Register      Login
The Rangeland Journal The Rangeland Journal Society
Journal of the Australian Rangeland Society
Shopping Cart: ( empty )
You are here: Home > Journals > The Rangeland Journal

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.

Are you eligible for APC-free Open Access?

Download our Journal Metrics (PDF, 622KB)

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 24 February 2025

RJ24032Grazing management of Australian native woody regeneration as an effective nature-based climate-change solution

C. M. Waters, R. B. Hacker, A. Sekaran and A. R. Grant
 

The legitimate role of grazing management as an effective nature-based climate solution has been challenged despite almost 42 million ha of Australian rangelands delivering carbon sequestration through regeneration of native forests. We provide a review of the literature to underpin grazing principles and guidelines to support woody regeneration. The primary role of climate in setting the direction of regeneration is highlighted but the extent to which this potential can be realised is moderated by grazing management.

RJ24032 Abstract  |  RJ24032 Full Text  | RJ24032PDF (1.8 MB)  | RJ24032Supplementary Material (545 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 18 February 2025

RJ24029Temporal variation in the chemical composition of Nassella trichotoma under a defoliation gradient

Andrés García 0000-0001-6342-241X, Roberto A. Distel and Alejandro Loydi
 

Serrated tussock (Nassella trichotoma) is a perennial grass that causes both environmental and economic losses in several parts of the world. This study examines chemical composition changes in N. trichotoma under defoliation. Results showed a rise in fibre that may indicate an anti-herbivore defence, reducing the plant’s nutritional quality, leading to cattle avoidance. These findings highlight the importance of considering defoliation-induced defences in integrated weed management strategies for controlling N. trichotoma.

RJ24029 Abstract  | PDF (459 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 13 February 2025

RJ24023An economic analysis of cell-fencing in semi-arid rangelands

Stuart J. Dawson 0000-0003-4432-3779, Tracey L. Kreplins, Malcolm S. Kennedy, Santhi Wicks and Patricia A. Fleming 0000-0002-0626-3851
 

Cell-fences are predator-proof, mainly dingo (Canis familiaris)-proof, fences surrounding a group of livestock properties. A study into the economic value of cell fencing in Western Australia found that only 43.4% of cell-fenced scenarios were more profitable than the relevant unfenced scenario. Whereas survival and reproduction of small livestock (i.e. sheep and goats) improved under cell fencing, investment in cell-fence construction, maintenance and dingo removal did not result in greater profits for cattle enterprises.

RJ24023 Abstract  |  RJ24023 Full Text  | RJ24023PDF (3.2 MB)  | RJ24023Supplementary Material (435 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 16 January 2025

RJ23026The effects of clipping frequency and nitrogen fertilisation on greenhouse gas emissions and net ecosystem exchange in an Australian temperate grassland

Zahra Padashbarmchi, Budiman Minasny, Milad Bagheri Shirvan, Luciano A. González and Feike A. Dijkstra
 

Grassland ecosystems play a crucial role in carbon storage and greenhouse-gas management, but the effects of grassland management practices and environmental drivers remain unclear. Our study found that methane (CH₄) emissions are primarily controlled by soil moisture, whereas nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions are more strongly affected by temperature. The grassland functioned as a small carbon sink during the observation period, highlighting the need for longer-term research to better understand how different management practices influence greenhouse gas emissions over time.

RJ23026 Abstract  |  RJ23026 Full Text  | RJ23026PDF (3.4 MB)  | RJ23026Supplementary Material (1001 KB)   Open Access Article

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 

Just Accepted

These articles have been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. They are still in production and have not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.

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

Submit Article

Visit the journal’s submission site

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

Advertisement