Increasing the perennial grass component of native pastures through grazing management in the 400–600 mm rainfall zone of central western NSW

摘要: Native grass-based pastures in the 400–600 mm rainfall zone of central NSW are an important basis for extensive grazing industries. However, over time they have been invaded by exotic weeds. This study aimed to evaluate several strategies maintenance or improvement native grasslands based on pasture productivity and species diversity. Seven strategies, ranging from set stocking permanently removing stock, were employed strategy that would best maintain a high proportion desirable perennial grass species. Grazing treatments evaluated their effects composition density selected key such as Enteropogon acicularis (Lindl.) Lazar. (curly windmill grass). Managing utilisation E. combined with weed control was most successful terms increasing species, although no treatment increased grasses broadleaf followed ‘farmer’s choice’ strategy, which involved combining phosphorus fertiliser application, rest grazing. In contrast, either ‘summer lockup’ ‘weed control’ alone performed poorly. It is concluded this region could be rehabilitated, restored, following provide grazing, levels key, annual