Understanding Potential Carrying Capacity
Potential Carrying Capacity measures a farm’s ability to sustain livestock under optimal management conditions, factoring in:
Pasture composition
Rotation rates
Fertilizer application
This standardized measure allows for consistent farm comparisons, eliminating variations caused by differing land management practices.
However, potential carrying capacity differs from actual carrying capacity, which accounts for real-world factors such as property condition, stocking rates, and supplementary feeding.
How is Potential Carrying Capacity Calculated?
DAS calculates potential carrying capacity using:
Observed pasture growth data
Soil and climate conditions
Feed availability and pasture composition
Economic models of grazing enterprises
This calculation is developed and validated by the CSIRO, ensuring that properties can be compared using a standardized benchmark, independent of management choices or seasonal variations.
DSE (Dry Sheep Equivalent) – What Does It Mean?
One DSE is the amount of feed required to maintain the weight of a 45 kg, two-year-old Merino sheep.
DSE is a measure of energy produced over time, where one DSE equals approximately 7.6 megajoules (MJ) per day.
This provides a standardized measure to compare sheep-grazing properties.
AE (Adult Equivalent) – For Cattle Properties
AE (Adult Equivalent) is the standard measurement for beef cattle.
One AE represents the feed requirement of a 450 kg Bos Taurus steer maintained at a steady weight.
This allows cattle-based farms to be compared in the same way as sheep farms.
Limitations of the Dataset
DSE represents potential carrying capacity, not actual stocking rates.
The model currently covers the southern cropping region only.
Different models would be required for nationwide coverage, as the CSIRO model for the southern cropping region is not suited to northern Australian rangelands.
DSE is based on observed pasture growth and ideal management conditions (e.g., soil and water availability).
Potential carrying capacity does not factor in the current property condition, supplementary feed use, or specific risk profiles and business objectives.
Key Takeaways
Potential carrying capacity is a standardized measure, useful for comparing farms across regions.
DSE (Dry Sheep Equivalent) is used for sheep-grazing capacity, while AE (Adult Equivalent) applies to cattle properties.
CSIRO science supports these calculations, integrating real-world soil, climate, and pasture data.
By using these scientifically validated benchmarks, DAS provides a measurable comparative tool for assessing a farm’s grazing potential, allowing for more informed decision-making and property comparisons.