Grasslands of the Tropical Savannas

Grasslands include spinifex hummock grasslands, Mitchell or tussock grasslands, mixed tussock and tall grass savannas and woodlands and tropical tall grass savannas and woodlands. The various grasslands are dominated by different species depending on soil type and rainfall. Spinifex hummock grasslands are dominated by spinifex species, low shrubs and trees. These occur on sandy soils in drier areas and inferior sandy, gravelly and skeletal soils associated with low hills and more rugged terrain in high rainfall areas.

Mitchell or tussock grasslands are dominated by the Mitchell grasses. These highly productive and valuable grazing lands occur on the grey to black cracking soil with golden beard grass (ribbon grass), bluegrasses, silky browntop, Flinders grass and kangaroo grass being less dominant companion grasses. This community type occurs in the 200–600 mm rainfall zone.

Mixed tussock and tall grass savannas and woodlands are dominated by sorghum (speargrass and cane grass), golden beard (ribbon) grass, bluegrasses, kangaroo grass, white grass, native millet, bunched spear grass, limestone grass, native couch and some Mitchell and Flinders grass communities. These are highly productive and valuable pastoral lands. This community type occurs typically in the 500–800 mm rainfall zone.

Tropical tall grass savannas and woodlands are dominated by tall annual and perennial sorghums, white grass, golden beard grass (ribbon grass), kangaroo grass and native millet communities. These pastures are moderately productive for cattle, but palatability and nutritive value declines markedly with maturity. This community type occurs in areas receiving more than 800 mm annual rainfall.