Knowledge of the pasture resource and its capabilities is essential to sustainable use of the rangelands. Rangeland managers must be able to recognise firstly the different pasture types, and secondly, the differences between present condition classes for each type. Both factors affect the stock carrying capacity, and appropriate pastoral management of a pasture. This guide has been produced for use by pastoralists to assist them to recognise and assess the condition of the perennial pasture resource of their own properties. The guide describes the condition states found in 10 of the most widespread pastures of the Murchison River catchment (Fig. 1). This region has been the subject of a detailed inventory and mapping, as part of the rangeland survey programme conducted in 1985-87 by the departments of Agriculture and Land Administration. Results of this survey provide the basis for this guide. The guide has been produced with funding support from the National Soil Conservation Programme as part of the Murchison Catchment Management Project
