Micro-patch and community scale spatial distribution of herbaceous cover in a grazed eucalypt woodland

Abstract

This study described changes in spatial distribution of herbaceous cover in experimental paddocks in a eucalypt woodland of northern Australia after 5 years of different grazing pressures and drought. Herbaceous cover was irregularly distributed, with high cover zones in distinct bands across slopes on paddocks in stable and degrading condition, and irregular patches in a degraded paddock. Size and density of these zones declined with paddock condition, as native perennial tussock grasses were lost and replaced by an exotic stoloniferous grass. Describing disturbance responses of herbaceous cover in this community requires sampling at multiple spatial scales.