Rainfed Farming Systems of North-Eastern Australia

The main climatic features and the principal soils used for rainfed cereal and oilseed production systems in north-eastern Australia are described, with their limitations on crop distribution. While rainfall and temperature provide opportunities for both summer and winter crops, available moisture supply is unreliable and generally limits production. Alleviation of the effects of a highly variable climate requires application of techniques such as fallowing, varying of plant population density, and geometry and selection of appropriate cultivars. Simulation models and decision support systems provide an opportunity to investigate alternative production strategies. Animal production tends to be on separate pasture land or in feedlots rather than integrated into the crop rotation.