March 8, 2025 by Lachie

Improved Pastures in Northern Australia: The Role of Buffel Grass as a Pioneer improved Species

Northern Australia has long been a hub for cattle production, but the landscapes that support this industry have undergone significant transformation over the past century. One of the key drivers of this change has been the introduction and establishment of improved pasture species, with Buffel Grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) leading the way.

Buffel Grass (Explore): A Key Pasture Pioneer

Buffel grass, which across the industry today mostly comprises the cultivars Gayndah, Biloela and American was initially introduced into Australia in the late 19th century but became widely used from the 1950s onwards. Initially spread through Australia by Afghan camel herders in the late 1800s, it was later intentionally introduced/sown as an improved pasture species. The primary reason for its rapid adoption was its drought tolerance, ability to establish quickly, and high productivity, particularly in a wide range of soils.

During the 1950s and 1960s, large areas of Brigalow scrub were extensively cleared in Queensland, particularly in the Fitzroy Basin. This massive land development initiative aimed to expand grazing opportunities, but it required a reliable pasture species to maintain ground cover and support cattle production. As a result, Buffel grass was sown alongside other tropical grasses, such as Green Panic (Panicum maximum) and Rhodes Grass (Chloris gayana). However, Buffel outcompeted/outlasted these species in many areas, becoming the dominant pasture across much of Queensland’s cleared Brigalow landscapes.

Why Buffel Grass Dominated?
Several factors contributed to Buffel’s success:
• Established Root System – Buffel grass can access moisture from deep within the soil, giving it an edge over other pasture species in dry periods.
• High Seed Production and Viability – It spreads easily and regenerates well after grazing or drought.
• Tolerance to Heavy Grazing – Unlike some native species, Buffel withstands intensive grazing pressure.
• Improvement of Soil Structure – Buffel grass increases soil organic matter and reduces erosion in previously cleared areas.

Stocking Rates and Productivity

Buffel grass has proven to be highly productive for grazing, particularly in cell grazing and rotational grazing systems. Research trials across Queensland found that Buffel-dominated pastures:
• Sustain higher stocking rates compared to native pastures.
• Increase liveweight gains in cattle, with gains of 180-200 kg/year possible.
• Maintain pasture resilience, even under fluctuating rainfall conditions.

Image below taken from MLA, demonstrates livestock productivity on Buffel Pastures

However, while Buffel grass has provided immense benefits to the beef industry, it is not without its management challenges. Overgrazing in Buffel-dominant systems can lead to reduced species diversity, and the grass can become a monoculture, limiting the presence of other beneficial pasture species.

Legumes: Enhancing Buffel Grass Systems

One way to improve the productivity and sustainability of Buffel-based pastures is through the incorporation of legumes, such as:

• Desmanthus (Desmanthus spp.) particularly Progardes® Desmanthus (Read More) –

A highly persistent, drought-tolerant nitrogen-fixing legume that enhances soil fertility and cattle weight gains. Progardes® Desmanthus has demonstrated superior establishment, longevity, and grazing tolerance. Trials have shown it boosts cattle productivity while maintaining pasture resilience, with long-term benefits in soil health and carbon sequestration.

• Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) (Read More)–

A deep-rooted perennial legume with exceptional forage quality, capable of sustaining liveweight gains of 250–300 kg/year, with an intensive grazing system supporting 1.5 ha/steer. Leucaena is highly digestible and protein-rich (20–30% crude protein), making it one of the most productive legume-based grazing systems in northern Australia. However, it requires high management inputs, including controlled grazing and periodic pruning (often heavy machinery needed) to maintain productivity.

• Butterfly Pea (Clitoria ternatea) (Explore) –

A fast-growing, high-protein legume suited to Central Queensland’s grazing systems, particularly for intensive backgrounding operations. This deep-rooted perennial thrives in well-drained, fertile soils and has been used for high-quality forage, hay production, and soil improvement. With over 25% crude protein in leaves, Butterfly Pea significantly enhances cattle weight gain. However, management is critical—overgrazing reduces stand longevity, and regular reseeding may be necessary.

• Caatinga Stylo (Stylosanthes seabrana) – ‘Unica’ & ‘Primar’ Cultivars (Explore) –

A drought-tolerant, nitrogen-fixing legume that thrives in medium to heavy-textured soils. It is well-suited to low-input grazing systems, providing high-quality forage (23% crude protein) and supporting liveweight gains of up to 100 kg beef/ha/year. Anthracnose resistance makes it an advantageous alternative to other Stylos, ensuring greater persistence in northern pastures.
The integration of legumes with Buffel has been shown to improve soil health, increase cattle weight gain, and enhance pasture resilience, particularly in northern Australian grazing systems.

Buffel Grass and the Future of Northern Australia’s Grazing Systems

Buffel grass has played a pivotal role in shaping northern Australia’s grazing industry, particularly in Queensland’s Brigalow regions. While it remains a cornerstone species, the future of sustainable grazing will likely depend on diverse pasture mixes, improved grazing management, and the strategic use of legumes.
By combining Buffel’s drought resilience with the benefits of legumes and rotational grazing, producers can enhance productivity, maintain land health, and future-proof their operations against climatic variability.

References & Further Reading
• Lucid Key: Buffel Grass Species Information
• Tropical Forages: Cenchrus ciliaris – Buffel Grass
• Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA): Investigating Intensive Grazing Systems in Northern Australia – Final Report
• NSW Department of Primary Industries: Buffel Grass – Species Information