Tree clearing for pasture production: An ecological assessment

Tree clearing for pasture productivity raises many questions about the sustainability of improved pasture systems in Queensland, particularly in central Queensland. There are some gaps in information on pasture production and vegetation clearing. In this paper, the ecological impacts of tree clearing in pasture systems of central Queensland over the time since clearing are assessed. The study is carried out for cleared and uncleared/intact pastures systems of a major type of tree community Eucalyptus melanophloia  in terms of pasture productivity, plant species composition and soil status. Paired sites for cleared and uncleared pasture systems are compared at different time lengths since clearing. The results indicate that there may be some negative ecological consequences of clearing which may affect potential pasture gains in the longer term.