The response to season, exclosure, and distance from water of three central Australian pasture types grazed by cattle.

Abstract

Three central Australian pasture types grazed by beef cattle were exdosed for eleven years, and detailed plant measure- ments made over the last seven years. The exclosed land extended out 3.2 km from permanent watering points. Rainfall during this period (1968-1979) varied from well above average for three years to near drought conditions. The series of above average rainfall years had a @eater influence on yield, density and cover of the herbage layer than the experimental treatments of exclosure and distance from water. Dry matter production varied from 217 kg ha-1 to 2377 kg ha-1. Overall, plant density and cover were generally not affected by treatments, although some plant species and species groups were affected. Grazing should continue at present stocking levels and under similar management on the studied landscapes, as no dele terious effects have been found during the study period.