Studies in the ecology of the riverine plain. II. Plant-soil relationships in three semi-arid grasslands

Abstract

An experimental area on the semi-arid Riverine Plain originally supported Eucalyptus savannah woodland on sandy loams, Acacia-Atriplex dry scrub on clay loams, and Atriplex saltbush on light clays. Each of these communities has been replaced by a disclimax grassland. The species composition of the grassland is influenced by the soils. Differences in topography and texture are the main factors which affect the redistribution of rainfall. Soil permeability and subsoil structure are also important. The water regime of the soils over a 3-year period is measured in detail and the available moisture is estimated.