Opportunities and challenges in Australian grasslands: pathways to achieve future sustainability and productivity imperatives

摘要: Grassland production systems contribute 40% to Australia’s gross agricultural value and utilise >50% of its land area. Across this area, diverse exist, but these can be broadly classified into four main systems: (i) pastoral grazing, mainly cattle at low intensity (i.e. <0.4 dry sheep equivalents/ha) on relatively unimproved native rangelands in the arid semi-arid regions northern central Australia; (ii) crop–livestock zone where livestock graze a mixture pastures crops that are often integrated; (iii) high-rainfall, permanent pasture coastal hinterland highlands; (iv) dairy covering broad range environments intensities. A notable trend across has been decline numbers proportion income from wool, with beef or meat increasingly important. Although there is evidence most have lifted efficiencies over past 30 years, total factor productivity growth change output relative inputs) failed match terms trade. This renewed attention how research development help increase productivity. These industries also face increasing scrutiny improve their environmental performance develop sustainable practices. In order efficiency grassland systems, we propose explore detail practices innovations will move new improved states alter frontiers. include: filling gaps array available, either through exploring species improving adaptation agronomic characteristics currently sown; overcoming existing emerging constraints productivity; forage-feed systems; more precise lower cost management grasslands. There significant scope capture ecological services grasslands provide mitigate greenhouse gas emissions production. However, large reductions scientist (75–95%) along funding limitations, challenge our ability realise potential opportunities.