 Abstract  | PDF (1.2 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 13 August 2024

RJ24005Soil carbon sequestration in rangelands: a critical review of the impacts of major management strategies

Beverley Henry, Diane Allen, Warwick Badgery, Steven Bray, John Carter, Ram C. Dalal, Wayne Hall, Matthew Tom Harrison, Sarah E. McDonald and Hayley McMillan
 

Increasing the carbon stored in soils is promoted as a technology to mitigate climate change, but the potential for sequestration (long-term storage) in the vast area of rangelands is debated. Our review of research in Australia’s rangelands found few field or modelling studies with robust data on soil carbon sequestration linked to new management. We conclude that the potential for sequestration is likely modest and present recommendations to increase confidence in management strategies for climate change benefits and sustainable productivity.

This article belongs to the Collection Carbon and Environmental Service Markets.

RJ24005 Abstract  |  RJ24005 Full Text  | RJ24005PDF (1.4 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 07 August 2024

RJ24006Carbon sequestration uncertainty: is grazing-induced soil organic carbon accrual offset by inorganic carbon loss?

Kurt O. Reinhart 0000-0002-7985-6738, Matthew J. Rinella, Richard C. Waterman, Hilaire S. Sanni Worogo and Lance T. Vermeire
 

If the supposed soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil inorganic carbon (SIC) trade-off exists, then grazing practices that increase SOC will decrease SIC which may have unintended impacts on carbon sequestration. We found no effect of grazing treatments on SIC and no evidence that grazing-induced SOC accrual was associated with SIC loss. Our findings support the interpretation that SIC stocks (mass per unit area) are stable and unaffected by grazing and grazing-induced SOC accrual, at least over the short term (5 years).

This article belongs to the Collection Carbon and Environmental Service Markets.

RJ24006 Abstract  |  RJ24006 Full Text  | RJ24006PDF (501 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 06 August 2024

RJ24017A systematic approach to soil carbon inventory on rangelands

Shawn W. Salley 0000-0002-6092-0154 and Joel R. Brown
 

Predicting long-term soil carbon changes in rangelands requires understanding of the ecological potential and current state of the land. Although weather can cause short-term fluctuations within the ecological state, it is not reliable for long-term predictions. Instead, vegetation type and behaviour are better indicators of ecological state and can be easily measured through existing technology. This information can be used to develop a system for both monitoring soil carbon and guiding land management decisions.

This article belongs to the Collection Carbon and Environmental Service Markets.

RJ24017 Abstract  |  RJ24017 Full Text  | RJ24017PDF (818 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 09 July 2024

RJ23031Calotropis procera (Apocynaceae) shrub intrusion on wildlife foraging rangelands in the Ruaha National Park

John Bukombe, Pius Kavana, Wilfred Marealle, John Sanare, Norbert Wanzara, Wolfgang Sagari, Halima Kiwango, Joely Efraim, Godwell Ole Mein’gataki and Alex Lobora
 

The association between the rapidly encroaching plant apple of sodom (Calotropis procera) and the understorey plant cover and environmental variabless such as soil pH, humidity, light intensity, and soil temperature in wildlife grazing land was investigated in Ruaha National Park, south of Tanzania. The findings demonstrated that the apple of sodom decreases the canopy cover of understorey herbaceous plants and, further, it changes the pH of the soil, hence reducing percentage cover of forage plant species for wildlife. It is therefore emphasised that control efforts are needed promptly to stop the spread of the encroaching plants that have shown properties of invasiveness.

RJ23031 Abstract  | PDF (2.1 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 17 June 2024

RJ24004Can simple, on-ground vegetation and soil measures reliably indicate the health of rangelands? An application in Australia’s semi-arid woodlands

John A. Ludwig, David J. Tongway and Norman Hindley
 

Assessing the health of vegetation and soils is essential for managing grazing in natural pastures. Four simple indicators reliably assessed pasture health. (1) Pastures were in good, fair, poor or very poor health based on tree death and the condition of vegetation and soils, (2) healthy groves of trees were larger and (3) had a healthy band of perennial grasses upslope of groves, and (4) sites in poor health had soil erosion. These four pasture health indicators are widely applicable.

RJ24004 Abstract  |  RJ24004 Full Text  | RJ24004PDF (2 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 06 June 2024

RJ24009Effects of ivermectin on soil nutrient cycling, plant biomass, and dung beetle abundance

Shiva Torabian 0000-0001-8235-8847, A. Joshua Leffler and Lora Perkins
 

This study examined the impact of ivermectin on dung beetle abundance, and subsequent soil nutrient concentrations and plant growth during spring and summer in South Dakota grassland. Ivermectin decreased dung beetle abundance, particularly in high concentrations, yet did not significantly affect soil or plant nutrient content. These findings underscore the complex interplay between anthropogenic chemicals and ecosystem dynamics.

RJ24009 Abstract  | PDF (2.1 MB) - $35.00   | RJ24009Supplementary Material (341 KB)
Published online 30 May 2024

RJ21051Above-ground carbon in mulga-dominated rangelands, Murchison Bioregion, Western Australia

Adrian Williams, Peter Russell and David Blood
 

How much organic carbon is stored in Australia’s rangelands, and how would you measure it efficiently as part of an immense carbon-farming initiative? The on-ground surveys described in this paper collected detailed information that will help establish a remote-sensing methodology to assess carbon stored in mulga woodlands and the rate of carbon sequestration. On suitable sites, carbon farming could help sequester Western Australia’s greenhouse-gas emissions, rehabilitate country, and provide a new income stream for pastoral communities.

RJ21051 Abstract  |  RJ21051 Full Text  | RJ21051PDF (1.7 MB)   Open Access Article

Most Read

The Most Read ranking is based on the number of downloads in the last 60 days from papers published on the CSIRO PUBLISHING website within the last 12 months. Usage statistics are updated daily.

Collections

Collections are a curation of articles relevant to a topical research area

ARS Conference 2023

This Collection will compile papers presented at the ARS Conference 2023

Collection Editors
Gary Bastin (Australia)
Robyn Cowley (Northern Territory Government, Australia)
Hanh Nguyen (Bureau of Meteorology, Australia)
Joshua Foster (Department of Primary Industries, WA)
Sarah McDonald (Department of Primary Industries, WA)

Last Updated: 16 Oct 2024

Carbon and Environmental Service Markets

This Collection of The Rangeland Journal is a timely opportunity to shed light on the successes and shortcomings across the environmental, economic, and social dimensions of carbon and environmental market mechanisms.

Collection Editors
Bradd Witt (University of Queensland, Australia)
Taylah Faulkner (University of Queensland, Australia)
Joshua Peart (Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Australia)
Jayne Cuddihy (Australian Rangeland Society, Australia)
Sarah McDonald (NSW Department of Primary Industries, Australia)

Last Updated: 15 Oct 2024

Rangeland Dynamics and State and Transition Models: an Enduring Conceptual and Practical Framework

To mark the anniversary of the seminal paper by Mark Westoby, Brian Walker and (the late) Imanuel Noy-Meir that introduced the state and transition concept to rangeland management, this Collection has been compiled from papers published in The Rangeland Journal which have drawn on their concepts. Brian Walker and Mark Westoby have generously provided an editorial article that reflects on their early thinking behind state and transition models and commentary on its evolution over the past 30 years.

Collection Editors
Andrew Ash and Ron Hacker

Last Updated: 18 May 2020

Grazing and Biodiversity – The Positive Side

The adverse effects of poorly managed grazing on biodiversity and ecosystem function are attested by much scientific literature. This weight of evidence, leading to a generally negative view of grazing as an ecological factor, tends to overshadow the evidence for beneficial effects of properly managed grazing. This Collection presents examples from around the world of the benefits of properly managed grazing for conservation of biodiversity.

Last Updated: 24 Oct 2018

Managing the World’s Rangelands: Future Strategies and Socio-economic Implications

This Collection provides examples from the world’s rangelands of the pressures opposing sustainable land use, potential policy responses appropriate to local socio-ecological systems, and technical developments that will underpin sustainable land use. This broad scope is a deliberate editorial response to the multifaceted challenge of securing sustainable use of the world’s rangelands. The Australian Rangeland Society, together with The Rangeland Journal’s editors and publishers, hope that this collection of articles will extend awareness of the scale and complexity of the challenge and stimulate ongoing contributions.

Last Updated: 10 Jun 2016

Committee on Publication Ethics

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Prize Announcement

CSIRO Publishing is very pleased to sponsor the following prizes that were awarded at the ARS Broome Conference, 2023. Read more

Call for Papers

We are seeking proposals for Special Issues. More

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