A quantitative state and transition model for the Mitchell grasslands of central western Queensland

Concerns of reduced productivity and land degradation in the Mitchell grasslands of central western Queensland were addressed through a range monitoring program to interpret condition and trend. Botanical and eclaphic parameters were recorded along piosphere and grazing gradients, and across fenceline impact areas, to maximise changes resulting from grazing. The Degradation Gradient Method was used in conjunction with State and Transition Models to develop models of rangeland dynamics and condition. States were found to be ordered along a degradation gradient, indicator species developed according to rainfall trends and transitions determined from field data and available literature. Astrebla spp. abundance declined with declining range condition and increasing grazing pressure, while annual grasses and forbs increased in dominance under poor range condition. Soil erosion increased and litter decreased with decreasing range condition. An approach to quantitatively define states within a variable rainfall environment based upon a time-series ordination analysis is described. The derived model could provide the interpretive framework necessary to integrate on-ground monitoring, remote sensing and geographic information systems to trace states and transitions at the paddock scale. However, further work is needed to determine the full catalogue of states and transitions and to refine the model for application at the paddock scale

Effect of defoliation on reproductive behaviour and growth of introduced Cenchrus cilliaris populations in central Australian

No Abstract. African Journal of Range and Forage Science Vol. 18 (1)1983: pp.113_11

The influence of bushveld trees on the productivity of Panicum maximum: A preliminary report

The influence of four important bushveld trees, Acacia senegal, Acacia tortilis, Boscia albitrunca and Combretum apiculatum on the distribution and productivity of Panicum maximum, was investigated.Keywords: Gauteng Province|transects|tree species|shading|moisture gradients|nitrogen|phosphorus|trees|potassium|Transvaal|influences|productivity|bushveld|distributions|Lower Crocodile Valley|field experiments|greenhouse experiment

Drought damage to bushveld trees and large shrubs

An intensive survey was carried out in Sweet Bushveld (savanna) to study drought damage to the trees and large shrubs in a Combretum apiculatum community. In general, the severity of damage was less than was expected and its pattern differed markedly between the 21 different species encountered.Keywords: surveys|Gauteng Province|Transvaal|species lists|sweetveld|Savanna Biome|shrubs|trees|bushveld|droughts|drought damages|plant

A Reasoning Model Based on Perennial Crop Allocation Cases and Rules

25th International Conference, ICCBR 2017, Trondheim, Norway, June 26-28, 2017, ProceedingsInternational audienceThis paper presents a prototype of case-based reasoning, built for the agricultural domain. Its aim is to forecast the allocation of a new energy crop, the miscanthus. Interviews were conducted with french farmers in order to know how they make their decisions. Based on interview analysis, a case base and a rule base have been formalized, together with similarity and adaptation knowledge. Furthermore we have introduced variations in the reasoning modules, for allowing different uses. Tests have been conducted. Results showed that the model can be used in different ways, according to the aim of the user, and e.g. the economic conditions for miscanthus allocation