Understanding and improving ecosystem function in the Murray Mallee and Wimmera bioregions
| How can we maintain and improve ecological function in agricultural landscapes?
This project is investigating the factors that affect the natural regeneration of native vegetation in these landscapes dominated by dryland cropping. Site history, agricultural intensification and soil health (function and nutrient enrichmenet) are key factors being assessed. The Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research (external link) leads this project with research partners CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems (external link) and the Birchip Cropping Group (external link). We are working toward a new model of ecosystem function related to the provision of priority ecosystem services identified through a community engagement process. The project is developing restoration options aim at improving passive regeneration of native vegetation and improving landscape function and sustainability. |  Expected function score for passive regeneration success based on landscape context, soils, land use intensity and wind protection  A very small and recently isolated patch of mallee woodland. Older isolates tend to lose their native understorey layers - can they be regained? Photo: Dr David Duncan |
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This document was last reviewed on 28/06/2011