University of Tasmania
Browse

File(s) not publicly available

Sandstone vegetation pattern in the Jim Jim Falls region, Northern Territory, Australia

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 05:56 authored by David BowmanDavid Bowman, Wilson, BA, Fensham, RJ
Analysis of 58 floristic quadrats from two areas near Jim Jim Falls on the Arnhem Land Plateau revealed seven plant communities: wetland; monsoon forest; Allosyncarpia forest; broadleaf woodland; shrubby Eucalyptus woodland; Eucalyptus arnhemensis woodland; and sandstone scrub. The communities inter-grade with each other and form a complex mosaic. The patterning of vegetation is related to topography, rockiness, degree of fire protection and moisture supply. Surface soil nutrient concentrations were similar in all the communities with the exception of the monsoon forest which was substantially more fertile. We suggest that moisture supply is the primary determinant of vegetation and soil fertility patterns. Fire in the preceding dry season stimulated some herbaceous species, while a long unburnt shrubby Eucalyptus woodland was invaded by some monsoon forest seedlings. Conservation of the present mosaic of vegetation presents a major challenge to land managers because of this variable impact of fire.

History

Publication title

Australian Journal of Ecology

Volume

15

Pagination

163-174

ISSN

0307-692X

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

Wiley-Blackwell

Place of publication

UK

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Assessment and management of freshwater ecosystems

Usage metrics

    University Of Tasmania

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC