Week 1 Pastoral Systems Flashcards
Outline the 6 determinants of pastoral production systems
Environment, Economics, Manager Preference, History, Legislation, RISK
Describe changes in pastoral botanical composition from prior to European settlement till today outlining the main factors that led to the changes
What is now most of Australia’s most productive land was initially woodlands
Grasses: Tall, C4, high growing points, low grazing pressure, fire to manage
C4 grasses were grazed and cleared
Introduced short and perennial grasses with super
Fert improved pastures and allowed for intorduced perennial species
Outline the main technological advances that have led to our current pastoral industries in southern Australia.
Rabbits, kelpie, Sub CLover, Super phosphate, Wool price inc. with korean war, reserve proce abandonned in 1990
Understand the effect climate has on pasture production and animal industry
Affects what can grow
Describe three main pastoral zones in Australia and identify some of their defining features
High Rainfall Zone Eastern Seaboard, TAS, SW WA Summer - winter dominant West of GDR - Merinos (fine wool, breading) Beef (Breeding and some fattening) 30% of total sheep Hilly country, Acid soils, Large paddocks East GDR - Beef, Dairy
Mixed farming zone 350-650mm All 3 rainfall types 55% of sheep 4-6yrs crop, 4-6yrs pasture
Rangelands less than 250mm Arid 250-350mm semi arid Semi-natural ecosystem Larfge-very large properties Low DSE Doestic animals eat Shrubs, grasses, trees, herbs Little imporved pasture
