Distribution of Microlaena stipoides and Its Association With Introduced Perennial Grasses in a Permanent Pasture on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales

Abstract

The distribution of Microlaena stipoides (Labill.) R.Br. and its association with introduced perennial grasses was studied in a 10.2-ha permanent pasture on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales. There were 105 systematically arranged plots (2m × 2m quadrats) located in the field, and at each sampling location composition by basal cover of the perennial herbaceous species encountered was recorded using 100 points.

Dominant perennial grasses identified in the field were the native M. stipoides and the introduced Lolium perenne L., Dactylis glomerata L. and Poa pratensis L. Trifolium repens L., sown in the field in 1961, was also widespread. M. stipoides was abundant throughout the paddock, although higher composition by basal cover was observed under tree canopies. Discriminant function analysis and hierarchical classification showed a tendency towards aggregation of plots dominated by M. stipoides, L. perenne and T. repens, which may indicate the stability of this combination of species. T. repens was present in almost all plots and had a similar distribution to M. stipoides; both species were quite close in the species ordination analysis and were found associated with other perennial grasses at different locations in the paddock. These species associations are probably stable and appear to be common in permanent pastures in the eastern parts of the Northern Tablelands.