Increased canopy cover
Impact
Canopy cover refers to vegetation that grows taller than ground cover, i.e. tree branches and leaves, that provides cover to the area of ground that lies directly beneath the plant’s foliage. The condition of the canopy cover has implications for flora and fauna habitat, ecological processes and soil condition.
Suggested indicator: Tree canopy cover & health*
Increased canopy cover may be associated with:
| Potential associated impacts | Suggested indicators |
| Vegetation thickening and change in pasture production ('Stocktake' a paddock-scale land condition monitoring and management package produced by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries may be helpful) |
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| Changed animal species composition |
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| Changed vegetation composition due to change in sunlight and soil conditions |
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| Changed vegetation area and/or improved habitat connectivity | |
| Increased quality and quantity of soil organic matter |
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* Yet to be developed
Last updated: 27 August 2008