@article {JRN54832, title = {State and transition models for rangelands. 2. Ecology as a basis for rangeland management: Performance criteria for testing models.}, journal = {Tropical Grasslands}, volume = {28}, year = {1994}, month = {1994}, pages = {206-213}, chapter = {206}, abstract = {

The \ objectives \ of \ this \ paper \ are \ to: \ propose criteria for testing the applicability of models for rangeland management; and test 2 competing models using those criteria. Predicting change accurately, detecting change, relevance to management and facilitating communication are the performance criteria. Competing models are the range condition model derived from Clement- sian ecology and the state and transition \ model based on \ non-equilibrium \ ecology. The ability of competing models to predict ecosystem change is assessed in terms of ecosystem organising processes and attributes \ such as competition, resistance and resilience, temporal thresholds and feedback. The ability to detect change is viewed in terms of detection at the community and land- scape scales. Relevance to management and com- munication are assessed within the context of effectively communicating the effects of manage- ment decisions on ecosystem processes to both traditional \ and non-traditional decision makers and a larger public constituency. \ Although \ the state and transition model is the most acceptable of the 2 competing models based on the criteria, improvements \ are needed. Most notable \ is the need for a spatial component in the application of the model for management purposes, and the need for attention to improved communication with a wide range of \ resource \ users.

}, keywords = {ecology, Performance criteria, rangeland management, rangelands, state and transition models, testing models.}, url = {https://www.tropicalgrasslands.asn.au/Tropical\%20Grasslands\%20Journal\%20archive/PDFs/Vol_28_1994/Vol_28_04_94_pp206_213.pdf}, author = {Joel R. Brown} }