Premature decline of eucalyptus and altered ecosystem processes in the absence of fire in some Australian forests

D.C. Close; N.J. Davidson; D.W. Johnson; M.D. Abrams; S.C. Hart; I.D. Lunt; R.D. Archibald; B. Horton; M.A. Adams

doi:10.1007/s12229-009-9027-y

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Premature decline of eucalyptus and altered ecosystem processes in the absence of fire in some Australian forests

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Premature decline of eucalyptus and altered ecosystem processes in the absence of fire in some Australian forests

D.C. Close, N.J. Davidson, D.W. Johnson, M.D. Abrams, S.C. Hart, I.D. Lunt, R.D. Archibald, B. Horton and M.A. Adams

The Botanical Review, Vol.75(2), pp.191-202

2009

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12229-009-9027-y

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Abstract

We propose a model of 'premature tree decline' whereby an absence of fire hastens the mortality of overstorey eucalypts in some forests. This model is relevant to some temperate Australian forests in which fire regimes have shifted from relatively frequent before European settlement to infrequent following settlement. The increased development of midstorey vegetation and litter accumulation has occurred since European settlement in some specific examples of Australian forests and woodlands. Our model proposes that in the long absence of fire: 1. midstorey vegetation reduces the availability of soil water for eucalypts and; 2. Eucalypts have less access to P and/or cations as these elements become locked up in soil, litter and midstorey biomass. We highlight important knowledge gaps and argue that research into ecological burning, for eucalypt health and other values such as biodiversity, is urgently required.

Details

Title: Premature decline of eucalyptus and altered ecosystem processes in the absence of fire in some Australian forests
Authors/Creators: D.C. Close (Author/Creator)
N.J. Davidson (Author/Creator)
D.W. Johnson (Author/Creator)
M.D. Abrams (Author/Creator)
S.C. Hart (Author/Creator)
I.D. Lunt (Author/Creator)
R.D. Archibald (Author/Creator)
B. Horton (Author/Creator)
M.A. Adams (Author/Creator)
Publication Details: The Botanical Review, Vol.75(2), pp.191-202
Publisher: Springer Pub. Co.
Identifiers: 991005540459907891
Copyright: © 2009 The New York Botanical Garden.
Murdoch Affiliation: School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Citation topics: 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology; 3.40 Forestry; 3.40.55 Forest Dynamics
Web Of Science research areas: Plant Sciences
ESI research areas: Plant & Animal Science