Sustainable Grazing in the Channel Country

Summary

The project "Sustainable Grazing in the Channel Country Floodplains" was initiated by the cattle industry to document the current knowledge of the Channel Country, to address gaps in existing research and to ensure the use of sustainable grazing practices within the floodplains. The Natural Heritage Trust, Meat and Livestock Australia, cattle producers and state agencies provided funding between 1998 and 2002. Current knowledge was documented through 39 members of the grazing community contributing a total of 641 years combined experience of natural resource management. Seventeen on-going soil and pasture monitoring sites provided detailed soil moisture and nutrient levels as well as pasture yield and nutrient levels. This information has led to the development of prototype tools to enhance natural resource management decisions. The publications resulting from this work have allowed land managers new to the Channel Country to quickly understand the accepted industry management practices. The knowledge documented within the project is also of interest to the broader community who have a desire to better understand Lake Eyre and its major river systems, and who wish to ensure the sustainable management of the unique natural resources within the Channel Country.