What lies beneath? The pattern and abundance of the subterranean tuber bank of the invasive liana cat's claw creeper, Macfadyena unguis-cati (Bignoniaceae).

2009 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olusegun O. Osunkoya ◽  
Karina Pyle ◽  
Tanya Scharaschkin ◽  
Kunjithapatham Dhileepan
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Stem Density ◽  
Riparian Areas ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Large Trees ◽  
Tuber Traits ◽  
Standing Vegetation ◽  
Multiple Stems ◽  
Environmental Weed

Cat’s claw creeper, Macfadyena unguis-cati (L.) Gentry (Bignoniaceae) is a major environmental weed of riparian areas, rainforest communities and remnant natural vegetation in coastal Queensland and New South Wales, Australia. In densely infested areas, it smothers standing vegetation, including large trees, and causes canopy collapse. Quantitative data on the ecology of this invasive vine are generally lacking. The present study examines the underground tuber traits of M. unguis-cati and explores their links with aboveground parameters at five infested sites spanning both riparian and inland vegetation. Tubers were abundant in terms of density (~1000 per m2), although small in size and low in level of interconnectivity. M. unguis-cati also exhibits multiple stems per plant. Of all traits screened, the link between stand (stem density) and tuber density was the most significant and yielded a promising bivariate relationship for the purposes of estimation, prediction and management of what lies beneath the soil surface of a given M. unguis-cati infestation site. The study also suggests that new recruitment is primarily from seeds, not from vegetative propagation as previously thought. The results highlight the need for future biological-control efforts to focus on introducing specialist seed- and pod-feeding insects to reduce seed-output.

Effects of depth and time of sowing on emergence of Danthonia richardsonii Cashmore and Danthonia linkii Kunth

1993 ◽  
Vol 44 (6) ◽  
pp. 1311 ◽  
Author(s):  
GM Lodge ◽  
AJ Schipp
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
Seedling Emergence ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Maximum Temperature ◽  
Sowing Time ◽  
Sand Mixture ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Seed Field ◽  
Dry Conditions ◽  
Soil Temperatures

Two experiments examined the effects of sowing time and depth (surface and 10, 25, 50 mm) on emergence of Danthonia richardsonii Cashmore and Danthonia linkii Kunth. Experiment 1 was conducted from January to December 1990 on a loam/sand mixture in boxes. Emergence was highest in both species for seeds sown onto the soil surface in summer and autumn (P < 0.05). Sowing at any depth at any time of the year, or surface sowing in winter and spring, markedly reduced emergence. Experiment 2 was conducted in the field at Tamworth, northern New South Wales from September 1991 to August 1992, on a red brown earth and a black earth. This study confirmed that emergence in both species was highest from surface sown seed. Field emergence was lowest in winter, but in contrast to experiment 1, it was higher in spring, particularly on the black earth. Seedling emergence appeared to be related to mean maximum temperature, decreasing in winter as it declined below 20�C, and increasing in spring when it was greater than 23�C. Differences in seed weight were reflected in emergence of D. richardsonii and D. linkii in experiment 1. Similar emergence was recorded for the loamlsand mixture and sand, indicating that there was little effect of texture. Phalaris aquatica L. cv. Sirosa surface sown in December had lower emergence ( P < 0.05) than both Danthonia spp., but emergence of this larger seeded cultivar was higher at depths of 10 and 25 mm. Laboratory studies to determine reasons for the low emergence of D. richardsonii and D. linkii from depth, indicated that neither had an obligate light requirement for germination. Depth, however, reduced germination (P < 0.05) compared with surface sowing of seed. Seedlings at depth also were observed to have slower rates of shoot and root elongation. In the field, the most successful establishments of D. richardsonii and D. linkii seedlings are likely to occur from surface sowings in April and May. Sowing in spring may also be possible if mean maximum soil temperatures exceed 23�C, and seedlings can establish before the onset of hot, dry conditions in summer.

Some investigations into soil and vegetation relationships associated with alkaline-saline soil surfaces in the Walcha area, Northern Tablelands, New South Wales

1995 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 209 ◽  
Author(s):  
KH Kreeb ◽  
RDB Whalley ◽  
JL Charley
Keyword(s):  
Cynodon Dactylon ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Tree Planting ◽  
Soil Parameters ◽  
Alkali Cations ◽  
Grazing Land ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Wide Range

The characteristics of the soil, vegetation and groundwater at a dryland salinity site on Miramoona, a property near Walcha on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales, were investigated. Soil parameters measured at 23 points along a 200 m transect were highly correlated with the pattern of vegetation. Of overriding significance was soil pH, which varied from a high of over 10 on bare areas delineated by Critesion marinum and Cynodon dactylon to a low of less than 5 on grazing land supporting the growth of a wide range of pasture species. The bare areas were characterized by alkalinity. While they were sodic at all depths measured, they were only marginally saline and then only at the soil surface. The chemical composition of the groundwater collected from three piezometer tubes varied quite markedly over the site. It is hypothesized that the presence of alkaline bare areas on the Northern Tablelands is not a new problem, but rather the natural result of alternating wet and dry periods which have induced accumulation of carbonates and bicarbonates of the alkali cations, notably sodium. Drainage of the original perched swamps by the early landholders, tree clearing and the grazing of domestic livestock would have accelerated the process since European settlement. However, tree planting would appear unlikely to have any impact on the reclamation process in the short term. A more viable option would be the recreation of the original swamps in suitable situations, although this solution would create problems for grazing management.

Feral olives ( Olea europaea) as future woody weeds in Australia: a review

2000 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. 889 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. H. R. Spennemann ◽  
L. R. Allen
Keyword(s):  
19Th Century ◽  
Olea Europaea ◽  
New South ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Agricultural Crops ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Environmental Weed ◽  
Olive Industry ◽  
Olea Europaéa

Olives (Olea europaea ssp. europaea), dispersed from 19th century orchards in the Adelaide area, have become established in remnant bushland as a major environmental weed. Recent expansion of the Australian olive industry has resulted in the widespread planting of olive orchards in South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia, Queensland and parts of Tasmania. This paper reviews the literature on the activity of vertebrate (principally avian) olive predators and their potential as vectors for spreading this plant into Australian remnant bushland. The effects of feralisation on the olive plant, which enhances its capacity for dispersal as a weed, place wider areas of south-eastern Australia at risk. A number of approaches for the control of olives as woody weeds are addressed. Proponents of new agricultural crops have moral and environmental obligations to assess the weed potential of these crops.

Influence of cropping on the population of a native earthworm and consequent effects on hydraulic properties of vertisols

Soil Research ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 995 ◽  
Author(s):  
JJ Friend ◽  
KY Chan
Keyword(s):  
Population Density ◽  
New South ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Infiltration Rate ◽  
Shrinkage Cracks ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Natural Pasture ◽  
Earthworm Population ◽  
Moisture Conditions ◽  
Brown Clay

Population density of Heteroporodrilus mediterreus, a large native earthworm found on the Mitchell grassland (Astrebla lappacea) on the Vertisol plains near Walgett, New South Wales, was investigated at two sites (brown and grey clays). Maximum earthworm activity at the soil surface layer was observed during winter (July/August) corresponding to more favourable soil moisture conditions. The highest earthworm population density (7.5 m-2) and biomass (0.89 t ha-1) were detected at the brown clay site under natural pasture. Populations were much lower (by two thirds in the brown clay) and the proportion of immature worms was much higher in the cropped soils than in the pasture soils. Current wheat cropping practices involving long fallowing and excessive cultivation during the period when earthworms are active at the surface are the possible causes of the reduction in population. Disc permeameter measurements compared with infiltration through single earthworm holes showed that the earthworm channels contributed significantly to the movement of water into the subsoil. Their persistence under wet conditions, even after closure of shrinkage cracks, suggests they are also important in maintaining subsoil aeration. Significant reductions in sorptivity and infiltration rate were observed in the cropped soils.

Regeneration of annual winter legumes at Tamworth, New South Wales

1974 ◽  
Vol 14 (66) ◽  
pp. 57 ◽  
Author(s):  
MW Hagon
Keyword(s):  
Seed Production ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Moisture Stress ◽  
Late Spring ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Hard Seeds ◽  
Improved Cultivars

The seed production and regeneration of a range of naturalized and introduced cultivars of annual clovers and medics was studied at Tamworth, New South Wales, between 1971 and 1973. Seed production was correlated with maturity grading within species only when moisture stress occurred in late spring. The proportion of seed lost as summer seedlings and the proportion of unrecovered seed were greater the lower the level of hardseededness. A greater proportion of unrecovered seed was recorded for those cultivars which bore their burrs at the soil surface. As a group the medics had a higher proportion of residual hard seeds than did the clovers. The results are discussed in relation to the likely persistence of improved cultivars compared to the successful persistence of the naturalized medics and clovers in the Tamworth district.

Preliminary observations on the effect of removal of black bluebush (Maireana pyramidata) and Pearl Bluebush (M. sedifolia) on shrub regeneration, herbage production and erosion potential.

1985 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 103
Author(s):  
GJ Tupper ◽  
WJ Muller
Keyword(s):  
Wind Erosion ◽  
New South ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Critical Value ◽  
Mechanical Removal ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Erosion Index ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Over Time

The effects of mechanical removal of shrub tops and grazing on two bluebush communities, one with Maireana pyramidata (black bluebush)and the other with M. pyramidata and M. sedifolia (pearl bluebush) as co-dominants, were examined on the western edge of the Riverine Plain in New South Wales Measurements were made on shrub regeneration, the relationship of shrub units to a critical value for an erosion index, the change in soil surface levels, and the growth of herbaceous plants over time Shrub regeneration was slower under grazed than ungrazed conditions and occurred mainly from basal shoots of established plants rather than from seedling establishment. Herbage yields Increased on the mounds previously occupied by shrubs, whereas production between shrubs was not affected by shrub removal. After four years there was sufficient shrub growth to prevent wind erosion, except on the cleared and grazed plot at the M. sedifolia site.

Factors contributing to the acid sulfate soil scalding process in the coastal floodplains of New South Wales, Australia

Soil Research ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 42 (6) ◽  
pp. 587 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark A. Rosicky ◽  
Leigh A. Sullivan ◽  
Peter G. Slavich ◽  
Mike Hughes
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Pyrite Oxidation ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Soil Parameters ◽  
Soil Core ◽  
Acid Sulfate Soil ◽  
Vegetative Cover ◽  
Acid Sulfate ◽  
South Wales

Acid sulfate soil (ASS) scalds are persistently bare areas of land, occurring in the coastal backswamps of New South Wales (NSW), Australia. This study aims to understand why particular areas become ASS scalds, while adjacent areas remain vegetated. Some important soil parameters are compared and field observations are summarised. Soil core sampling in both ASS-scalded land and surrounding areas of permanently vegetated paddocks has demonstrated similar pyrite concentrations and depth occurrence, soil salinity, and soil acidity (pH). As conditions are similar beneath both vegetated and non-vegetated land, there must be some additional factors influencing which areas become denuded. Several disparate (usually human-induced) events were found to cause initial loss of vegetative cover. Once the soil is bare, surface evaporation causes toxic solutes to build up quickly at the soil surface and ASS scalding is perpetuated. Some of the intervening events include fire, flood, flood-scouring, deliberate topsoil removal, surface pyrite oxidation, saltwater inundation of freshwater paddocks, saltwater exclusion from saltmarsh or mangroves, changes to the vegetation regimes, excessive vehicular traffic, and over-grazing. Backswamp management needs to ensure that land underlain by shallow pyritic layers (or with soil-water that is enriched with the toxic by-products of pyrite oxidation) is not laid bare by accident or design. Similar soil chemical conditions underlying both ASS scalds and the surrounding permanently vegetated paddocks suggest that much larger areas are potentially at risk of ASS scalding.

Is there evidence of arsenic movement at cattle tick dip sites?

Soil Research ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 40 (7) ◽  
pp. 1103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen W. L. Kimber ◽  
Delton J. Sizemore ◽  
Peter G. Slavich
Keyword(s):  
Dominant Species ◽  
New South ◽  
Shallow Groundwater ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Cattle Tick ◽  
Extraction Techniques ◽  
Detection Level ◽  
Surface Movement ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Coastal Sand

Soils at cattle tick dip sites in Australia have been contaminated by a range of chemicals, including arsenic (As). To determine if significant off-site migration of As from dip sites has occurred, 28 dip sites were surveyed to assess both surface and subsurface As transport. Although previous studies using sequential extraction techniques indicated a risk of As leaching at these sites, no evidence of such movement was found in the field from this study.The As concentration in shallow groundwater (2 m) at clay textured sites was below detection level of 1 μg/L.�At sandy textured sites, groundwater immediately adjacent to the dip bath contained significant levels of soluble arsenic, but declined sharply with distance (c. 20 m) from the bath.The distribution of As at the soil surface was consistent with disposal methods used (pumping out used fluid from the dip). No sites showed significant transport and redeposition of As.Arsenic speciation in groundwater revealed As (V) as the dominant species in all sites. As (III) was found in detectable quantities at one site only.Most dip sites in New South Wales are located on heavier textured soils rich in iron oxides that adsorb As. These sites pose a negligible risk of contaminating groundwater. However, a few dip sites also occur on coastal sand relics. These sites have potential to contaminate groundwater within small distances (c. 20 m) from the dip bath. Lack of significant surface movement of residues was attributed to good vegetation cover at the sites surveyed.

Occurrence of silica in the natural waters of the Huntley-Robertson district, southern New South Wales

1972 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 105 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Johnson ◽  
WD Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Surface Waters ◽  
Natural Waters ◽  
Surface Reaction ◽  
New South ◽  
Equilibrium Concentration ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Core Material ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Rapid Dissolution ◽  
Soluble Silica

The silica concentrations of both ground and surface waters from the Triassic Hawkesbury Sandstone were found to range from 3.0 to 12.0 p.p.m. Samples of soil, surface bedrock, and fresh core material were leached with water, and the results of chemical analyses carried out on the subsequent solutions are discussed with reference to the source of the silica in solution. A time study of the release of soluble silica from sandstone indicated rapid dissolution within the first few days, with equilibrium concentration being reached after a period of several weeks due to inhibiting surface reaction on the mineral grains. A possible explanation, based on the effects of weathering and the impervious nature of the sandstone, is suggested to account for the similarity between the silica concentrations of surface water and groundwater.

Temperatures in wheat during radiation frost

1975 ◽  
Vol 15 (77) ◽  
pp. 818 ◽  
Author(s):  
H Marcellos ◽  
WV Single
Keyword(s):  
Triticum Aestivum ◽  
Minimum Temperature ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Field Station ◽  
Air Temperatures ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Crop Development

Plant and air temperatures were measured during radiation frost within a crop of wheat (Triticum aestivum cv. Timgalen) grown in 1974 on the Liverpool Plains Field Station, Breeza, New South Wales. Observations were made at different heights within the canopy at several stages of crop development, and these were related to screen and grass minimum temperatures recorded in a meteorological enclosure adjacent to the crop. Coldest conditions were found near the surface of the crop where temperatures were as much as 2�C lower than those in middle regions of the canopy. The temperature just below the soil surface was between 4� and 6�C warmer than that of plant or air at 5 cm to 10 cm above its surface. Grass minimum temperature was linearly related to screen minimum and found to be 3�C lower. Either measurement was useful in estimating the lowest temperature within that canopy.

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