This paper reports the preliminary results of studies on patch development in ground cover and its association with soil microbial biomass carbon (MB) at three sites near Charters Towers in north Queensland. At each site MB was significantly lower in bare patches compared with annual grass and perennial grass patches. Bare patch MB ranged from 17-42% of the MB of perennial grass patches with annual patches having 37-85% of the MB of perennial patches. Patch stability and the risk of transition from perennial grass to annual or bare patches is discussed in relation to grazing pressure and the biological capacity of soils to influence such transitions.
September 24-27, 1996
Port Augusta, South Australia
ISSN 1323-6660
Full-text publications from the Australian Rangelands Society (ARS) Biennial Conference Proceedings (1997-), Rangeland Journal (ARS/CSIRO; 1976-), plus videos and other resources about the rangelands of Australia.