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Woody-grass ratios in a grassy arid system are limited by multi-causal interactions of abiotic constraint, competition and fire

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Abstract

Predicting changes in vegetation structure in fire-prone arid/semi-arid systems is fraught with uncertainty because the limiting factors to coexistence between grasses and woody plants are unknown. We investigated abiotic and biotic factors influencing boundaries and habitat membership in grassland (Triodia or ‘spinifex’ grassland)-shrubland (Acacia aneura or ‘mulga’ shrubland) mosaics in semi-arid central Australia. We used a field experiment to test for the effects of: (1) topographic relief (dune/swale habitat), (2) adult neighbour removal, and (3) soil type (sand/clay) on seedling survival in three shrub and two grass species in reciprocal field plantings. Our results showed that invasion of the shrubland (swale) by neighbouring grassland species is negated by abiotic limitations but competition limits shrubland invasion of the grassland (dune). All species from both habitats had significantly reduced survival in the grassland (dune) in the presence of the dominant grass (Triodia) regardless of soil type or shade. Further, the removal of the dominant grass allowed the shrubland dominant (A. aneura) to establish outside its usual range. Seedling growth and sexual maturation of the shrubland dominant (A. aneura) was slow, implying that repeated fire creates an immaturity risk for this non-sprouter in flammable grassland. By contrast, rapid growth and seed set in the grassland shrubs (facultative sprouters) provides a solution to fire exposure prior to reproductive onset. In terms of landscape dynamics, we argue that grass competition and fire effects are important constraints on shrubland patch expansion, but that their relative importance will vary spatially throughout the landscape because of spatial and temporal rainfall variability.

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Acknowledgments

This study was funded by an Australian Post Graduate Award and a NCW Beadle scholarship and the Keith and Dorothy MacKay scholarship to C. E. M. N. We thank the Department of Natural Resources, Environment, Arts and Sport of the Northern Territory Government for providing vehicles, equipment and staff time. We are grateful to the staff of the Alice Springs Desert Park who provided essential help with plant propagation and the establishment of this experiment. We are further indebted to the volunteer staff of the Northern Territory Bushfires Council for supplying water for the experiment. Thanks also to Chris Pavey and anonymous referees who have improved the manuscript and facilitated its publication. This work complies with the current laws of the Commonwealth of Australia.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Botany, School of Environmental and Rural Sciences, University of New England, Armidale, 2351, Australia

    Catherine E. M. Nano & Peter J. Clarke

  2. Biodiversity Unit, NT Department of Natural Resources, Environment, the Arts and Sport, PO Box 1120, Alice Springs, 0871, Australia

    Catherine E. M. Nano

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  1. Catherine E. M. Nano
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  2. Peter J. Clarke
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Correspondence to Catherine E. M. Nano.

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Communicated by Mercedes Bustamante.

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Nano, C.E.M., Clarke, P.J. Woody-grass ratios in a grassy arid system are limited by multi-causal interactions of abiotic constraint, competition and fire. Oecologia 162, 719–732 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00442-009-1477-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00442-009-1477-8

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