J.J. MOTT

CSIRO Division of Tropical Crops and Pastures, Cunningham Laboratory, 306 Carmondy Rd., St. Lucia, Qld 4067.

Abstract

The effect of fire on exotic species used in the production of improved pastures is discussed in the context of the frequent occurrence of fire in the pasture lands of northern Australia and the major effects of fire on pasture establishment, survival and regeneration.
All species used for pasture improvement do survive dry season fires, although the yield obtained in the following seasons may be reduced.
There are potential advantages occurring from burning in terms of new growth, although there are few data on environmental changes after fires, particularly changes in soil nutrient status.