Dixie Nott

Research Organisation: School of Medical and Applied Sciences
Field of Research: Environmental Sciences
Supervisor(s): Professor Kerry Walsh, Dr Alistar Melzer, Dr Bill Burrows
Student Type: Doctor of Philosophy

Contact Details

Phone:
Email: burwoodcattle@activ8.net.au

Research Details

Thesis Name: The responses of grazed woodlands of Central Queensland to sustained disturbance

Thesis Abstract:

The current study aims to test the following hypotheses in context of mixed Corymbia and Eucalyptus species, open woodland community, in coastal central Queensland : Typical of savannahs worldwide, the grazed woodlands of Queensland were maintained in pre-European settlement times by a regular fire regime initiated by indigenous land managers and less often by lightning. With the introduction of domestic livestock grasses were utilised, resulting in a reduction of fuel. Coupled with a reduction of deliberate ignition events and tree clearing activities, an increase in woody vegetation and changes to grass species, ground layer structure and biomass occurred.

Why my research is important/Impacts:

The maintenance of biodiversity and pasture cover is an ongoing land management issue in northern Australian grazed woodlands. In recent years state government has introduced dramatic changes to the management of woodlands, with the option of tree thinning or clearing removed. The use of fire is therefore now a key tool for a landholders aiming to maintain open woodland that supports a grazing industry. However, operational guidelines around the use of fire are required. The description of woody and ground layers of ungrazed areas in these woodlands can guide the application of a fire regime and in extreme cases of woody thickening, chemical thinning activities to restore ecosystem function and resilience to long-grazed areas.

Funding/Scholarship: