CW Grassland Structure and Function

Abstract

Data was collected to examine the hypothesis that central west plains grasslands have an underlying heterogeneity that results in stable biomass production despite the regions high rainfall variability. The research used substitution of space for time method. Six monitoring sites representing a chronosequence of 4 to 40 years recovery from chronic cropping were established. At each site 5 permanent 30-m were established at upper, upper-mid, mid-slope, lower-mid and lower slope positions. A reference site transect was also established on the neigbouring Trundle Travelling Stock Route reserve.