Dynamics in tropical sandstone vegetation in north-west Queensland: insights for management

Abstract

Long unburnt sandstone woodland sites had lower species diversity than recently burnt sites. Diversity declined with years since fire in recently burnt sites, but was stable in long unburnt sites. The decline in species diversity in recently burnt sites was the result of senescence of short lived, fire promoted herbs and shrubs. Spinifex cover was less in the long unburnt sites, suggesting it may reach a maximum and then decline after nutrients are used up by plant material.