1 minute read

Ecosystem Function Indexes

Note: Infiltration rates are short-term only, and are not an indication of hourly infiltration

Advertisement

Interpretation

Infiltration rate is very rapid for site 1, although there is significant variability between observations with infiltration classed as rapid at site 2 and only moderately rapid infiltration at the 3rd site.

Conclusions from Long-Term Monitoring (LTM2)

● From the long-term monitoring conducted on 10 March 2021, it can be concluded that this landbase site has a good mix of cool and warm season perennial grasses supported by a number of forbs and annuals. The presence of Annuals and Other forbs in the pasture is currently adding to the diversity of functional groups, without dominating. There was no bare ground, but good levels of litter between plants. The legumes were low in number of species and frequency.

● Overall, it shows a strong ability to support increased agricultural production. The results show highly functioning ecosystem processes.

● As can be seen clearly from the pie chart LTM SITE 902, cool season grasses and warm season grasses are currently dominating at this site, accounting for more than 70% of the cover, and with litter the combination is 83%.

● The Species Richness indicator is just above the cut-off point for the high range at 26, with the Shannon-Wiener index in the medium range, once relative abundance is taken into account. This reflects the moderate dominance of microlaena and native fescue.

● The Ecosystem Function Indexes show that both the Water Cycle Index and Energy Flow Index are strongly positive at 100%, while the other two indexes (Mineral Cycle and Community Dynamics) are both at 89%. This measurement for water cycle is strongly influenced by the degree of ground cover and litter, while energy flow was also determined by the high abundance of live canopy.

● All EHI indicators are showing positive or zero, with only minimal room for improvement in some cases.

● The observed water infiltration rates support the view that there is an effective water cycle potential, but the variability of the measured rates show that there is potential to improve consistency across this site. For instance, a short-term infiltration rate of 2.08 mm/min, could limit the capacity for available rainfall to be captured and stored in the soil profile.

This article is from: