Regional ecosystem details for 10.3.7
| Regional ecosystem | 10.3.7 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Least concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | No concern at present |
| Subregion | 1, (3), (2), (4), (4.5), (4.4) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 16000 ha; Remnant 2021 14000 ha |
| Short description | Astrebla squarrosa and Brachyachne convergens grassland on alluvium |
| Structure code | Tussock Grassland |
| Description | Astrebla squarrosa and Brachyachne convergens tussock grassland with Desmodium muelleri and Aristida latifolia. Occurs on cracking clay soils on alluvial plains. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 30a). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 10.3.7a: [RE not in use]²: This vegetation community is now mapped as 10.3.7. Astrebla pectinata or Bothriochloa ewartiana tussock grasslands on alluvium (western). The dominant graminoids vary but are usually either Astrebla spp. And Iseilema spp. Or Dichanthium fecundum or Bothriochloa ewartiana. Occurs on alluvial plains (western). Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 30a). 10.3.7b: [RE not in use]²: This vegetation community is now mapped as 10.3.7. Dichanthium fecundum and Astrebla spp. Dominate the very sparse to sparse ground layer. Eulalia aurea is usually a codominant. Commonly present grasses are Aristida latifolia, Brachyachne convergens, Iseilema vaginiflorum and Sporobolus actinocladus. There also some variations within this ecosystem including an open tussock grassland where Astrebla squarrosa and A. elymoides dominate the sparse ground layer. Occurs on alluvial plains (eastern). Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 30a). 10.3.7c: [RE not in use]²: This community is now mapped as 10.3.7. Eremophila polyclada dominates the very sparse shrub layer. The ground layer is usually dominated by Astrebla spp. Occurs on alluvial plains. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 31a). 10.3.7d: [RE not in use]²: This community is now mapped as 10.3.7. Hakea leucoptera dominates the very sparse shrub layer. The ground layer is dominated by Astrebla spp. Occurs on alluvial plains. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 30a). |
| Supplementary description | Gunn et al. (1967), Av, Fu; Perry et al. (1964), Gy; Turner et al. (1993), A1, A3, A4, W1, W4; Thompson and Turpin (in prep), G3b, M20, M21 |
| Protected areas | Moorrinya NP, Forest Den NP |
| Special values | 10.3.7: Potential habitat for NCA listed species: Eriocaulon aloefolium. |
| Fire management guidelines | INTERVAL: Fire return interval not relevant. INTERVAL_MIN: 100. INTERVAL_MAX: 100. STRATEGY: Do not burn deliberately. The grasses and forbs of Astrebla spp. dominated communities do not require fire for regeneration. Protection relies on management of fire in the surrounding country to prevent running fires entering Astrebla spp. communities, particularly at times of low soil moisture. ISSUES: Fire can sometimes be used as a tool to control woody thickening and woody weeds in grasslands. Moderate intensity fire is required for a successful kill of the woody species but good moisture levels are required to ensure recovery of the ground layer. Large scale germination of woody species is most likely to occur in high rainfall years. The best management opportunity is usually after storms at the end of the subsequent dry season, although exclusion of grazing pressure may still be required to ensure sufficient fuel loads. |
| Comments | 10.3.7: 10.3.7d and 10.3.7c are now mapped as part of this RE. The extensive cracking clays have a major influence on plant root growth. Tussock grasses such as Mitchell grasses are well adapted by send primary roots directly below the plant to access deep moisture yet the surface roots can use any light rain. Conversely, the growing season for shallow rooted species is very short without follow-up rain. Overgrazing can alter the pasture composition to annuals resulting in severely reduced productivity. Threatening processes include weed invasion (e.g. Parkinsonia aculeata, Cryptostegia grandiflora and Parthenium hysterophorus). 10.3.7a: Occurs along the western edge of the bioregion, mostly in subregion 1. 10.3.7b: Variable ecosystem requiring further survey to determine floristic dynamics as effected by rainfall variations. 10.3.7c: Observed only in small patches of less than about 1ha, uncommon. Further survey required to determine full extent and comprehensive species composition. Species composition is expected to be similar to 10.3.7a. 10.3.7d: It has been observed only in small patches of less than about 1ha and is uncommon. Occurs in a mosaic with 10.3.7a and is expected to have similar floristic composition to this ecosystem. |
1 Estimated extent is from version 13.1 pre-clearing and 2021 remnant regional ecosystem mapping. Figures are rounded for simplicity. For more precise estimates, including breakdowns by tenure and other themes see remnant vegetation in Queensland.
2 Superseded: Revision of the regional ecosystem classification removed this regional ecosystem code from use. It is included in the regional ecosystem description database because the RE code may appear in older versions of RE mapping and the Vegetation Management regulation.
