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Abstract

Tasmanian tree dieback seems largely caused by prolonged drought, although agricultural activity, noisy miners and possums cannot be totally absolved from blame. Tasmanian woody plant thickening has been attributed to either the cessation of burning or the cessation of grazing. In a study area in the northern Midlands tree cover is shown to have increased between 1968 and 2002 where it was initially sparse, and to have decreased where it was initially dense. This pattern is attributed to the combined effects of less frequent burning and prolonged drought in the period, compared to earlier decades. Increases in woody plant cover can lead to changes in woody plant composition,
with eucalypt dieback more likely where wattles, she-oaks and prickly box thicken. Although cultivation before planting or direct seeding helps in tree establishment, ripping and breaking up of the soil column have the opposite effect. There is evidence showing that successful planting or seeding of trees has been aided by the use of any two of post-planting chemical weed control, mulching and more than one watering. The use of stakes and guards in plantings appears irrelevant to their success.

Item Type:	Book Section
Authors/Creators:	Kirkpatrick, JB and Wilson, D and Meiss, AO and Mollon, AD and Bridle, K
Publisher:	CSIRO Publishing
Additional Information:	© 2007 CSIRO
Item Statistics:	View statistics for this item

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