Integrating climate forecasts and geospatial systems to enhance grazing management in Northern Australia

Abstract

Geospatial systems were a useful tool to assess climate variability and the impacts of climate variability on grazing management. They provided a mechanism for simplifying interpretation of highly variable and complex information, they provided a regional overview of spatial variability and useful interpolation between locations where no data was available. In this study we analyse daily rainfall data to determine the impacts of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on the timing of break-of-season rain, follow-up rain and effective rain. In addition we use models to identify the impacts of ENSO on grazing management and we suggest how pastoralists can use the Southern Oscillation Index to increase profit, induce native pasture recovery, reduce the risk of overgrazing and reduce animal mortalities.