A Germination and Establishment Field Trial of
            Themeda australis
            (Kangaroo Grass) for Mine Site Restoration in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales

Oversupply of potassium (K) to grape vines can result in high grape berry K and pH, leading to difficulty in wine making and low wine quality. There is concern that application of mulch to grape vines may increase K supply and the associated risks. The effect of composted mulch from green wastes was investigated in a field trial involving six vineyards in New South Wales on soils commonly used for viticulture production in Australia, over three seasons (2006–08). Significant increases in extractable soil K were detected as a result of mulch application. Higher berry K and pH were also observed due to the mulch treatments, with the changes dependent on season and mulch rate. Increases in berry K were significantly related to the higher soil exchangeable K. The mean increase in berry K due to a mulch rate of 153 m3/ha was 123 mg/kg. The mean increase in berry pH was 0.02 units observed in two seasons. Application of mulch can increase berry K and pH, but the changes are small compared with variations observed among vineyard sites and between seasons.

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The spatial legacy of Australian mercury contamination in the sediment of the Molonglo River

Elem Sci Anth ◽

10.1525/elementa.440 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Dylan Stinton ◽

Larissa Schneider ◽

Sara Beavis ◽

Janelle Stevenson ◽

William A. Maher ◽

...

Keyword(s):

New South ◽

Sediment Cores ◽

New South Wales ◽

Surficial Sediment ◽

Mercury Contamination ◽

Mine Site ◽

Factors Influencing ◽

South Wales ◽

Chemical Factors ◽

Physical And Chemical

Mercury (Hg) contamination is an environmental concern as a by-product of legacy mining in Australia. Here we investigate the spatial and temporal distribution of Hg in the Molonglo River system in New South Wales, Australia, and assess the physical and chemical factors influencing that distribution. Mercury concentrations in sediment cores were measured in conjunction with 210Pb and 137Cs dating to establish historical contamination. This was done at the source mine site of Captains Flat, New South Wales, and the system’s sink in Lake Burley Griffin, Australian Capital Territory. Additionally, surficial sediment Hg concentrations along the Molonglo River were analyzed to determine the spatial distribution of Hg. Analytical results showed the primary physical and chemical factors influencing Hg dispersion to be distance, total organic matter, and the presence of iron oxides and oxyhydroxides. The highest Hg concentrations were near the mine site at Captains Flat and decreased significantly with distance. Sediment core analyses in both Captains Flat and the lake showed reductions in Hg concentrations toward surficial sediment layers. It is suggested government-funded rehabilitation programs are playing a part in reducing the release of metal contamination.

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