Environment and Resource Management

Loss of deep-rooted perennial trees and shrubs

Impact

Deep-rooted perennial trees and shrubs play an important role in maintaining soil structural stability and groundwater levels.

Suggested indicator: Deep-root perennials*

Loss of deep-rooted perennial trees and shrubs may be associated with:

Potential associated impacts Suggested indicators

Changed vegetation condition and composition

  • Native vegetation area
  • Vegetation desity*
  • Impacts on native vegetation*
  • Ground cover
  • Shrub cover*
  • Tree canopy cover & health*
  • Weed cover*
  • Organic litter*
  • Native plant richness*
  • Weed species*
  • Pasture species*
Potential for increased weed invasion in some situations 
  • Weed species*
  • Weed cover*
Reduced quality and quantity of soil organic matter 
  • Soil life*
Increased potential for loss of soil nutrients
  • Soil chemistry*
Changed potential for soil erosion (increased in some situations, decreased in others)
  • Hillslope erosion*
  • Gully erosion*
  • Wind erosion*

Altered watertable

  • Rising watertable may lead to soil salinity and/or sodicity and subsequent decreased vegetation condition

* Yet to be developed

Last updated: 27 August 2008

Land Manager's Monitoring Guide

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