Sustainability of Rangeland Pastoralism—a Case Study from the West Australian Arid Zone using Stochastic Optimal Control Theory

Wang, K.M.; Hacker, Ronald B.

doi:10.1006/jema.1996.0101

Cited by 11 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…Models incorporating higher temporal resolution operated at a daily level (Sparrow, Friedel & Stafford Smith 1997; Illius, Derry & Gordon 1998; Illius & O’Connor 2000; Boer & Stafford Smith 2003; Stigter & van Langevelde 2004), on a coarser scale with additional information about precipitation patterns within this time (Wu et al . 1996; Wang & Hacker 1997; Benie et al . 2005), or were event driven (Plant et al .…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Semi‐arid grazing systems and climate change: a survey of present modelling potential and future needs

Tietjen

Jeltsch

2007

Journal of Applied Ecology

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Summary1. Sustainable land use under climate change requires detailed knowledge of the system dynamics. This applies particularly for the management of domestic livestock in semiarid and arid grazing systems, where the risk of degradation is high and likely climate change may have a strong impact. A suitable way to assess potential future trends of these complex systems is through the application of simulation models. 2. We reviewed 41 models published between 1995 and 2005 simulating semi-arid and arid livestock grazing systems. The models were categorized according to the model aim and type, their temporal and spatial scale, and several indicators of model complexity. Additionally, we developed a list of model requirements for adequately simulating the effects of climate change. Based on these requirements, we evaluated the potential of current models to simulate impacts of climate change and determine important shortcomings.3. Three general model types could be distinguished, namely state and transition, difference and differential equation, and rule-based models. Over time, we found that the number of models aiming to improve management strategies increased, while there were fewer models that aimed to understand system dynamics. This was accompanied by a trend to simplify model descriptions of hydrological relationships. 4. Important shortcomings of current models included the impact of increased CO 2 levels on plant productivity and the ability to resolve changes in intra-annual precipitation patterns. The consideration of both external drivers is crucial under climate change, hence sustainable long-term decision making is currently lacking important information. 5. Synthesis and applications . Sustainable livestock management in semi-arid and arid systems requires knowledge about effects of future climate change to adjust livestock density adequately. Producers' experiences from current weather conditions are not necessarily transferable to future conditions, thus models could help to support management. However, an analysis of current models has shown that few existing models are able to assess the impacts of the predicted climate change. Therefore, we call for the development of new dynamic grazing models that provide land managers with the necessary tools to face the threat of future climate changes.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Semi‐arid grazing systems and climate change: a survey of present modelling potential and future needs

Tietjen

Jeltsch

2007

Journal of Applied Ecology

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“…By the standards described herein, Rasmussen 1941, Cooper 1960, Buffi ngton and Herbel 1965, Mortensen 1978. These factors and others have caused upland vegetation and soil changes that are slow to improve, some of which probably will not ever recover to pre-existing conditions (Schlesinger et al 1990, Wang andHacker 1997). As a result, the higher percentage of rangeland in R-3 that is not meeting or progress-Rangeland Health CHAPTER 3 ing towards FPMO's, roughly 25 percent, should not be surprising (table 3.14).…”

Section: Rocky Mountain Assessment Regionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Rangeland resource trends in the United States: A technical document supporting the 2000 USDA Forest Service RPA Assessment

Mitchell¹

2000

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“…Recent findings concerning the use of public rangelands show diminished value of these rangelands as uncertainty increases (Egan & Watts 1998). In other cases, fencing decisions may omit full consideration of contemporary agronomic research concerning grazing practices (Holechek et al 1998), ecological concerns (Vallentine 1989), and long term sustainability (Wang & Hacker 1997). Changes in land-use suggest that conventional reasons for fence-out laws cannot be justified in some areas (Centner & Griffin 1998).…”

Section: Fence Rulesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although occasional heavy grazing may be economical, care must be taken to avoid possible permanent damage to rangeland plant communities by heavy grazing over a number of years (Manley et al 1997). Wang and Hacker (1997) suggest that economically optimal grazing management may not be compatible with the regeneration of degraded rangeland. Rather, some period of non-optimal management is needed for the regeneration of degraded rangelands.…”

Section: Management Strategiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Changes in population, technology, and environmental objectives alter the consequences of fence laws so that the amendment of existing legislation may be advisable (Centner 1997). Distinct from fence laws but related to livestock management are grazing strategies to enhance economic returns (Walker 1995;Holechek et al 1998), preserve ecological resources (Vallentine 1989;Dosskey 1998), and provide for sustainable production (Wang & Hacker 1997). Emerging land-use demands, including recreational activities and environmental concerns, often favour the use of fences (Loomis et al 1989).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Coordinating fence law with range management strategies in the USA

Centner

2000

Envir. Conserv.

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In areas where livestock production predominates, a ‘fence-out rule’ as opposed to a ‘fence-in rule’ has been advocated due to perceived economic advantages associated with open-range livestock production; people desiring to have no livestock on their properties need to construct fences. Yet a region's total economy may be enhanced by moving away from established fence-out and cost-sharing rules. With changes in public perceptions of property rights, advances in technology, and the acquisition of new scientific information, fence rules should be expected to evolve. This paper articulates political, economic and scientific considerations in the USA that may be contemplated by citizens and elected officials for altering directives controlling livestock. To promote economic efficiency and social well-being, the paper advocates the scrutiny of existing fence-out and cost-sharing rules in a region to determine whether alternative rules should be preferred. The demise of fence-out rules in some areas in the USA and other countries could help achieve a more sustainable use of range resources.

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Sustainability of Rangeland Pastoralism—a Case Study from the West Australian Arid Zone using Stochastic Optimal Control Theory

Cited by 11 publications

References 5 publications

Semi‐arid grazing systems and climate change: a survey of present modelling potential and future needs

Semi‐arid grazing systems and climate change: a survey of present modelling potential and future needs

Rangeland resource trends in the United States: A technical document supporting the 2000 USDA Forest Service RPA Assessment

Coordinating fence law with range management strategies in the USA

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