Estimating Safe Carrying Capacities of Extensive Cattle-Grazing Properties Within Tropical, Semi-Arid Woodlands of North-Eastern Australia.

Abstract

A methodology is presented to estimate the safe carrying capacity of properties in extensive cattle- grazing regions within tropical, semi-arid woodlands of north-eastern Australia. Carrying capacities for 45 properties were calculated from resource information collected from the properties. These calculated carrying capacities were then compared with graziers' estimates and with Queensland Department of Lands' ratings. The rated carrying capacities were not correlated with either the calculated values or the graziers' estimates, and in general were much lower than both other values. The graziers' estimates and the calculated values were highly correlated with a slope not significantly different from 1 (p>0.1). This methodology could form the basis of a review of rated carrying capacities on an objective basis. Refinements would be necessary to improve the determination of individual cases with particular emphasis on spatial variability of resource use and fine scale variability in soil fertility and tree and shrub density.