Pastoral Rangelands of the Northern Territory

The pastoral industry of the Northern Territory is extensive and based predominantly on native rangeland pasture.

The maintained health of Northern Territory rangeland is vital for the long term productivity and profitability of the pastoral industry.

The Department fosters sustainable rangeland management and aims to utilise Northern Territory rangeland in a manner that achieves sustained high levels of production.

The pastoral industry is largely dependent on annual and perennial grasses which dominate rangeland pasture communities. Herbaceous species, or forbs, are also important, particularly in the southern parts.

The rangeland based grazing industries are as diverse as their climatic range and their resource diversity.

Average rainfall varies from about 150mm in the far south east to over 1500mm in the north, with associated variation in seasonality and reliability. Rainfall in the north is highly seasonal with a distinct summer wet season, and a winter dry season. In the south rainfall is more erratic and can occur at any time of the year.

Annual grasses are generally fast growing and short lived, particularly in the drier regions. Most annuals disappear during dry periods, leaving the soil surface exposed. They are generally smaller and shorter grasses of lower productivity than perennials.

Perennial grasses are drought and fire resistant, generally resilient under grazing and capable of a quick growth response after rain. If not overgrazed, perennial grasses provide forage and soil protection throughout the year.

Broad leaved plants are also an important component of pastoral rangeland. They may take the form of trees, or shrubs, or they may be small plants at ground level (herbs or forbs). Like the grasses they may be perennial or they may be short lived (annuals) which appear and disappear in response to rainfall.

Livestock have distinct likes and dislikes when it comes to choosing their diet from the available plants. Plants also differ in their nutritional value.

Pastoral rangeland management is concerned with preserving an appropriate balance of plant species to meet both environmental and production objectives.