The
Project
The first stage of the project was completed in 1996 and used Queensland as
a case study to integrate climate and natural resource data, remote sensing,
historical agronomic research and simulation modelling. While seasonal rainfall
explained only 40% of the variation in seasonal pasture growth, models of
soil water and pasture growth could explain 50-70% of observed variation.
The simulation work involved running a pasture growth model for tropical and
sub-tropical grasses (GRASP) on a 5 km grid over the entire State, calibrated
for a broad range of pasture communities, soil types and climatic conditions.
The second stage of the project, called AussieGRASS,
commenced in April 1997. It involved nationwide collaboration, in both research
and extension, to expand and operationalise the spatial model to enable assessment
of the condition of all Australia's grazing lands. The three main tasks were:
1. Simulating Pasture Growth
|
Three other models, along with GRASP,
(WA's IMAGES, and CSIRO's ARIDGRO and SEE-SAW) were examined to compare
how they simulate the important processes of the semi-arid southern Australian
pasture systems, GRASP was then compared to CSIRO's GRASSGRO model. The
GRASP model was also calibrated for use in the Northern Territory and
Kimberley rangeland. |
2. Data
Collaborating parties continue to work to improve the
vast number of biophysical data sets associated with the project (rainfall,
temperature, humidity, radiation, domestic stock density macropods, ferals,
soils, pasture type and tree cover).
3. Extension
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Products from the operational
Queensland spatial model were the basis for developing Aussie GRASS products
in consultation with clients. Such products are used in information systems,
and their promotion is integrated into other extension activities. Training
of extension staff was an important component of AussieGRASS. |
