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

Abstract

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.