Runoff and the ameliorating effect of plant cover in the Mulga communities of South Western Queensland.

Abstract

Surface runoff was recorded from mall plots situated in the mulga rangelands of Queensland. Even small falls of rain (< 15 mm) produced runoff equivalent to over 50% of the rain but plant tussocks were instrumental in decreasing the number of rainfall events which generated runoff. Runoff was greater from the hard mulga and residud land zones than from the soft mulga zone. Regression and correlation analysis was used to identify topography, soil and vegetation factors influencing runoff. The maintenance of a perennial grass basal area > 2% is considered essential to reduce the loss of surface soil and nutrients.