The effects of shrub encroachment on soil condition can be positive or negative. We found more acidic soil pH profiles under individual shrubs compared with under trees in areas of dense shrub encroachment across the Cobar Pediplain of south-eastern Australia. Surface litter and soil chemical measurements suggest shrubs and trees cycle material differently, and we speculate as to a net export of resources from underneath shrubs at the sites examined.

Although gamba grass can provide valuable feed for cattle, it has now become an invasive weed in parts of northern Australia. For a better understanding of its potential distribution and to aid management three experiments related to seed germination and longevity were undertaken. Seeds germinated across a wide range of temperature regimes highlighting the grass’s potential to expand beyond its current distribution. Fortunately, soil seed banks were relatively short lived and regular control over a 2-year period before plants reach reproductive maturity should provide effective management of gamba grass.

Reducing high tree and shrub populations in grazing lands is used to improve pastoral productivity, yet there are concerns about subsequent landscape functioning and biodiversity, which needs to be better understood and recognised. This study has shown that tree-killing did not adversely affect soil surface condition and that subsequent tree and shrub regrowth rate was marginally affected by grazing pressure and spring burns.

Burning is commonly used to manage native pastures and regrowth in open woodlands, and so the effects of repeated spring fires on two central Queensland woodlands were measured over 7–8 years. Fires reduced ground cover temporarily, slightly reduced landscape stability and ecosystem functioning, decreased the abundance of dark wiregrass, increased the abundance of bottlewasher grasses and reduced the soil seedbank. Though prescribed burning is important for maintaining grazing productivity and landscape values, very regular use is not recommended.

Can we lower our greenhouse gas emissions by replacing conventional beef with grass-fed beef? Probably not, unless grasslands can sequester a much greater volume of greenhouse gases than currently thought. However, emissions can be reduced by replacing beef with chicken or adopting a vegetarian diet. Individuals wanting to reduce their emissions but consume the same amount of meat can do so by spending just US$19 each year on carbon offsets.

Fodder shrub plantations are an option to restore feed supply on degraded Mediterranean arid rangelands. The Jordanian government launched a multi-million-dollar plantation project in extremely low rainfall desert areas. Using DEM and GIS, we developed a desktop model to accurately map and quickly locate possible sites benefiting from rainfall and floodwater harvesting, hence rendering field prospecting on large and remote areas more efficient than the usual random explorations and making shrub plantation operations and community acceptance sustainable and economical.