PhD Scholar

Soil characteristics and processes critical to the sustainability of alpine grasslands

E-mail: Stuart.Johnston@tg.nsw.gov.au

The tall alpine herb field community in the alpine area of Kosciuszko National Park NSW, is a limited and biologically significant climatic climax ecosystem. However, past grazing practices and the current impacts of tourism, exacerbated by the harsh climate, have resulted in extensive vegetation degradation and subsequent soil erosion of the alpine humus soils. These phenomena have occurred over large areas of the tall alpine herb fields. These disturbances have also produced ecosystem states different from that of the natural climax state. The objective of this study is to provide a framework for determining the soil and vegetation characteristics and processes, which determine the inherent ecological stability of alpine herb fields. From this, a state transition model for alpine herb field ecosystems is to be developed to help in the understanding of ecosystem function and help management.