Regional ecosystem details for 10.4.8
| Regional ecosystem | 10.4.8 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Least concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | No concern at present |
| Subregion | 1, 3, (4), (4.5), (2), (4.6) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 199000 ha; Remnant 2021 186000 ha |
| Short description | Mixed perennial tussock grassland on clay plains |
| Structure code | Tussock Grassland |
| Description | Mixed perennial tussock grassland including combinations of the Astrebla spp., Iseilema vaginiflorum, Dichanthium fecundum, Dichanthium sericeum and Bothriochloa ewartiana with many species of other grasses and forbs. Species dominance varies widely with seasonal conditions. Occurs on clay plains. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 30b). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 10.4.8a: [RE not in use]²: This community is now mapped as 10.4.8. Dichanthium sericeum and/or Astrebla spp. Dominate the sparse ground layer. Occurs on undulating downs and plains on Cainozoic lake deposits in subregion 1. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 30b). 10.4.8x1: [RE not in use]²: This vegetation community is now mapped as 10.4.8. Brachyachne convergens, Iseilema vaginiflorum and/or Aristida latifolia frequently dominate the very sparse to mid-dense grassland. Occurs on flat to gently undulating clay plain. Contains Palustrine. (BVG1M: 30b). 10.4.8x2: [RE not in use]²: This vegetation community is now mapped as 10.4.8. Dichanthium fecundum frequently dominates with Eulalia aurea, Iseilema vaginiflorum and Brachyachne tenella codominant, and Aristida latifolia present, the very sparse to sparse ground layer. Occurs on flat to gently undulating clay plain. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 30b). 10.4.8x3: [RE not in use]²: This vegetation community is now mapped as 10.4.8. Dactyloctenium radulans and/or Streptoglossa adscendens usually dominate the very sparse grassland. Occurs on the edges of flat to gently undulating plain with shallow clayey soil with stone cover. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 30b). |
| Supplementary description | Gunn et al. (1967), Av, My; Lorimer (1998), Ql5; Thompson and Turpin (in prep), G2 |
| Protected areas | Moorrinya NP, Forest Den NP |
| Special values | 10.4.8x1: Associated with gilgais that may support ephermal wetlands. |
| 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 | 10.4.8: Detailed survey required to confirm condition. 10.4.8a is now mapped as part of this RE. Occurs in the vicinity of Natal Downs, Victoria Downs and Broadleigh Downs. Some areas subject to periodic high total grazing pressures. Subject to Parthenium invasion. Overgrazing can alter the pasture composition to annuals resulting in severely reduced productivity. Species dominance fluctuates depending on various factors including effects of grazing and seasonal conditions. |
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.
