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Sandstone vegetation pattern in the Jim Jim Falls region, Northern Territory, Australia
Citation
Bowman, DMJS and Wilson, BA and Fensham, RJ, Sandstone vegetation pattern in the Jim Jim Falls region, Northern Territory, Australia, Australian Journal of Ecology, 15, (2) pp. 163-174. ISSN 0307-692X (1990) [Refereed Article]
DOI: doi:10.1111/j.1442-9993.1990.tb01525.x
Abstract
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.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
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Research Division: | Biological Sciences |
Research Group: | Evolutionary biology |
Research Field: | Biogeography and phylogeography |
Objective Division: | Environmental Management |
Objective Group: | Fresh, ground and surface water systems and management |
Objective Field: | Assessment and management of freshwater ecosystems |
UTAS Author: | Bowman, DMJS (Professor David Bowman) |
ID Code: | 69107 |
Year Published: | 1990 |
Web of Science® Times Cited: | 27 |
Deposited By: | Plant Science |
Deposited On: | 2011-04-19 |
Last Modified: | 2011-06-15 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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