Effects of fire on central Australian rangelands. I. Fire and fuel characteristics and changes in herbage and nutrients

Results of fire experiments in two important rangeland types in central Australia showed that a winter fire was effective in reducing fuel and was easily controlled. Composition of pasture plants palatable to cattle was either maintained or improved. A summer fire significantly decreased the grass component white increasing the proportion of forbs, particularly unpalatable species. Rainfall, season of burning and reduction of cover appeared to be important factors in controlling the composition of post‐fire herbage. There was no important effect of fire on nutrients in either season of burning.