Background:  

I’m Australian and have previously worked with the state government in western NSW – involving resource inventory and mapping, property planning, extension with pastoralists and farmers, research and land administration.  I was teaching and researching with UQ until 2006. I am currently a PhD candidate. I have previously studied at the Uni of Sydney (BScAgr), the Uni of NSW (MSc) and the Uni of Qld (GCEd).  My previous work has included travel to the USA (Churchill Fellowship) and Indonesia.

Personal interests/goals:

World-views (philosophy), history, politics; travel; goal – to use post-grad studies in future research, consultancy and teaching.

Study Area: Rangeland ecology and management

Project Title: Ecosystem response to cell grazing

Project outline: ‘Cell grazing’ principles have been increasingly adopted in Australia’s pastoral industry since 1990. There is little scientific data on the ecosystem response to ‘cell grazing’ and the aim of the project is to provide new knowledge and understanding in this field. While the studies will involve the climate-soil-plant-animal grazing ecosystem, there will be particular emphasis on the soil component as one of the important drivers of sustainability of the resource and productivity of the animal. It is anticipated that the outcome will be principles for ‘adaptive grazing management’ focussed on the whole ecosystem rather than simply forage production.    

Advisors:

Principal: Dr Manda Page
Other: Prof Ockie Bosch

Collaborating Organisations:

Qld DPI, CSIRO

Publication list:

• Alchin, B. Page, M. and Bosch, O. (in press). Ecosystem response to ‘cell grazing’.  Proc Aust Rangeland Soc Conf, Charters Towers, Qld.
• Williams, W., Eldridge, D. and Alchin, B. (in press). Grazing and drought reduce cyanobacterial crusts in an Australian Acacia woodland. J of Arid Environments.
• Alsemgeest, V. and Alchin, B. (2003). Comparison of continuous and cell grazing on woodlands in Central Queensland, Australia. In Proc VII International Rangeland Congress,  Durban, Sth Africa.
• Alsemgeest, V. and Alchin, B.M. (2002). Comparison of continuous and cell grazing on brigalow country in Central Qld.  Proc Aust Rangeland Soc Conf, Kalgoorlie, WA.
• Humphries, E. and Alchin, B. (1999). Impact of continuous and short-duration grazing systems on alluvial plains in Australia. In “People and Rangelands: Building the Future”. Proc VI International Rangeland Congress (Ed D. Eldridge and D. Freudenberger), Townsville, Qld. Vol 1 pp 553-554. (VI International Rangeland Congress Inc.
• Humphries, E. and Alchin, B. (1996). Impact of grazing systems on soils and vegetation in north-western NSW. Proc Aust Rangeland Soc Conf, Port Augusta, SA.
• Alchin, B. and Condon, R. (1992). Issues of holistic resource management. Proc Aust Rangeland Soc Conf, Cobar, NSW.
• Condon, R. and Alchin, B. (1990). Rational grazing management for rangelands.  Proc Aust Rangeland Soc Conf, Carnarvon, WA.
• Alchin, B. (1986). Holistic resource management. Proc Aust Rangeland Soc Conf, Armidale, NSW.

Contact Details:

• Phone: 0438 831 301
• E-mail: b.alchin@uq.edu.au
• Postal: School of Natural & Rural Systems Management, University of Queensland Gatton Qld 4343
• Fax: 07 5460 1324