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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, Noelene Duckett and Don Burnside
, Don Butler, Pablo Larraondo, Chamith Edirisinghe, Kristen B. Hunter , 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
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
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
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
, 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
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.
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
, 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
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
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.
, Don Butler, Pablo Larraondo, Chamith Edirisinghe, Kristen B. Hunter , Maldwyn J. Evans, Dean Ansell, Marie Waschka, David Lindenmayer
, Sam Beaver, Caitlyn Baljak, Alex Cox, Mark Howden
, Joel R. Brown
, Matthew J. Rinella, Richard C. Waterman, Hilaire S. Sanni Worogo, Lance T. Vermeire
, Bradd Witt
, David J. Augustine, Lauren M. Porensky, Edward J. Raynor,
, Chris Materne
, Catherine J. Robinson, Katie D. Ricketts, Danilo Urzedo, Lisa Walker, Anthelia J. Bond
, Dillon Campbell, Graeme Finlayson, Ramesh Raja Segaran, Bertram Ostendorf, Molly Hennekam, Sami Rifai, Megan Lewis
, Nicolas Borchers-Arriagada, Andrew Macintosh, Donald W. Butler, Grant J. Williamson, Fay H. Johnston
, Frank Kwaku Agyei, Paul Osei-Tutu, Boateng Kyereh
, A. Joshua Leffler, Lora Perkins
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
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
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
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
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
CSIRO Publishing is very pleased to sponsor the following prizes that were awarded at the ARS Broome Conference, 2023. Read more
We are seeking proposals for Special Issues. More
