Bogong High Plains Research Articles

The ecology of the Bogong High Plains. I. The environmental factors and the grassland communities

The paper is the first of several to present the results of a study, over the last 12 years, of alpine vegetation of the Bogong High Plains (north-eastern Victoria, 5400–6200 ft elevation). Attention is focused on the grassland communities and the response of soils and vegetation to the exclusion of cattle grazing. The first paper outlines the problem, briefly describes the major grasslands, and discusses the climatic and biotic factors concerned.

The ecology of the Bogong High Plains. II. Fencing experiments in grassland C

A 10-year fencing experiment in the eroded grassland, type C, of the Bogong High Plains has established the value of the point analysis method for the quantitative study of continuing change in vegetation. The results show that the exclusion of cattle from this widespread type of subalpine grassland results in a gradual improvement in the amount of vegetative cover, especially in that provided by the herb Celmisia. Over the 10-year period there have been striking soil changes in the fenced plot, resulting in an increase in organic matter and in field capacity, and a significant decrease in bulk density. These findings enable one to make recommendations on catchment management in this area. They have also led to the hypothesis that the eroded grassland has been derived from a herb-field similar to that still existing in the higher parts of the area.

Notes Made During a Visit to the Bogong High Plains, Victoria

Notes Made During a Visit to the Bogong High Plains, Victoria