Theme 23: Biodiversity
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Publication Date
2001
Location
Brazil
Description
In temperate areas of southeast Australia, the combined effects of tree clearing, grazing, application of fertilizer and the introduction of exotic species have modified the original grasslands. This paper describes these changes and attempts to explain them in terms of ecological principles derived from North American grasslands. Stability of the original grasslands appears to have been due to the lack of disturbance and the slow rates of nitrogen (N) cycling within them. Increased N cycling after disturbance has allowed invasion of species better adapted to higher N status, particularly exotic annual grasses and weeds. The present composition of grasslands, in terms of native perennial grasses and exotic species appears to be explainable by the ecological principles outlined.
Citation
Garden, D. L. and Bolger, T. P., "Vegetation Changes in Southeast Australian Temperate Grasslands" (2001). IGC Proceedings (1985-2023). 18.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/19/23/18)
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Vegetation Changes in Southeast Australian Temperate Grasslands
Brazil
In temperate areas of southeast Australia, the combined effects of tree clearing, grazing, application of fertilizer and the introduction of exotic species have modified the original grasslands. This paper describes these changes and attempts to explain them in terms of ecological principles derived from North American grasslands. Stability of the original grasslands appears to have been due to the lack of disturbance and the slow rates of nitrogen (N) cycling within them. Increased N cycling after disturbance has allowed invasion of species better adapted to higher N status, particularly exotic annual grasses and weeds. The present composition of grasslands, in terms of native perennial grasses and exotic species appears to be explainable by the ecological principles outlined.
