Publication Date

1981

Series Number

Fisheries Report 45

Publisher

Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Western Australia

City

Perth

Abstract

Areas of the kwongan vegetation south of Eneabba are currently being harvested to provide brush for rehabilitation after mining. Because of the botanical importance of the Eneabba kwongan, a study of the effects of the harvesting was initiated. Three areas with different harvest histories were sampled using quadrats paired across cut/uncut boundaries. Floristic and structural differences between quadrats and between areas were assessed. The store of seed in uncut vegetation was measured.

There was a loss of species as a result of harvesting, at least in the short-term. Many species regenerated by resprouting from buds in damaged stems or in below-ground organs. Seedlings were also prominent in some harvested quadrats. A suite of species considered to be most sensitive to cutting was identified. Those species which only regenerated from seed were included in this suite. Harvests in late Summer ~ early Autumn appeared best for regeneration. The impact of harvesting was increased by low cutting: this practice is probably desirable only when topsoil is to be removed soon afterwards. The store of seed of species with delayed dehiscence was low. This seed store makes an important contribution to the value of the brush for rehabilitation. Some further studies are recommended.

Number of Pages

38

Keywords

Brush harvesting, Kwongan vegetation, Eneabba, Western Australia

Disciplines

Agriculture | Agronomy and Crop Sciences | Botany | Environmental Monitoring | Natural Resource Economics | Natural Resources and Conservation | Natural Resources Management and Policy | Plant Biology

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