Regional ecosystem details for 5.3.19
| Regional ecosystem | 5.3.19 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Least concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | No concern at present |
| Subregion | 5, 3, 4, 2, (9), (6), (7), (13), (10), (4.2), (11), (6.9), (8), (4.3), (4.1), (4.4) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 1027000 ha; Remnant 2021 1027000 ha |
| Short description | Variable sparse to open herbland on frequently flooded alluvial plains |
| Structure code | Open Herbland |
| Description | Variable sparse to open-herbland with either grasses or forbs dominating the ground layer depending on incidence of flooding and seasonal conditions. At times extensive areas may be denuded of any species. Sporobolus mitchellii occurs frequently and may be prominent, while Eragrostis setifolia is locally common. After favourable seasons, herbs form a distinct but discontinuous ground cover. The dominant ephemerals include Iseilema vaginiflorum, Arabidella nasturtium, Atriplex velutinella, Brachyscome dentata, Pycnosorus pleiocephalus, Ethuliopsis cunninghamii, Euphorbia drummondii, Senecio depressicola and Goodenia fascicularis. Scattered low shrubs may occur with emergent trees fringing the association. Scattered low shrubs may occur. After summer local flooding, Dactyloctenium radulans, Panicum laevinode, Iseilema spp. and Chloris pectinata usually predominate. Atriplex spp., Sclerolaena spp., and Asteraceae are conspicuous after winter local flooding. Echinochloa turneriana usually predominates after early summer (general) flooding with Pycnosorus pleiocephalus and Trigonella suavissima conspicuous after early winter flooding. Occurs on parts of the alluvial plains of major rivers that are frequently flooded but less so than braided channel systems, with minor occurrences in well drained clay pans. Associated soils are very deep, crusted, red, brown and grey cracking clays that are subject to scalding. Surfaces may be weakly self mulching. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 31a). |
| Supplementary description | Dawson (1974), C2; Neldner (1991), 48 (71); Boyland (1984), 29a; Wilson and Purdie (1990a), C2, (77) |
| Protected areas | Diamantina NP, Astrebla Downs NP, Pullen Pullen SWR |
| Fire management guidelines | SEASON: Various (wet season or winter). INTENSITY: Low - moderate. INTERVAL: Fire return interval not relevant. INTERVAL_MIN: 100. INTERVAL_MAX: 100. STRATEGY: Aim to exclude fire by fuel reduction in adjacent vegetation communities where possible. Undertake partial burns when necessary to reduce fuel loads and protect against severe wildfire. Burn with high soil moisture (i.e., after rain/storms) or in winter when fire is more easily controlled. ISSUES: Important waterbird breeding habitat. Rarely burns due to low fuel loads. |
| Comments | 5.3.19: Floristic composition varies depending on incidence and degree of flooding, and on temperature. Grasses predominate in summer, forbs predominate in winter. Cover of perennial grasses may reach 15%, but declines in dry years. |
1 Estimated extent is from version 13 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.
