Long-term changes in the vegetation after the cessation of livestock grazing in Eucalyptus marginata (Jarrah) woodland remnants

Changes in the vegetation of a Eucalyptuswoodland during a 7 yr recovery from intensive, continuous livestock grazing were monitored and compared with vegetation in open plots still being grazed, as well as with that in ungrazed remnants. After grazing stopped, an initial, temporary increase in annual exotic pastures species occurred that was strongly influenced by annual weather patterns. These annuals decreased over time while native perennials became more abundant, so that the vegetation became more similar to that of the ungrazed sites. Development of overstory seedlings and saplings was sparse. In the jarrah woodlands, natural regeneration is possible within 6 yr after grazing ceases, but cover re-establishment takes longer. A nonequilibrium model was developed to approximate floristic dynamics in response to the presence or absence of grazing.