Organic matter dynamics in willow and eucalypt lined central Victorian streams
- Authors: Wilson, Michael
- Date: 2001
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: The spread of exotic willows (Salix spp.) in SE Australia, New Zealand and South Africa has provoked widespread debate in scientific, management and broader communities. In Australia, the extent of spread is unknown, but at least 30000 km of river frontage in Victoria are lined by willows. Management and research literature has identified the poor knowledge of willow impacts on Southern Hemisphere aquatic ecosystems. It has been speculated that the major distinction between deciduous willows and evergreen native vegetation will be the timing and quality of litterfall. This would have flow-on consequences for metabolic processes, stream biota and water quality at reach, stream and catchment scales. These two vegetation types were studied through the preparation of partial organic matter budgets for native and willow lined reaches in a central Victorian catchment. Organic matter inputs from litter, groundwater and gross primary production (GPP), organic matter standing crop . and respiratory output were quantified. Total inputs to willow and native reaches were similar (735 and 764 g ash free dry weight m•' yl, respectively). Inputs were dominated by litterfall (-60%) and there were no significant differences in annual litterfall between sites. GPP contributed -20% of total inputs and estimates suggested there were few significant differences in annual GPP, 24 h community respiration, ratio of GPP to community respiration (PIR) or net daily metabolism (NDM) between sites. Groundwater contributed -20% of total inputs with one third of the dissolved organic matter sourced during short flow paths through riparian sediments. Aggradation at willow sites appeared to increase the riparian flow path. Willow and native sites were heterotrophic and similarly dependent on allochthonous organic matter (P/R=O.2, NDM= -.6, and ratio of net primary production to total inputs -0.1). Willow research and management should also focus on retention capacity, including the recruitment and role of LWD and the structure and function of root systems. Removal of willows potentially facilitates native vegetation establishment but simultaneously decreases retention capacity and metabolic control by the canopy. Establishing native vegetation to fulfil broader biodiversity objectives whilst retaining willows for their potentially positive roles is a management challenge. In principle, establishing native species on the upland-sides of fringing willows and under willow canopies will direct succession toward a preferred outcome without destructive disturbance. Understanding of when benefits of willows outweigh their costs is a notable gap.
- Description: School of Science & Engineering
- Description: The spread of exotic willows (Salix spp.) in SE Australia, New Zealand and South Africa has provoked widespread debate in scientific, management and broader communities. In Australia, the extent of spread is unknown, but at least 30000 km of river frontage in Victoria are lined by willows. Management and research literature has identified the poor knowledge of willow impacts on Southern Hemisphere aquatic ecosystems. It has been speculated that the major distinction between deciduous willows and evergreen native vegetation will be the timing and quality of litterfall. This would have flow-on consequences for metabolic processes, stream biota and water quality at reach, stream and catchment scales. These two vegetation types were studied through the preparation of partial organic matter budgets for native and willow lined reaches in a central Victorian catchment. Organic matter inputs from litter, groundwater and gross primary production (GPP), organic matter standing crop . and respiratory output were quantified. Total inputs to willow and native reaches were similar (735 and 764 g ash free dry weight m•' yl, respectively). Inputs were dominated by litterfall (-60%) and there were no significant differences in annual litterfall between sites. GPP contributed -20% of total inputs and estimates suggested there were few significant differences in annual GPP, 24 h community respiration, ratio of GPP to community respiration (PIR) or net daily metabolism (NDM) between sites. Groundwater contributed -20% of total inputs with one third of the dissolved organic matter sourced during short flow paths through riparian sediments. Aggradation at willow sites appeared to increase the riparian flow path. Willow and native sites were heterotrophic and similarly dependent on allochthonous organic matter (P/R=O.2, NDM= -\.6, and ratio of net primary production to total inputs -0.1). Willow research and management should also focus on retention capacity, including the recruitment and role of LWD and the structure and function of root systems. Removal of willows potentially facilitates native vegetation establishment but simultaneously decreases retention capacity and metabolic control by the canopy. Establishing native vegetation to fulfil broader biodiversity objectives whilst retaining willows for their potentially positive roles is a management challenge. In principle, establishing native species on the upland-sides of fringing willows and under willow canopies will direct succession toward a preferred outcome without destructive disturbance. Understanding of when benefits of willows outweigh their costs is a notable gap.
Composition and ecology of the flora and fauna of remnant native grasslands of the western basalt plains and northern plains of Victoria : implications for management on private property
- Authors: Hadden, Susan A.
- Date: 1998
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text: false
- Description: "This thesis investigated a) the effects of the removal of grazing on the botanical composition, structure and biomass of two long-grazed species-rich grassland remnants, b) the habitat use and requirements of the ground-dwelling mammal, reptile and amphibian fauna and c) the composition, and abundance of the beetle, ant and spider assemblages."
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
The classification and mapping of the Casuarina pauper woodlands of the Scotia 1:100 000 map
- Authors: Miller, John
- Date: 1998
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text: false
- Description: Master of Applied Science
Dodonaea viscosa complex in South East Australia :seed bank and germination studies
- Authors: Mohammed, Syed
- Date: 1996
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text: false
- Description: A study was undertaken over one year of the habitat of Dodonaea viscosa subsp. angustissima at Hattah in north west Victoria. These studies, combined with further investigations, indicated significant differences in the germination requirements and behavior of the three species studied.
An investigation into the use of ellagic acid as a metal precipitation agent for the treatment of waste water
- Authors: Hann, Jeffrey A.
- Date: 1994
- Type: Text , Thesis
- Full Text: false
- Description: The aim of this project was twofold. The first part of this investigation was an attempt to produce a method for the rapid of ellagic acid from which a range of water soluble tetraalkylammonium salts could be prepared. These salts, once prepared, were to be tested for their suitability as metal precipitating agents. Ellagic acid, a commonly plant polyphenol is a waste byproduct of both the pulping and tanning industries. It is a known cancer agent and has been shown to have various pharmaceutical properties. ...."From abstract"
- Description: Bachelor of Applied Science
Reproductive timing and habitat preference in the stubble quail (Coturnix pectoralis) in Northern Victoria
- Authors: Toop, Simon
- Date: 1994
- Type: Text , Thesis
- Full Text:
- Description: The timing of breeding and habitat preference in the stubble quail (Coturnix pectoralis) were assessed at two study sites, Dookie and Mitiamo, in the north of Victoria. Surveying was over and eight month period between September 1993 - April 1994. Reproductive timing was determined by monitoring changes in the gomad size of shot birds. Breeding events were verified by disproportionate increases in the number of young birds shot. Population density was measured as an indicator of habitat preference. Site characteristics known to affect habitat selection were monitored. Breeding was in spring and autumn. Spring breeding coincided with the period of maximum plant growth. Autumn breeding was stimulated by above average late summer rainfall. Male stubble quail were shot in greater numbers during a known breeding event. Stubble quail preferred areas of lightly grazed pasture dominanted by native grass species. Recently harvested wheat and barley stubble provided an abundant short-term food supply, however the ability of this habitat type to support resident stubble quail populations is questioned. Stubble quail population density appeared to be strongly influenced by territorial behaviour during breeding. Implications for the management of this game species are discussed and future lines of research recommended.
Utilisation of Kluyveromyces marxianus for the ethanolic fermentation of lactose in skim milk permeate
- Authors: Wakeling, Lara
- Date: 1994
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: "In this study ethanoal was produced via fermentation of skim milk permeate using Kluyveromyces marxianus".
- Description: Master of Applied Science