Competition among three agronomic types of the Eragrostis curvula (Schrad.) Nees complex and three temperate pasture grasses on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales

1991 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 309 ◽  
Author(s):  
GG Robinson ◽  
RDB Whalley

Three agronomic types of the African lovegrass (Eragrostis cuwula (Schrad.) Nees) complex were established in a replacement series with three temperate pasture grasses to determine their relative competitiveness over three years in the field on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales. The curvula agronomic type was more competitive than Consol or the chloromelas type which were similar in competitive ability. Festuca arundinacea Schreb., Dactylis glomerata L. and Pharlaris aquatica L. were each able to reduce the forage production of the curvula type in spring, but were in turn subject to suppression during summer and autumn. The relationships among Consol, the chloromelas type and the temperate grasses followed a similar pattern, but differences in their relative competitiveness were smaller. F. arundinacea was the most competitive of the temperate grasses, but this ability declined over time; D. glomerata was equally competitive during early assessments, but its ability declined more rapidly, while P. aquatica was the least successful competitor with any of the E. cuwula types. Differences in competitiveness among species over time (particularly the decline in competitiveness of the temperate species) suggest that management practices aimed at minimizing the impact of invasions by the E. cuwula complex should be investigated.

1996 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 495 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Goldingay ◽  
G Daly ◽  
F Lemckert

This study describes an assessment of the medium-term effects of selection logging on the reptiles and frogs in the montane forests near Queanbeyan, New South Wales. A total of 15 reptile and two frog species was detected across 20 fixed-area plots that were selected according to broad forest type and logging history. Reptile species richness was not significantly different among the different habitat treatments. Total reptile abundance was significantly higher on logged plots, but was not influenced by forest moisture type. Individual analyses for five lizard species (accounting for 84% of all data) showed that several species (Eulamprus tympanum, E. heatwolei and Pseudemoia spenceri) had significantly greater abundances on the logged plots than on the unlogged plots, while two species (Nannoscincus maccoyi and Niveoscincus coventryi) did not differ significantly in their abundances across treatments. Thus, none of these species (which included arboreal, terrestrial and fossorial species) appeared to be adversely affected by past logging practices. Insufficient data on frogs were obtained for analysis. An additional 26 species (13 reptile and 13 frog species) were recorded during a regional survey involving 57 sites. Only two frog species were detected at more than 10 sites, illustrating the difficulty in obtaining data to determine whether logging has any impact on frog populations. Snakes are similarly difficult to assess: 13 snakes from six species were detected in this study. It is concluded that (i) the most abundant reptile species were not adversely affected by past logging, and (ii) many species of herpetofauna were patchy in their distribution across the study area, preventing resolution of the influence of habitat type or disturbance. The difficulty in collecting quantitative data on frogs and snakes confirms the importance of surveys that target endangered frog and snake species so that protective buffer zones can be delineated. Further research is required on these groups to assess the impact of forest management practices.


1997 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 78
Author(s):  
Damon Oliver

This attractively presented and enlightening collection of 22 chapters written by biologists, government land managers and a pastoralist, was derived from a 1991 symposium of the same name organized by the Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales. A third of the book deals with pre- and post-European land management practices that have drastically modified the western region of New South Wales. Another third is dedicated to the impact of these practices on habitat modification and the major vertebrate fauna groups, and for some of the invertebrates. Most of the chapters regarding the biology and ecology of the region paint a bleak picture of the negative impact on its faunal components. By presenting information in this manner, however, it is hoped that the problems will be actively addressed to ensure the future survival of native fauna. The chapters written by government land managers of National Parks, CALM and Landcare read more optimistically, and provide positive solutions to some of these problems. From reading these chapters, I now have a much better appreciation of the principles of reserve design and also how the Landcare network plays a vital role in the off-reserve conservation effort on farms.


1994 ◽  
Vol 45 (7) ◽  
pp. 1587 ◽  
Author(s):  
BM Doube ◽  
JC Buckerfield ◽  
JA Kirkegaard

The effects of tillage and stubble management on the population distribution of earthworms were examined under wheat on a red-earth soil at Harden and under canola on a red-brown earth at Temora in the wheatbelt of southern New South Wales. At Harden, a five-year pasture had been followed by a conventionally cultivated oat crop in the year before the experiment. At Temora, a six-year pasture immediately preceded the experiment. Tillage treatments at Temora, and tillage and stubble treatments at Harden, were established during February-May 1990 and earthworm populations were measured in September. A number of earthworm species (Aporrectodea trapezoides, Microscolex dubius and M. phosphoreus) were present at both localities, but the introduced species A. trapezoides made up 97-99% of the earthworms collected. Earthworms were substantially more abundant at Temora (425 m-2) than at Harden (122 m-2). At Temora there was no effect of the intensity of tillage (4, 1 or 0 passes prior to sowing) on earthworm numbers. Earthworm densities were reduced in waterlogged soil. At Harden the direct-drill (DD) plots had a greater population density and biomass of earthworms and cocoons than the tilled plots. The size (mean weight) of adult earthworms, and the number of cocoons per adult, were also greater in the DD plots. However, no differences in earthworm populations were detected between minimum tillage (one cultivation prior to sowing) and stubble incorporation (three cultivations prior to sowing). On DD plots, burning stubble resulted in significantly smaller adult earthworms, a lower density of cocoons and a lower mean number of cocoons per adult than in the unburnt plots, but the differences in numerical abundance and in biomass were not statistically significant. Similarly, plots which had standing stubble contained fewer and smaller adults than those in which stubble was bashed and in close contact with the soil. There was a strong positive correlation between earthworm biomass and the amount of stubble present on the surface of the plots at the beginning of the winter (r2 = 0.64, P < 0 01). The contrasting effects of tillage at the two sites and the impact of stubble management on earthworms are discussed in terms of the effects of recent paddock history and management practices on the amount, quality and distribution of suitable organic food for earthworms. The influence of these factors is reflected in the number, biomass and reproductive performance of the earthworms.


1996 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 299 ◽  
Author(s):  
TS Andrews ◽  
RDB Whalley ◽  
CE Jones

Inputs and losses from Giant Parramatta grass [GPG, Sporobolus indicus (L.) R. Br. var. major (Buse) Baaijens] soil seed banks were quantified on the North Coast of New South Wales. Monthly potential seed production and actual seed fall was estimated at Valla during 1991-92. Total potential production was >668 000 seeds/m2 for the season, while seed fall was >146000 seeds/m2. Seed fall >10000 seeds/m2.month was recorded from January until May, with further seed falls recorded in June and July. The impact of seed production on seed banks was assessed by estimating seed banks in the seed production quadrats before and after seed fall. Seed banks in 4 of the 6 sites decreased in year 2, although seed numbers at 1 damp site increased markedly. Defoliation from mid-December until February, April or June prevented seed production, reducing seed banks by 34% over 7 months. Seed banks in undefoliated plots increased by 3300 seeds/m2, although seed fall was estimated at >114 000 seeds/m2. Emergence of GPG seedlings from artificially established and naturally occurring, persistent seed banks was recorded for 3 years from bare and vegetated treatment plots. Sown seeds showed high levels of innate dormancy and only 4% of seeds emerged when sown immediately after collection. Longer storage of seeds after collection resulted in more seedlings emerging. Estimates of persistent seed banks ranged from 1650 to about 21260 seeds/m2. Most seedlings emerged in spring or autumn and this was correlated with rainfall but not with ambient temperatures. Rates of seed bank decline in both bare and vegetated treatment plots was estimated by fitting exponential decay curves to seed bank estimates. Assuming no further seed inputs, it was estimated that it would take about 3 and 5 years, respectively, for seed banks to decline to 150 seeds/m2 in bare and vegetated treatments.


1995 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 203-217 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael O'Donnell

Decentralizing industrial relations within New South Wales is a central recom mendation of the Niland Green Paper (1989). Decentralism also represents the cornerstone of the New South Wales government's industrial relations reform agenda enshrined in the New South Wales Industrial Relations Act 1991. To date there has been little analysis of the impact o f this legislative change on industrial relations in the New South Wales public sector. This paper provides a case study that examines the degree to which responsibility for bargaining has been devolved within the Parks and Gardens of the New South Wales Ministry for the Environ ment. It argues that, in contrast to the rhetoric of the New South Wales Act, the central agency presiding over the introduction of enterprise bargaining in the public sector, the Public Employment and Industrial Relations Authority; has been reluctant to delegate responsibility to parties in the workplace.


2021 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 84-94
Author(s):  
Andrea Wallace ◽  
Brian Dollery

Abstract In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the New South Wales (NSW) government ordered the closure of all municipal libraries in order to limit the impact of the contagion. As a result, 372 public libraries in NSW ceased operation on the 23rd March 2020. While the closure of public libraries will undoubtedly contribute to restricting the spread of the coronavirus, given the pivotal role played by municipal libraries in local communities, as well as the special characteristics of library patrons, it will have other negative consequences. In this paper we consider the impact of the closure of municipal libraries in NSW from two perspectives: (a) its effect on the fiscal circumstances of local authorities and (b) its impact on the spread of the corona contagion as well as its broader effects on local community wellbeing. We conclude that rather than complete closure, partial constraints on library use should have been considered.


Soil Research ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Miklos ◽  
Michael G. Short ◽  
Alex B. McBratney ◽  
Budiman Minasny

The reliable assessment of soil carbon stock is of key importance for soil conservation and mitigation strategies related to reducing atmospheric carbon. Measuring and monitoring soil carbon is complex because carbon pools cycle and rates of carbon sequestration vary across the landscape due to climate, soil type, and management practices. A new methodology has been developed and applied to make an assessment of the distribution of total, organic, and inorganic carbon at a grains research and grazing property in northern New South Wales at a high spatial resolution. In this study, baseline soil carbon maps were created using fine resolution, geo-referenced, proximal sensor data. Coupled with a digital elevation model and secondary terrain attributes, all of the data layers were combined by k-means clustering to develop a stratified random soil sampling scheme for the survey area. Soil samples taken at 0.15-m increments to a depth of 1 m were scanned with a mid-infrared spectrometer, which was calibrated using a proportion of the samples that were analysed in a laboratory for total carbon and inorganic carbon content. This combination of new methodologies and technologies has the potential to provide large volumes of reliable, fine resolution and timely data required to make baseline assessments, mapping, monitoring, and verification possible. This method has the potential to make soil carbon management and trading at the farm-scale possible by quantifying the carbon stock to a depth of 1 m and at a high spatial resolution.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy Lahmers ◽  
Sujay Kumar ◽  
Aubrey Dugger ◽  
David Gochis ◽  
Joseph Santanello

&lt;div&gt; &lt;p&gt;In late 2019 widespread wildfires impacted much of the New South Wales province in south east Australia, and this loss of vegetation contributed to increased surface runoff and consequently major flooding caused by extreme rainfall by early 2020. The recently developed NASA LIS/WRF-Hydro system enables the data assimilation (DA) capabilities of the NASA Land Information System (LIS) and the surface hydrological modeling capabilities of the WRF-Hydro model to be combined in a single model architecture. Combining the DA capabilities of the LIS system with WRF-Hydro, which has been used for both research and operational hydrologic simulations, we investigate the impacts of vegetation DA on the simulated floods in several basins across New South Wales, with varying degrees of burn severity from the 2019 fires. We also consider the impacts of the wildfires, as realized through vegetation DA on water partitioning and the surface energy budget, which both have implications for L-A interactions. For DA, we utilize the leaf area index retrievals from MODIS and vegetation optical depth from SMAP. For the present study, we will quantify the impact of the changes to the landscape brought about by the wildfires on hydrologic response, including flood severity, which would not be possible without the DA capabilities of the LIS/WRF-Hydro system.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/div&gt;


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