Comparing grass biomass estimation methods for management decisions in a semi-arid landscape

Abstract

Aims: Environmental managers require reliable and cost-efficient monitoring methods for effective decision-making. Understanding forage availability is important for managing wild, vertebrate herbivore populations. We developed a process for exploring the accuracy and cost efficiency of various biomass estimation techniques for a case study where semi-arid woodland restoration is threatened by kangaroo grazing, with the aim of determining which method was most fit for purpose in a given decision context. Location: Wyperfeld National Park, southeastern Australia. Methods: Grass biomass was estimated using a variety of methods, then compared to clipped biomass using linear models. Biomass esti..