The responses of the understorey of forests and woodlands of the Southern Tablelands to grazing and burning

Abstract

Field responses to various burning and grazing treatments in three sites on the Southern Tablelands were measured. Grazing by native mammals was unrestricted and continuous. Burning occurred once from fires of low intensity. Records of mortality, height growth and in some cases, seed production showed biologically significant effects of the treatments imposed on small plots. Dillwynia retorta plants were susceptible to a single fire but the species persisted through seedling germination. Other species showed vegetative survival to various extents from the fire. The burning–grazing combination was particularly potent in affecting survival, regeneration and growth of all species. Supplementary evidence of species’ responses were gathered from the treatment of selected individuals in the field and laboratory. Some of the implications of these results and in particular the practice of controlled burning are discussed in relation to the management of reserves set aside for flora and fauna conservation.