P. JONES¹ and W.H. BURROWS²

¹Queensland Department of Primary Industries Charleville Pastoral Laboratory Charleville, and ²Tropical Beef Centre, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia

Abstract

We present a state and transition model for the mulga zone of south-west Queensland describing different states involving shrub, tree, grass, forb, soil loss and seed reserves so that landusers can use the model to make responsible decisions about land management. Factors assisting transition between states, the time-frame for a high probability of the event to occur, and the relative degradation of each state are described. Areas where information is lacking include the effect of kangaroos and feral goats, and frequency and severity of grazing pressure and fire on trees, shrubs and pasture. Information transfer of the model to land users is another problem and we suggest using a poster model with colour prints depicting each state.