Effects of sheep grazing Astrebla grassland in central western Queensland. 1. Effects of grazing pressure and livestock distribution

Abstract

The effects of grazing pressure on plant responses and livestock distribution in Astrebla grassland were determined from paddocks subject to commercial grazing by sheep at light, medium or heavy grazing pressure. Increased grazing pressure reduced the projected foliage cover of Astrebla spp., the basal area of which was similar under light and medium grazing pressure, and was reduced under heavy grazing pressure. Differences in the density and size of Astrebla spp. tussocks were apparent under the three grazing pressures. Other perennial grasses, notably Aristidu latifolia and A. leptopoda, were most frequent under light grazing pressure. Numerical classification of the sampling sites, which were arranged on a regular grid, allowed the grazing pattern to be established. Heavy utilization was shown to be associated with wind direction, shade availability and watering facilities.