Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Soils South Australia Lofty'

Copy of author's previously published work inserted. Bibliography: leaves 261-306. The objectives of the project were: i. to determine whether there are competitive interactions between Aporrectodea trapezoides and A. caliginosa and A. rosea.--ii. to investigate compeditive interactions between A. calignosa, Microscolex dubius and A. trapezoides.--iii . to determine the likely impact of A. longa on soil fauna, especially the native earthworm, Gemascolex lateralis, in native ecosystems.

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 78-86) In the Herrmanns sub-catchment in the Mt. Lofty Ranges (near Mt. Torrens) soil sodicity was the dominant factor in causing clay to disperse in the eroded area along the foot slopes, wheras in non-eroded areas of the mid-slopes and on the stream banks, the dispersive power of sodicity was attenuated by the flocculative power of other soil properties.

"August 2002" Bibliography: leaves 230-254. Field sites and soils from cropping studies in the mid-north of South Australia were used to address questions of soil responses to lime and the influence of acidifying inputs. The study showed that LMWOAs associated with different stubbles can help to ameliorate toxicity through complexation with A1.

"September 2002" Bibliography: leaves 77-85. Examines the persistence of the yellow-footed antechinus using live trapping in small, remnant patches and strips of forest, to document autecological sata and the investgate occurrence, breeding activity and inter-patch movements. Radio-tracking was conducted to compare home range properties of lactating females in restricted and unrestricted habitat.

Thesis (B. Sc.(Hons.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Geology and Geophysics, 2000.
Australian National Grid Reference Adelaide sheet SI 54-9 1:250,000. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 73-78).

The koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) is an iconic Australian marsupial that is under threat of extinction across two thirds of its range, with populations recently listed as ‘endangered’ in Queensland (QLD), New South Wales (NSW) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Many risk factors have been implicated in the koala population decline, including habitat loss, vehicle collisions, dog attack and infectious diseases such as chlamydiosis and koala immune deficiency syndrome caused by koala retrovirus (KoRV). Trypanosomes are blood-borne protozoan parasites that can infect all classes of mammals and are known to cause serious disease in humans and domestic livestock worldwide. Recent studies have identified numerous Trypanosoma species in a range of Australian marsupials, including the koala which is known to harbour up to six species in either single or mixed infections: Trypanosoma irwini, Trypanosoma gilletti, Trypanosoma copemani, Trypanosoma vegrandis, Trypanosoma noyesi and Trypanosoma sp. AB-2017. Importantly, preliminary data from analyses of hospitalised koalas in QLD suggest that trypanosome infections (alone or with concurrent diseases) may adversely affect koala health and survival. Whilst a large number of studies have been conducted on chlamydia and KoRV, there is still a paucity of research investigating the prevalence, diversity and clinical impact of trypanosomes in koalas. In particular, there is a dearth of research comprising random, representative samples from various wild koala populations across Australia, including more stable populations from South Australia (SA). This descriptive cross-sectional study utilised nested PCR, targeting partial fragments of the nuclear 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) gene, to screen blood samples from wild-caught koalas for the presence of trypanosomes. Samples were randomly collected from koalas belonging to two distinct wild populations; Moreton Bay, Queensland (QLD) (n= 72) and Mount Lofty, South Australia (SA) (n= 89). The overall prevalence of Trypanosoma in both populations was 47.2% (76/161; 95% CI: 39.3-55.2%). The prevalence of trypanosomes in koalas from Moreton Bay was 80.6% (58/72; 95% CI: 69.5-88.9%), whereas the prevalence in koalas from Mount Lofty was significantly lower: 20.2% (18/89; 95% CI: 12.4-30.1%). Sanger sequencing of PCR positive products was performed and phylogenetic analysis conducted on the partial 18S rDNA fragments obtained. A total of 35 Trypanosoma isolates from Moreton Bay koalas were identified as Trypanosoma irwini (n= 36), with intra-specific genetic variations ranging from 0% - 2.99%. Remaining QLD isolates (n=16) were identified as Trypanosoma gilletti, with genetic distances ranging from 0% - 1.20%. These results are similar to findings from previous studies of hospitalised koalas from QLD and NSW. All Trypanosoma isolates from the Mount Lofty population (n = 18) formed a unique, highly diverse clade within the Trypanosoma cruzi clade of trypanosomes. These novel sequences displayed a high genetic variation amongst each other (genetic distances = 0% - 7.04%) and from their most closely related species (T. sp 1EA-2008) (genetic distances = 1.90% - 7.73%). To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first report of trypanosomes in koalas from SA. The unique phylogenetic position of the isolates identified, associated with a relatively high genetic distance from their most closely related known Trypanosoma sp., suggests that they may potentially represent novel Trypanosoma spp.. Further analyses of full-length 18S sequences and additional loci are required to confirm this finding and reliably delimit the species. Sanger sequencing of seven PCR positive isolates from Moreton Bay koalas revealed mixed chromatograms and were excluded from phylogenetic analyses. Further analyses using next-generation metabarcoding are required to identify and characterise mixed trypanosome infections in all positive samples detected in the present study, particularly those that produced mixed Sanger sequencing chromatograms. This study provides valuable novel baseline data which will contribute to the growing knowledge base of Australian trypanosomes, and future studies on the potential impact of Trypanosoma spp. (with and without concurrent infectious diseases) on the health and conservation of koalas.

Bibliography: leaves 78-83. "The dissertation brings together discourses relating to sustainability with that of the environment, at least in terms of its meaning and responses to it being culturally constructed. The Central Adelaide Hills provides the locality for achieving this, which a peri-urban environment is subject to the power exerted by urban Adelaide as well as the tension arising out of land use conflict and attitudes to the environment."

Copy of author's previously published work inserted. Bibliography: leaves 147-189. This project examines the uptake of mineral N from the subsoil after anthesis and its effect on grain protein concentration (GPC) of wheat. The overall objective is to examine the importance of subsoil mineral N and to investigate the ability of wheat to take up N from the subsoil late in the season under different conditions of N supply and soil water availability. Greenhouse experiments investigate the importance of subsoil mineral N availability on GPC of wheat and the factors that contribute to the effective utilisation of N. The recovery of N from subsoil, the effect of split N application on GPC and short term N uptake by the wheat at different rooting densities are also studied.

The forests of south-eastern Australia, having evolved in one of the most fire-prone environments in the world, are characterized by many adaptations to recovery following burning. Thus forest ecosystems are characterized by rapid regenerative capacity, from either seed or re-sprouting, and mechanisms to recover nutrients volatilized, including an abundance of N2 fixing plants in natural assemblages. Soil physical, chemical and biological properties are directly altered during fire due to heating and oxidation of soil organic matter, and after fire due to changes in heat, light and moisture inputs. In natural ecosystems, carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) lost from soil due to fires are recovered through photosynthesis and biological N2 fixation (BNF) by regenerating vegetation and soil microbes.
This study investigated post-fire recovery of soil C and N in four structurally different sub-alpine plant communities (grassland, heathland, Snowgum and Alpine ash) of south-eastern Australia which were extensively burnt by landscape-scale fires in 2003. The amount and isotopic concentration of C and N in soils to a depth of 20 cm from Alpine ash forest were assessed five years after fire in 2008 and results were integrated with measurements taken immediately prior to burning (2002) and annually afterwards.
Because the historical data set, comprised of three soil samplings over the years 2002 to 2005, consisted of soil total C and N values which were determined as an adjunct to 13C and 15N isotopic studies, it was necessary to establish the accuracy of these IRMS-derived measurements prior to further analysis of the dataset. Two well-established and robust methods for determining soil C (total C by LECO and oxidizable C by the Walkley-Black method) were compared with the IRMS total C measurement in a one-off sampling to establish equivalence prior to assembling a time-course change in soil C from immediately pre-fire to five years post-fire. The LECO and IRMS dry combustion measurements were essentially the same (r2 >0.99), while soil oxidizable C recovery by the Walkley-Black method (wet digestion) was 68% compared to the LECO/IRMS measurements of total C. Thus the total C measurement derived from the much smaller sample size (approximately 15 mg) combusted during IRMS are equivalent to LECO measurement which require about 150 mg of sample.
Both total C and N in the soil of Alpine ash forests were significantly higher than soils from Snowgum, heathland and grassland communities. The ratio of soil NH4+ to NO3- concentration was greater for Alpine ash forest and Snow gum woodland but both N-fractions were similar for heathland and grassland soils. The abundance of soil 15N and 13C was significantly depleted in Alpine ash but both isotopes were enriched in the heathland compared to the other ecosystems. Abundance of both 15N and 13C increased with soil depth.
The natural abundance of 15N and 13C in the foliage of a subset of non-N2 fixing and N2 fixing plants was measured as a guide to estimate BNF inputs. Foliage N concentration was significantly greater in N2 fixers than non-N2 fixers while C content and 13C abundance were similar in both functional groups. Abundance of 15N was depleted in the N2 fixing species but was not significantly different from the non-N2 fixers to confidently calculate BNF inputs based on the 15N abundance in the leaves.
The total C pool in soil (to 20 cm depth) had not yet returned to the pre-fire levels in 2008 and it was estimated that such levels of C would be reached in another 6-7 years (about 12 years after the fire). The C and N of soil organic matter were significantly enriched in 15N and 13C isotopes after fire and had not returned to the pre-fire levels five years after the fire. It is concluded that the soil organic N pool can recover faster than the total C pool after the fire in the Alpine ash forests.

Several sources of hyperspectral data were used to map the occurrence and spread of acid sulfate soils (AAS). Surface evolution of mineralogy during controlled oxidation of sulphidic material showed the formation of secondary iron minerals linked to soil pH ranges. Spectral characterization, image classification and PLSR of hyperspectral data successfully mapped the occurrence of surface and subsurface acid conditions and related toxicity by linking mineralogy to pH.

[Truncated abstract] Eleven sites, each with the trio of land uses: Eucalyptus globulus plantation, pasture and natural vegetation, representing from the Mediterranean climate, high rainfall region (<550 mm annually) of south-western Australia were investigated to assess medium-term changes in the P-supplying capacity of soils in eucalypt plantations growing on agricultural land. The natural vegetation soils were a benchmark for comparing soil P change since land clearing and development for agriculture. The experimental framework provided an ideal basis for studying changes in P forms since land clearing and fertilization for agriculture and the ensuing conversion to plantations (on an average 9 years ago). Conventional soil P indices measure plant available P that is more relevant to short duration annual crops and pastures. To predict medium-term P availability, P forms were determined using Hedley et al.’s (1982) fractionation scheme and fractions were grouped using the Guo and Youst (1998) criteria into readily, moderately and sparingly available P. The P species were also determined by 31P NMR spectroscopy of 0.5M NaOH-0.1M EDTA extracts. Hedley et al.’s (1982) inorganic P extracted by anion exchange resin and by NaHCO3 are widely considered to be approximations to the actual plant available P. The availability to plants of other P fractions is less certain and this is examined in an experiment to compare the plant availability of various P fractions in soils from fertilized and unfertilized land uses following exhaustive cropping in the glasshouse. The soil texture for the sites studied included coarse sand, loamy sand, clayey sand, and sandy loam. Surface soils (0-10 cm) have pH(CaCl2) in the acidic range (mean 4.4) and there is no significant difference due to differences in land use (P<0.05). The soils are of low EC (1:5 H2O) - 6 mS m-1. There is an almost 5-fold variation in organic C among sites (from 1.4% to 8%) but organic C values did not show any significant effect (P<0.05) of changes in land use. To evaluate the degree of similarity of soils within each triplet set at a site principal component analysis was carried out on those soil chemical⁄mineralogical characteristics that were least likely to be affected by changes in land use practices. This analysis showed good matching of the triplet of sub-sites on the whole, especially for the duo of pasture and plantation land uses. This degree of matching of the trio of land uses was considered while interpreting the effects of land use on the forms and behaviour of soil P, and variations due to various extents of mismatch were mostly addressed using statistical techniques including regression analysis to interpret sub-site difference

Bibliography: leaves 164-193. This study aims to quantify the belowground input of organic carbon by barrel medic using techniques that account for root death and decomposition as well as root secretion and exudation. It also investigates the effect of defoliation on carbon allocation within the plant so as to determine the potential for optimising carbon input to the soil through grazing management.

One hundred and thirty root nodule bacterial strains were isolated from nodules of Acacia saligna grown in ten different soils from nine locations in South- Western Australia. These isolates were confirmed as root nodule bacteria by reinoculation onto their host plant (A. saligna). Based on their morphological characteristics and growth rates on yeast mannitol agar (YMA), thirty nine strains were classified as fast-growing rhizobia and ninety four as slow-growing bradyrhizobia. The fast-growing strains were found in all soils except one from Narrikup which had the lowest pH (4.62). Selected strains (20 fast-growing and 20 slow-growing) were characterized for their ability to grow: •at acid pH (5 ± 0.2), or at alkaline pH (8.8 ±0.1) •at 37°C •on mannitol, fructose, arabinose, lactose or sucrose as sole carbon sources •in the presence of 1 -3% (w/v) NaCl The slow-growing bradyrhizobia were more acid-tolerant than the fastgrowing rhizobia, while the fast-growing rhizobia were more alkali tolerant than the slow-growing bradyrhizobia. Most fast-growing rhizobia grew at 37°C, whereas only two slow-growing bradyrhizobia could grow at this temperature. Both fast- and slowgrowing root nodule bacteria grew on mannitol, fructose and arabinose as a sole carbon source. All of the fast-growing rhizobia utilized the disaccharides (lactose and sucrose), whereas the slow-growing bradyrhizobia did not. All the slow-growing bradyrhizobia were sensitive to salt and did not grew even at 1% (w/v) NaCl. All of the fast-growing rhizobia grew at 1% NaCl and some at 3% NaCl. In order to investigate the diversity within a segment of the 16S rRNA genes of these root nodule bacterial strains, 10 fast-growing rhizobial strains and 10 slowgrowing bradyrhizobia were selected, with Sinorhizobium meliloti WSM 419 as a control strain. A 260-264 bp segment of DNA from each strain (corresponding to positions 44 to 337 in the Escherichia coli 16 S rRNA gene) was amplified using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method and the amplified DNA sequenced. The 16S rRNA (DNA) sequences were then compared and aligned to those known for reference root nodule bacterial strains from the GenBank Data Library leading to a phylogenetic unrooted tree for the strains from A. saligna. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences confirmed that the root nodule bacterial strains able to nodulate A. saligna can be separated into fast- and slow-growing strains. The fast-growing rhizobia can be divided into two groups. The first group consists of six strains which showed 96.5-100% similarity over 260 bp to Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar phaseoli U29388. The second group consists of four strains which showed 97.7-100% similarity over 260 bp to Rhizobium tropici U38469. The slow-growing bradyrhizobia could also be grouped together. Six strains showed 97.3- 99.2% similarity over 264 bp to Bradyrhizobium japonicum Z35330. Three strains showed 99.2-100% similarity over 264 bp to Bradyrhizobium sp. (Lupinus) X87273 and strain YL68 showed 100% similarity over 262 bp to Bradyrhizobium sp. (Lupinus) U69636. S. meliloti WSM419 showed 100% similarity over 260 bp to Sinorhizobium sp. Z78204.

Thesis (B. Sc.(Hons.))--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Geology and Geophysics, 2000?
National Grid Reference Zone 54 Onkaparinga 6628-11 (1:50000). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 81-84).

Bibliography: leaves 131-153. This thesis investigates the mechanisms of manganese (Mn) efficiency (genetic tolerance to Mn-deficient soils) in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) at both physiological and molecular levels.

Thesis (B. Sc.(Hons.))--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Geology and Geophysics, 1998.
Two folded, coloured maps in packet pasted onto back cover. National Grid Reference (SI 54-9) 6629-11; 12, 19, 20 (SI 54-5) 6530-06; 07, 6630-01 1:10 000 sheets. Includes bibliographical references (6 leaves ).

A field-based project was undertaken to develop and test a mechanism which would allow for the correlation of the health of vegetation surrounding playa lakes in south-west Australia with the natural variation in salinity and waterlogging that occurs spatially and temporally in natural systems. The study was designed to determine threshold ranges of vegetation communities using moderately extensive data over short temporal periods which will guide the design of potential engineering solutions that manipulate hydrological regimes to ultimately conserve and protect native vegetation. A pair of playa lake ecosystems, surrounded by primary production land, was modelled with hydro-geological data collected from March 2006 to March 2007. The data was used to determine the hydroperiods of vegetation communities fringing playa lakes and provide insight into the areas and species that are most affected by extreme rainfall events which are hypothesised to have a significant, rapid deleterious effect on the ecosystems. The methodology was multi-faceted and included; a detailed topographical survey; vegetation surveys; hydrological and hydro-geological monitoring over a 12 month period. 4 The hydro-geological data and vegetation data was linked with the topographical survey at a high resolution for spatial analysis in a Geographic Information System (GIS) to determine the degree of waterlogging experienced by vegetation communities over the monitoring period. The study has found that the spatial and temporal variability of hydroperiods has been reduced by rising groundwater levels, a result of extensive clearing of native vegetation. Consequently populations are becoming extinct locally resulting in a shift in community composition. Extreme summer rainfall events also have a significant impact on the health of vegetation communities by increasing the duration of waterlogging over an annual cycle and in some areas expanding the littoral zone. Vegetation is most degraded at lower positions in the landscape where communities are becoming less diverse and dominated by salt tolerant halophytic species as a result of altered hydrological regimes. Some species appear to be able to tolerate groundwater depths of less than 2.0 m from the surface, however there are thresholds related to the duration at which groundwater is maintained at this depth. Potential engineering solutions include groundwater pumping and diverting water through drains to maintain sustainable hydroperiods for vegetation in areas with conservation value. The effectiveness and efficiency of the engineering solutions can be maximised by quantifying thresholds for vegetation that include sustainable durations of waterlogging. The study has quantified tolerance ranges to salinity and waterlogging with data collected over 12 months but species may be experiencing a transition period where they have 5 sustained irreversible damage that will result in their eventual mortality. With long-term monitoring, the methodology developed and tested in the study can be used to quantify the long-term tolerance ranges that are important for the application of conservation approaches that include engineering solutions.

Bibliography: leaves 106-132. This project investigated the role of VAM fungi in the growth and nutrition of Linum usitatissimum L. in agricultural soils in southern Australia. It had two general aims: (1) to examine the role of indigenous VAM fungi in the growth and nutrition of linseed in field soil collected near Clare, South Australia; and (2) to examine the effect of VAM fungi on the Zn nutrition of Linola.

With the increased planting of E. globulus monoculture plantations, concerns surround the impact these mass plantings will have on the soil environment and wider ecosystem. Soil and litter mites are the dominant saprophages of terrestrial ecosystems, contributing to decomposition processes through their comminution and grazing activities. Despite the importance of mites to decomposition processes, there have been no investigations to date of the litter and soil communities under these plantations within Australia. This study investigated the impact of Eucalyptus globulus subsp. globulus (Tasmanian bluegum) monoculture plantations on the diversity and abundance of the soil and litter acarine (mite) fauna. Mite communities under three 8 year-old E. globulus plantations sited on reclaimed pastureland were compared with an adjacent native E. marginata (jarrah) forest and a grazed pasture in the mediterranean-type region of southwest Western Australia. Sites were sampled in spring 1997 and new sites randomly selected in autumn 1998. Large seasona1 variations in abundance and diversity were found between the sampling periods of spring 1997 and autumn 1998, influenced considerably by soil moisture. Species richness was consistently higher in both the soil and litter layers under native jarrah forest, with the E. globulus plantations intermediate in species richness between the native forest and grazed pasture. A total of 114 mite species/morphospecies was recognized; 16 Mesostigmata, 52 Prostigmata, 45 Oribatida (Cryptostigmata) and 1Astigmata. Species diversity in the surface litter was higher under the native forest, reflecting the greater heterogeneity of the litter. Diversity in the underlying soil was similar for the native forest and E. globulus plantation, although there were considerable differences in species richness. Soil diversity in the pasture was very poor in comparison to the two forest systems, reflecting the absence of a litter layer and reduced niche dimensions. The monospecific E. globulus litter possibly reduced niche variety by simplifying the physical habitat and reducing the variety of resources available for the saprophagous fauna, of which the oribatid mites are a major component. Consequently, the number of families represented in the microphytophagous, phytophagous and predator functional groups under the E. globulus plantation may have been reduced. The most common oribatid families under the plantation were those often reported from disturbed habitats, Oppiidae and Tectocepheidae, and those common in many habitats, Oppiinae and Oppiellinae. An important management implication arising from this study is that these plantations would harbour a more diverse mite fauna if planted as a mixed tree stratum.

Puccinellia (puccinellia ciliata) and tall wheatgrass (Thinopyrum ponticum) often show ecological zonation in saline landscapes, with puccinellia occurring in less elevated more saline/waterlogged locations, and tall wheatgrass occurring in more elevated less saline/waterlogged locations. The aims of this study were to: (a) characterize the observed ecological zonation at a field site, (b) quantify the effects of variables likely to explain growth differences of the two plants in glasshouse experiments, and (c) identify and compare anatomical and physiological mechanisms that explain these zonation patterns. At an experiment in the field near Kojonup (0522824E, 6244579N), puccinellia was found to colonise the lower more severely salinised and waterlogged zones of the landscape, with tall wheatgrass occupying the higher less affected zones. These differences in zonation were clearly associated with variance in soil salinity and water-table depth. Glasshouse experiments in soil revealed that low pH values, low calcium concentrations and variation in salinity alone did not explain the ecological zonation observed in the field. However, there was a substantial difference in the responses of the two plant species to waterlogging in combination with salinity. Puccinellia grew better under saline waterlogged conditions than tall wheatgrass, which was associated with better regulation of Na+ and K+ under saline/waterlogged conditions than in tall wheatgrass. Under non-saline conditions, waterlogging (hypoxia) decreased shoot weights in puccinellia by 15% and in tall wheatgrass by 20%. Similar growth results were obtained in nutrient solution culture, where waterlogging was simulated by lowering the oxygen in solutions through bubbling with N2 gas. Under saline hypoxic conditions, puccinellia, compared to tall wheatgrass, showed increased growth and maintenance of selectivity of K+ over Na+ across adventitious roots. Solution experiments revealed adaptive traits responsible for conveying better growth and ion maintenance present in puccinellia, but not tall wheatgrass, such as inducement of a barrier to radial oxygen loss in the basal regions of adventitious roots (not previously reported in the literature for puccinellia), formation of root aerenchyma and packing of cortical cells and suberin deposition in hypodermal and endodermal root cell layers. These results should assist in targeting pasture species, and predicting their growth response, in saline and waterlogged landscapes. Further work on examining the genetic material of puccinellia is warranted in order to identify genes that could be transferred into crop plants to convey salt and waterlogging tolerance.

Thesis (B. Sc.(Hons.))--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Geology and Geophysics, 1996.
Australian National Grid reference Hallett 6631-11 1:50 000 sheet Caroona 6731-111 1:50 000 sheet. Includes bibliographical references.

Title page, table of contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University of Adelaide Library.
In this thesis, the distribution of saline-sodic properties forming part of a complex pattern of soils in two varied upland agricultural regions in South Asutralia were predicted at multiple scales using DSM and allied approaches.
http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1283986
Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2007

In this thesis, the distribution of saline-sodic properties forming part of a complex pattern of soils in two varied upland agricultural regions in South Asutralia were predicted at multiple scales using DSM and allied approaches.
Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2007

Copy of author's previously published work inserted.
Bibliography: leaves 261-306.
xxix, 308 leaves : ill. (some col.), maps ; 30 cm.
The objectives of the project were: i. to determine whether there are competitive interactions between Aporrectodea trapezoides and A. caliginosa and A. rosea.--ii. to investigate compeditive interactions between A. calignosa, Microscolex dubius and A. trapezoides.--iii . to determine the likely impact of A. longa on soil fauna, especially the native earthworm, Gemascolex lateralis, in native ecosystems.
Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Soil Science, 1996

In the Herrmanns sub-catchment in the Mt. Lofty Ranges (near Mt. Torrens) soil sodicity was the dominant factor in causing clay to disperse in the eroded area along the foot slopes, wheras in non-eroded areas of the mid-slopes and on the stream banks, the dispersive power of sodicity was attenuated by the flocculative power of other soil properties.
Thesis (M.Ag.Sc.) -- University of Adelaide, Dept. of Soil and Water, 2002

"February, 2005"
Bibliography: leaves 259-272.
ix, 272 leaves : ill. (some col.), maps (col.), plates (col.) ; 30 cm.
Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library.
"The Mount Lofty Ranges and flanking St Vincent and Western Murray Basins preserve a rich record of Australian intraplate neotectonic movements and their effects of landscape evolution and sedimentary basin development in this region of South Australia." "The major goal of this study is to develop a new tectonic model that contributes to our fundamental understanding of how neotectonic motions and deformations operate within this sector of the southern Australian Earth crust. The other main aim of this thesis is to provide a better understanding of the effects those neotectonic movements imposed on landscape evolution and sedimentation." --Introd.
Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Faculty of Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Discipline of Geology and Geophysics, 2005

Examines the persistence of the yellow-footed antechinus using live trapping in small, remnant patches and strips of forest, to document autecological sata and the investgate occurrence, breeding activity and inter-patch movements. Radio-tracking was conducted to compare home range properties of lactating females in restricted and unrestricted habitat.
Thesis (M.App.Sc.) -- University of Adelaide, Dept. of Animal Science, 2002

Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University of Adelaide Library.
In many areas of south-eastern Australia, the clearance of temperate eucalypt woodlands for agriculture has been so extensive that only scattered remnant trees remain. The loss of habitat and increased spatial isolation of trees in paddocks is predicted to lead to a decline in plant fecundity because of disruptions to plant-pollinator interactions, which has important implications for the long-term persistence and maintenance of these populations. In order to assess the ability of paddock trees to contribute to population regeneration, this study assessed the reproductive viability and patterns of mating of paddock trees of two woodland species, Eucalyptus camaldulensis and E.leucoxylon in the Mt. Lofty Ranges, South Australia. This study revealed that paddock tree populations of E. camaldulensis and E.leucoxylon were reproductively viable and received sufficient visits by pollinators that resulted in high outcrossing rates. The results suggest that seed collected from these paddock trees are both genetically diverse and representative of adult populations. Therefore, such trees could contribute successfully to conservation strategies that sought to regenerate cleared paddocks.
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Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2007

Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University of Adelaide Library.
In many areas of south-eastern Australia, the clearance of temperate eucalypt woodlands for agriculture has been so extensive that only scattered remnant trees remain. The loss of habitat and increased spatial isolation of trees in paddocks is predicted to lead to a decline in plant fecundity because of disruptions to plant-pollinator interactions, which has important implications for the long-term persistence and maintenance of these populations. In order to assess the ability of paddock trees to contribute to population regeneration, this study assessed the reproductive viability and patterns of mating of paddock trees of two woodland species, Eucalyptus camaldulensis and E.leucoxylon in the Mt. Lofty Ranges, South Australia. This study revealed that paddock tree populations of E. camaldulensis and E.leucoxylon were reproductively viable and received sufficient visits by pollinators that resulted in high outcrossing rates. The results suggest that seed collected from these paddock trees are both genetically diverse and representative of adult populations. Therefore, such trees could contribute successfully to conservation strategies that sought to regenerate cleared paddocks.
Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2007

This thesis examined the impact of anthropogenic alterations in four riverine catchments of the Eastern Mt. Lofty Ranges, South Australia, to identify if creek restoration via environmental flows is a viable management option and if so, to determine; 1) Whether an aquatic/riparian viable seed bank was present and if so what was its composition 2) The ecological condition of selected riverine reaches. This in combination with the seed bank study would identify those creeks that would most benefit from the imposition of environmental flows 3) The response of key species to the water regimes likely to result from the imposition of environmental flows 4) The influence of nutrient enrichment under a fluctuating water level and to use this information to formulate best practice policy for environmental flows 5) Whether aquatic plants promoted by environmental flows were a significant fraction of the diet for higher trophic levels represented by Trichopterans and Amphipods. The seed banks were of comparable density (ranging from 4,000 to 110,000 seeds m-2) and species richness (ranging from 13 to 20 aquatic / riparian species) to the seed banks of other Australian rivers and wetlands, but this varied significantly among riverine sections and across catchments. Out of a total of 81 species recorded, 51 were classified as terrestrial (63% of all species recorded). What is of greater concern was the number of exotic (both aquatic and terrestrial) species recorded: 43% of the species recorded in the Angas, 47% of the species in the Finniss, 39% of the species in Tookayerta creek and 43% of the species recorded in Currency creek were exotic, which are significantly higher in comparison to other Australian studies. There were 24 to 28 aquatic/riparian species recorded in the extant vegetation of each catchment that were not recorded in their seed banks. Likewise, a number of species (3 to 7) were recorded in each catchments seed bank that were not recorded in the extant vegetation of those catchments. A species of particular interest is Crassula sieberana, which is on the State endangered plant species list. Indices for assessing the ecological condition, health or integrity of a river or riparian habitat were employed to investigate the relationship between the river/riparian habitat and the land and water management practices associated with those habitats. Of the four catchments surveyed, each catchment identified a unique set of site parameters (subindex indicators) that were strongly correlated with its ecological condition. Indicator species analyses revealed pasture grasses to be a significant indicator of reaches in very poor condition (p = 0.0010) along the Finniss and Baumea juncea of those reaches in good condition (p = 0.0230). Along the Angas, Cotula coronopifolia was an indicator of those reaches in average condition (p = 0.0240) and along Currency creek, Cladium procerum was an indicator of those reaches in good condition (p = 0.0190). However, when all 115 surveyed reaches were analysed together, those reaches of average to excellent ecological condition were all strongly correlated (R2 = 0.50) with the subindex indicators: bank stability, % riparian cover, grazing, fenced, aquatic wood, and width of the riparian vegetation. This would indicate that these subindex indicators are the main site parameters determining the ecological condition of a riverine reach and hence its restoration potential. Those catchments or sub-catchments containing a high proportion of reaches classified to be in poor to very poor condition had significantly reduced seed banks. The influence of water level fluctuations (±15 cm, ±30 cm and ±45 cm) on the growth of four species of emergent macrophytes (Cyperus vaginatus, Phragmites australis, Typha domingensis and Triglochin procerum) were species dependent. These species naturally inhabits different zones across the elevation gradient. C. vaginatus, which has a high elevation preference, was strongly inhibited by increasing water depth and fluctuations in water levels. In contrast, species with an intermediate elevation preference, such as Phragmites australis and Typha domingensis, were more tolerant to both depth and water level fluctuations. However, the biomass and relative growth rate (RGR) of T. domingensis and P. australis were depressed when grown under the combination of deep elevation and a highly fluctuating water level (±45 cm). Between the static and ±45 cm amplitude treatments, growth of T. domingensis was inhibited by 52%. The growth of P. australis appeared to be enhanced by fluctuating water levels and only showed a severe drop-off in growth in the deep elevation, ±45 cm amplitude treatment. In C. vaginatus the RGR was dependent of the average emergent surface area (and the implied rate of carbon acquisition)(p<0.0001; r2=0.7196; F=87.276; n=36; RGR (mg g-1 day-1) = -5.096 + 4.313 × ln (Average emergent surface area (cm2)), but this was not the case in P. australis and T. domingensis (p>0.05) even when the photosynthetic canopy was partially inundated by rising water levels. Yet these two species demonstrated different growth rates when grown under different water regime amplitudes and at different elevations. Growth of T. procerum did not respond to either amplitude or elevation, but its RGR remained negative. This suggests that another factor(s) was limiting the growth of P. australis, T. domingensis and possibly T. procerum, a factor that varies with water level. Cyperus gymnocaulos had significantly increased plant performance (p <.0001) with increased nutrient loading rates but this effect was significantly reduced under a fluctuating water regime (p =0.0007). Remarkably, under a fluctuating regime, P. australis had a significant reduction in performance with increased nutrient loading rates (p =0.0013), whereas T. domingensis performance was significantly limited (p =0.034) even with increased nutrient loading rates. T. procerum too had increased plant performance with increased nutrient loading rates but this effect was reduced under a fluctuating regime. The morphological response by T. procerum demonstrates that it is mainly limited by the nutrient loading rates and not the water regime. However, it was significantly limited/reduced by its increased turnover rates caused by a stochastic fluctuating water regime. Illustrating that in fact the effects of nutrient enrichment on T. procerum were independent of water regime but bearing in mind that water regime is the primary factor determining the productivity of this species. For those species with higher elevation preferences, e.g. C. gymnocaulos, or low elevation preference, e.g. T. procerum, the effects of nutrient loading are independent of water regime, whereas those species with an intermediate elevation preference, e.g. P. australis and T. domingensis the effects of nutrient loading are largely dependent on the water regime. Amphipoda and Trichoptera selectively fed on succulent semi-emergent macrophytes across sites of average to excellent ecological condition (31-64% to 65-97% of diet), depending on availability. These semi-emergent macrophytes contained the lowest C:N ratio (≈10:1), closest to that of their consumers (≈5:1) and therefore the highest nutritional content. In degraded riverine reaches, there were limited food resources available, hence course particulate organic matter (CPOM) formed the main dietary components of Amphipoda (20-53% of diet) even though it had the highest C:N ratio (≈40:1). At site VP. 1, filamentous algae was the main dietary component of Trichoptera (48-64% of diet) due to its availability and its low C:N ratio (≈14:1) in comparison to the other primary sources available. The imbalanced consumer-resource nutrient ratios in these degraded riverine reaches are likely to impose constraints on the growth and reproduction of their aquatic shredder communities with probable knock-on effects at higher trophic levels. The installation of environmental flows to restore and promote aquatic/riparian plant communities, which in turn would benefit higher trophic organisms, is a viable and realistic management option along selected reaches. Those selected reaches contain a significant aquatic/riparian seed bank and with sufficient physical habitat remaining to promote their germination and establishment. However, the imposition of environmental flows as a control measure to prevent the colonisation and dominance of particular species (T. domingensis and P. australis) was deemed to be redundant as a management technique given the limited water resources available.
Thesis (Ph.D.) -- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2007

This thesis examined the impact of anthropogenic alterations in four riverine catchments of the Eastern Mt. Lofty Ranges, South Australia, to identify if creek restoration via environmental flows is a viable management option and if so, to determine; 1) Whether an aquatic/riparian viable seed bank was present and if so what was its composition 2) The ecological condition of selected riverine reaches. This in combination with the seed bank study would identify those creeks that would most benefit from the imposition of environmental flows 3) The response of key species to the water regimes likely to result from the imposition of environmental flows 4) The influence of nutrient enrichment under a fluctuating water level and to use this information to formulate best practice policy for environmental flows 5) Whether aquatic plants promoted by environmental flows were a significant fraction of the diet for higher trophic levels represented by Trichopterans and Amphipods. The seed banks were of comparable density (ranging from 4,000 to 110,000 seeds m-2) and species richness (ranging from 13 to 20 aquatic / riparian species) to the seed banks of other Australian rivers and wetlands, but this varied significantly among riverine sections and across catchments. Out of a total of 81 species recorded, 51 were classified as terrestrial (63% of all species recorded). What is of greater concern was the number of exotic (both aquatic and terrestrial) species recorded: 43% of the species recorded in the Angas, 47% of the species in the Finniss, 39% of the species in Tookayerta creek and 43% of the species recorded in Currency creek were exotic, which are significantly higher in comparison to other Australian studies. There were 24 to 28 aquatic/riparian species recorded in the extant vegetation of each catchment that were not recorded in their seed banks. Likewise, a number of species (3 to 7) were recorded in each catchments seed bank that were not recorded in the extant vegetation of those catchments. A species of particular interest is Crassula sieberana, which is on the State endangered plant species list. Indices for assessing the ecological condition, health or integrity of a river or riparian habitat were employed to investigate the relationship between the river/riparian habitat and the land and water management practices associated with those habitats. Of the four catchments surveyed, each catchment identified a unique set of site parameters (subindex indicators) that were strongly correlated with its ecological condition. Indicator species analyses revealed pasture grasses to be a significant indicator of reaches in very poor condition (p = 0.0010) along the Finniss and Baumea juncea of those reaches in good condition (p = 0.0230). Along the Angas, Cotula coronopifolia was an indicator of those reaches in average condition (p = 0.0240) and along Currency creek, Cladium procerum was an indicator of those reaches in good condition (p = 0.0190). However, when all 115 surveyed reaches were analysed together, those reaches of average to excellent ecological condition were all strongly correlated (R2 = 0.50) with the subindex indicators: bank stability, % riparian cover, grazing, fenced, aquatic wood, and width of the riparian vegetation. This would indicate that these subindex indicators are the main site parameters determining the ecological condition of a riverine reach and hence its restoration potential. Those catchments or sub-catchments containing a high proportion of reaches classified to be in poor to very poor condition had significantly reduced seed banks. The influence of water level fluctuations (±15 cm, ±30 cm and ±45 cm) on the growth of four species of emergent macrophytes (Cyperus vaginatus, Phragmites australis, Typha domingensis and Triglochin procerum) were species dependent. These species naturally inhabits different zones across the elevation gradient. C. vaginatus, which has a high elevation preference, was strongly inhibited by increasing water depth and fluctuations in water levels. In contrast, species with an intermediate elevation preference, such as Phragmites australis and Typha domingensis, were more tolerant to both depth and water level fluctuations. However, the biomass and relative growth rate (RGR) of T. domingensis and P. australis were depressed when grown under the combination of deep elevation and a highly fluctuating water level (±45 cm). Between the static and ±45 cm amplitude treatments, growth of T. domingensis was inhibited by 52%. The growth of P. australis appeared to be enhanced by fluctuating water levels and only showed a severe drop-off in growth in the deep elevation, ±45 cm amplitude treatment. In C. vaginatus the RGR was dependent of the average emergent surface area (and the implied rate of carbon acquisition)(p<0.0001; r2=0.7196; F=87.276; n=36; RGR (mg g-1 day-1) = -5.096 + 4.313 × ln (Average emergent surface area (cm2)), but this was not the case in P. australis and T. domingensis (p>0.05) even when the photosynthetic canopy was partially inundated by rising water levels. Yet these two species demonstrated different growth rates when grown under different water regime amplitudes and at different elevations. Growth of T. procerum did not respond to either amplitude or elevation, but its RGR remained negative. This suggests that another factor(s) was limiting the growth of P. australis, T. domingensis and possibly T. procerum, a factor that varies with water level. Cyperus gymnocaulos had significantly increased plant performance (p <.0001) with increased nutrient loading rates but this effect was significantly reduced under a fluctuating water regime (p =0.0007). Remarkably, under a fluctuating regime, P. australis had a significant reduction in performance with increased nutrient loading rates (p =0.0013), whereas T. domingensis performance was significantly limited (p =0.034) even with increased nutrient loading rates. T. procerum too had increased plant performance with increased nutrient loading rates but this effect was reduced under a fluctuating regime. The morphological response by T. procerum demonstrates that it is mainly limited by the nutrient loading rates and not the water regime. However, it was significantly limited/reduced by its increased turnover rates caused by a stochastic fluctuating water regime. Illustrating that in fact the effects of nutrient enrichment on T. procerum were independent of water regime but bearing in mind that water regime is the primary factor determining the productivity of this species. For those species with higher elevation preferences, e.g. C. gymnocaulos, or low elevation preference, e.g. T. procerum, the effects of nutrient loading are independent of water regime, whereas those species with an intermediate elevation preference, e.g. P. australis and T. domingensis the effects of nutrient loading are largely dependent on the water regime. Amphipoda and Trichoptera selectively fed on succulent semi-emergent macrophytes across sites of average to excellent ecological condition (31-64% to 65-97% of diet), depending on availability. These semi-emergent macrophytes contained the lowest C:N ratio (≈10:1), closest to that of their consumers (≈5:1) and therefore the highest nutritional content. In degraded riverine reaches, there were limited food resources available, hence course particulate organic matter (CPOM) formed the main dietary components of Amphipoda (20-53% of diet) even though it had the highest C:N ratio (≈40:1). At site VP. 1, filamentous algae was the main dietary component of Trichoptera (48-64% of diet) due to its availability and its low C:N ratio (≈14:1) in comparison to the other primary sources available. The imbalanced consumer-resource nutrient ratios in these degraded riverine reaches are likely to impose constraints on the growth and reproduction of their aquatic shredder communities with probable knock-on effects at higher trophic levels. The installation of environmental flows to restore and promote aquatic/riparian plant communities, which in turn would benefit higher trophic organisms, is a viable and realistic management option along selected reaches. Those selected reaches contain a significant aquatic/riparian seed bank and with sufficient physical habitat remaining to promote their germination and establishment. However, the imposition of environmental flows as a control measure to prevent the colonisation and dominance of particular species (T. domingensis and P. australis) was deemed to be redundant as a management technique given the limited water resources available.
Thesis (Ph.D.) -- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2007

The work presented in this thesis aimed to do the following : 1. investigate the cause of decline of the three Melithreptus species of the Mt Lofty Ranges, with a particular emphasis on M. gularis due to its critical status in the ranges ; 2. investigate the ecology and behaviour of sympatric M. brevirostris and M. lunatus populations in the Mt Lofty Ranges ; and 3. suggest management options for the three species. Further, it became clear through the course of the project that an understanding of the decline in Melithreptus required : 1. comparisons with other honeyeater species, particularly widespread and abundant honeyeater species. Three species of Melithreptus occur in the Mt Lofty Ranges : Brown - headed Honeyeater Melithreptus brevirostris ; White - naped Honeyeater Melithreptus lunatus ; and Black - chinned Honeyeater Melithreptus gularis. Since at least the 1970 ' s all three species have been in decline within the ranges. One species has been reduced in both abundance and distribution within the region ( M. gularis ), while the other two are now recognised as having reduced in abundance. Melithreptus species in the Mt Lofty Ranges are sympatric with strikingly similar ecology. Melithreptus gularis is the largest of the three, while M. brevirostris and M. lunatus are almost identical in weight, feeding behaviour and morphology. Despite their similarities no studies have closely examined their ecology in sympatry and no studies have examined possible causes of their decline. Interspecific competition is thought to be important in the organisation of honeyeater communities. Studies of nectarivore communities suggest a number of ways in which competition causes the component species to partition resources : size ; beak length ; habitat ; and behaviour, which includes a mix of social and feeding strategies. Due to its role in honeyeater community organisation, changed level of interspecific competition has been highlighted as a possible cause of decline in some honeyeater species in the woodlands of southern Australia. Both interference competition and exploitative competition have been highlighted in various situations ( Ford et al. 2001 ). Given the hypothesised role of interspecific competition in the decline of honeyeater species and the declining status of all the Melithreptus in the Mt Lofty Ranges the genus appeared to provide a good basis for examining the hypothesis that interspecific competition is contributing to the decline of some honeyeater species through exclusion from resources and / or reduction in resources available. ( Ford et al. 2001 ) give the following as potential tests for their interspecific competition hypothesis : 1. examine community structure for ' forbidden combinations ' ( pairs of species that rarely occur together ) ; 2. compare time spent in interspecific competition ( interference ), and foraging in fragmented and continuous habitat ; 3. measure seasonal and spatial patterns of resource abundance and depletion ; and 4. remove competitors and observe response in abundance and behaviour of other species. These suggestions form the basis for much of the work presented in this thesis. An initial survey examined not only community structure for forbidden combinations, but also investigated other possible causes of decline, based on literature for both declining woodland birds and Melithreptus. Besides interspecific competition, other possible causes included insufficient preferred habitat, insufficient food resources and landscape fragmentation. Repeated counts of honeyeaters at 90 sites of one hectare in the Mt Lofty Ranges were undertaken over a one year period. Melithreptus lunatus was found to be more abundant where certain eucalypt species occurred ( particularly E. viminalis ), although this was postulated to be a reflection of productive soils. Melithreptus brevirostris was found to be more abundant where Phylidonyris novaehollandiae ( New Holland Honeyeater ) was most abundant, despite P. novaehollandiae also being the most widespread and abundant honeyeater in the Mt Lofty Ranges. Thus, the survey work did not find forbidden combinations of honeyeaters. However , the scale at which the survey work was undertaken ( sites of 1ha ) may have masked any competition between species due to spatial heterogeneity. At the scale of one hectare there is likely to be areas of resource not used by other honeyeaters, allowing Melithreptus to avoid feeding territories of aggressive honeyeaters. Therefore, in order to more thoroughly investigate competition between P. novaehollandiae and Melithreptus, a removal experiment with finer resolution than 1ha was carried out. This demonstrated that P. novaehollandiae do prevent M. lunatus from using certain areas of the landscape. A final examination of interactions between Melithreptus and widespread and abundant honeyeaters was carried out in the form of a survey in which individual trees were watched and visits by honeyeater species timed. Based on observations of Melithreptus, it appeared that generally M. brevirostris groups used a swamping strategy to access defended resources, whereas M. lunatus moved quietly, often as individuals or pairs. Thus the two species were hypothesised to use two different behavioural strategies to access defended resources, termed stealth ( the use of secretive behaviour to access resources that are being protected ) and swamping ( the use of a combined direct approach by a number of individuals to access resources that are being protected ). Based on estimations of the standardised protection of resources for individual trees, M. lunatus were able to access defended resources for longer, while M. brevirostris were able to access better defended resources but for a shorter time. These results were consistent with the hypothesis of two different behavioural strategies for accessing defended resources. Both species may employ both strategies, but M. brevirostris more often use swamping, and M. lunatus more often use stealth. Investigating the morphology of the small honeyeaters of the Mt Lofty Ranges confirmed that size and beak length were important in discriminating between most species. However, these did not provide any basis for separating the Melithreptus. Closer examination of morphology between M. brevirostris and the M. lunatus sexes revealed further similarities to those previously documented. The average values for many morphological attributes of M. brevirostris fell between the average value for the M. lunatus sexes, suggesting that ecologically the three species / sexes formed a continuum. The M. lunatus sexes and M. brevirostris were then referred to as the small Melithreptus guild ( it was not possible to sex M. brevirostris based on the range of attributes measured ). The greatest differences between the small Melithreptus guild were found in wing length and leg morphology. The direction of the differences suggested that M. brevirostris would be more similar to female M. lunatus in movements and more similar to male M. lunatus in foraging behaviour. These two aspects of Melithreptus ecology were the subject of the last and most extensive phase of the project. Movements were investigated for Melithreptus at four sites in the Mt Lofty Ranges using radio - telemetry techniques. Melithreptus were found to use large areas of the landscape and to have large core areas of activity within their home range. Using the same methods confirmed that Melithreptus had larger home ranges ( mean 100 % minimum convex polygon 23 hectares ) than P. novaehollandiae ( mean 100 % MCP 5 hectares ), and larger home ranges than those reported in the literature for other honeyeater species. Data on a single M. gularis ( 100 % MCP 140 hectares ) suggest that this species has even larger home range requirements. Information from colour - banded birds suggests that most M. brevirostris and male M. lunatus had stable core areas of activity over the period of this study, while female M. lunatus were less likely to have stable core areas of activity, particularly during the non - breeding season. A trend in home range and movement data was consistent with the hypothesis that M. brevirostris was more similar to female M. lunatus than to male M. lunatus. Behaviour of Melithreptus and P. novaehollandiae were investigated using time budget techniques. Melithreptus were found to spend most of their day foraging ( up to 84 % ), very little time resting ( as little as 1.8 % ) and very little time in aggression ( as little as 0.6 % ). These values are each within the outer range of results published on other honeyeaters. Melithreptus gularis behaviour was very similar to both M. brevirostris and M. lunatus. Melithreptus appear to forage predominantly from poor quality resources, requiring a large proportion of their time allocated to foraging. The small proportion of time spent resting is probably a result of the time spent foraging. The small proportion of time spent in aggression is partly the result of a lack of aggression by Melithreptus, but is also potentially due to their knowledge of aggression levels within their home range and their use of stealth and swamping. Melithreptus are likely to avoid the most highly protected ( and therefore the most productive ) areas within their home ranges. A trend in behavioural data was consistent with the hypothesis that M. brevirostris was more similar to male M. lunatus than to female M. lunatus. Based on the data collected in this study, Melithreptus in the Mt Lofty Ranges are characterised by : relatively large home range size with core areas that are used over extended periods of time ; similar foraging behaviour and morphology ; lack of aggression ; and ( probably ( complex social behaviour. Their decline in the Mt Lofty Ranges can be attributed to the preferential clearance of their preferred habitat, their requirement for a large home range and their predominant use of poor quality resources, particularly in comparison to other, locally successful honeyeaters. The final aim of this work on Melithreptus honeyeaters in the Mt Lofty Ranges was to provide options for managing remaining Melithreptus populations, in particular M. gularis which according to informed observers is now critically endangered in the region. Due to the extent of habitat clearance in the Mt Lofty Ranges, the decline of Melithreptus will only be addressed in the long term through large scale revegetation projects. Melithreptus requirements in any large scale revegetation are most likely to be met by providing a range of eucalypt species. In the short to medium term, management actions may be needed to prevent the loss of M. gularis from the region. Given the findings of this study, there are few such options available. The management of woody weeds in known Melithreptus home ranges is suggested as one possible management strategy. Melithreptus rarely use a shrub layer for foraging, shelter or nesting, whereas P. novaehollandiae use a shrub layer for each of these activities. Thus, where grassy woodlands have been invaded by woody weeds, P. novaehollandiae potentially have an increased year round presence.
Thesis (Ph.D.)--School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2005.

The work presented in this thesis aimed to do the following : 1. investigate the cause of decline of the three Melithreptus species of the Mt Lofty Ranges, with a particular emphasis on M. gularis due to its critical status in the ranges ; 2. investigate the ecology and behaviour of sympatric M. brevirostris and M. lunatus populations in the Mt Lofty Ranges ; and 3. suggest management options for the three species. Further, it became clear through the course of the project that an understanding of the decline in Melithreptus required : 1. comparisons with other honeyeater species, particularly widespread and abundant honeyeater species. Three species of Melithreptus occur in the Mt Lofty Ranges : Brown - headed Honeyeater Melithreptus brevirostris ; White - naped Honeyeater Melithreptus lunatus ; and Black - chinned Honeyeater Melithreptus gularis. Since at least the 1970 ' s all three species have been in decline within the ranges. One species has been reduced in both abundance and distribution within the region ( M. gularis ), while the other two are now recognised as having reduced in abundance. Melithreptus species in the Mt Lofty Ranges are sympatric with strikingly similar ecology. Melithreptus gularis is the largest of the three, while M. brevirostris and M. lunatus are almost identical in weight, feeding behaviour and morphology. Despite their similarities no studies have closely examined their ecology in sympatry and no studies have examined possible causes of their decline. Interspecific competition is thought to be important in the organisation of honeyeater communities. Studies of nectarivore communities suggest a number of ways in which competition causes the component species to partition resources : size ; beak length ; habitat ; and behaviour, which includes a mix of social and feeding strategies. Due to its role in honeyeater community organisation, changed level of interspecific competition has been highlighted as a possible cause of decline in some honeyeater species in the woodlands of southern Australia. Both interference competition and exploitative competition have been highlighted in various situations ( Ford et al. 2001 ). Given the hypothesised role of interspecific competition in the decline of honeyeater species and the declining status of all the Melithreptus in the Mt Lofty Ranges the genus appeared to provide a good basis for examining the hypothesis that interspecific competition is contributing to the decline of some honeyeater species through exclusion from resources and / or reduction in resources available. ( Ford et al. 2001 ) give the following as potential tests for their interspecific competition hypothesis : 1. examine community structure for ' forbidden combinations ' ( pairs of species that rarely occur together ) ; 2. compare time spent in interspecific competition ( interference ), and foraging in fragmented and continuous habitat ; 3. measure seasonal and spatial patterns of resource abundance and depletion ; and 4. remove competitors and observe response in abundance and behaviour of other species. These suggestions form the basis for much of the work presented in this thesis. An initial survey examined not only community structure for forbidden combinations, but also investigated other possible causes of decline, based on literature for both declining woodland birds and Melithreptus. Besides interspecific competition, other possible causes included insufficient preferred habitat, insufficient food resources and landscape fragmentation. Repeated counts of honeyeaters at 90 sites of one hectare in the Mt Lofty Ranges were undertaken over a one year period. Melithreptus lunatus was found to be more abundant where certain eucalypt species occurred ( particularly E. viminalis ), although this was postulated to be a reflection of productive soils. Melithreptus brevirostris was found to be more abundant where Phylidonyris novaehollandiae ( New Holland Honeyeater ) was most abundant, despite P. novaehollandiae also being the most widespread and abundant honeyeater in the Mt Lofty Ranges. Thus, the survey work did not find forbidden combinations of honeyeaters. However , the scale at which the survey work was undertaken ( sites of 1ha ) may have masked any competition between species due to spatial heterogeneity. At the scale of one hectare there is likely to be areas of resource not used by other honeyeaters, allowing Melithreptus to avoid feeding territories of aggressive honeyeaters. Therefore, in order to more thoroughly investigate competition between P. novaehollandiae and Melithreptus, a removal experiment with finer resolution than 1ha was carried out. This demonstrated that P. novaehollandiae do prevent M. lunatus from using certain areas of the landscape. A final examination of interactions between Melithreptus and widespread and abundant honeyeaters was carried out in the form of a survey in which individual trees were watched and visits by honeyeater species timed. Based on observations of Melithreptus, it appeared that generally M. brevirostris groups used a swamping strategy to access defended resources, whereas M. lunatus moved quietly, often as individuals or pairs. Thus the two species were hypothesised to use two different behavioural strategies to access defended resources, termed stealth ( the use of secretive behaviour to access resources that are being protected ) and swamping ( the use of a combined direct approach by a number of individuals to access resources that are being protected ). Based on estimations of the standardised protection of resources for individual trees, M. lunatus were able to access defended resources for longer, while M. brevirostris were able to access better defended resources but for a shorter time. These results were consistent with the hypothesis of two different behavioural strategies for accessing defended resources. Both species may employ both strategies, but M. brevirostris more often use swamping, and M. lunatus more often use stealth. Investigating the morphology of the small honeyeaters of the Mt Lofty Ranges confirmed that size and beak length were important in discriminating between most species. However, these did not provide any basis for separating the Melithreptus. Closer examination of morphology between M. brevirostris and the M. lunatus sexes revealed further similarities to those previously documented. The average values for many morphological attributes of M. brevirostris fell between the average value for the M. lunatus sexes, suggesting that ecologically the three species / sexes formed a continuum. The M. lunatus sexes and M. brevirostris were then referred to as the small Melithreptus guild ( it was not possible to sex M. brevirostris based on the range of attributes measured ). The greatest differences between the small Melithreptus guild were found in wing length and leg morphology. The direction of the differences suggested that M. brevirostris would be more similar to female M. lunatus in movements and more similar to male M. lunatus in foraging behaviour. These two aspects of Melithreptus ecology were the subject of the last and most extensive phase of the project. Movements were investigated for Melithreptus at four sites in the Mt Lofty Ranges using radio - telemetry techniques. Melithreptus were found to use large areas of the landscape and to have large core areas of activity within their home range. Using the same methods confirmed that Melithreptus had larger home ranges ( mean 100 % minimum convex polygon 23 hectares ) than P. novaehollandiae ( mean 100 % MCP 5 hectares ), and larger home ranges than those reported in the literature for other honeyeater species. Data on a single M. gularis ( 100 % MCP 140 hectares ) suggest that this species has even larger home range requirements. Information from colour - banded birds suggests that most M. brevirostris and male M. lunatus had stable core areas of activity over the period of this study, while female M. lunatus were less likely to have stable core areas of activity, particularly during the non - breeding season. A trend in home range and movement data was consistent with the hypothesis that M. brevirostris was more similar to female M. lunatus than to male M. lunatus. Behaviour of Melithreptus and P. novaehollandiae were investigated using time budget techniques. Melithreptus were found to spend most of their day foraging ( up to 84 % ), very little time resting ( as little as 1.8 % ) and very little time in aggression ( as little as 0.6 % ). These values are each within the outer range of results published on other honeyeaters. Melithreptus gularis behaviour was very similar to both M. brevirostris and M. lunatus. Melithreptus appear to forage predominantly from poor quality resources, requiring a large proportion of their time allocated to foraging. The small proportion of time spent resting is probably a result of the time spent foraging. The small proportion of time spent in aggression is partly the result of a lack of aggression by Melithreptus, but is also potentially due to their knowledge of aggression levels within their home range and their use of stealth and swamping. Melithreptus are likely to avoid the most highly protected ( and therefore the most productive ) areas within their home ranges. A trend in behavioural data was consistent with the hypothesis that M. brevirostris was more similar to male M. lunatus than to female M. lunatus. Based on the data collected in this study, Melithreptus in the Mt Lofty Ranges are characterised by : relatively large home range size with core areas that are used over extended periods of time ; similar foraging behaviour and morphology ; lack of aggression ; and ( probably ( complex social behaviour. Their decline in the Mt Lofty Ranges can be attributed to the preferential clearance of their preferred habitat, their requirement for a large home range and their predominant use of poor quality resources, particularly in comparison to other, locally successful honeyeaters. The final aim of this work on Melithreptus honeyeaters in the Mt Lofty Ranges was to provide options for managing remaining Melithreptus populations, in particular M. gularis which according to informed observers is now critically endangered in the region. Due to the extent of habitat clearance in the Mt Lofty Ranges, the decline of Melithreptus will only be addressed in the long term through large scale revegetation projects. Melithreptus requirements in any large scale revegetation are most likely to be met by providing a range of eucalypt species. In the short to medium term, management actions may be needed to prevent the loss of M. gularis from the region. Given the findings of this study, there are few such options available. The management of woody weeds in known Melithreptus home ranges is suggested as one possible management strategy. Melithreptus rarely use a shrub layer for foraging, shelter or nesting, whereas P. novaehollandiae use a shrub layer for each of these activities. Thus, where grassy woodlands have been invaded by woody weeds, P. novaehollandiae potentially have an increased year round presence.
Thesis (Ph.D.)--School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2005.

Drip irrigation is the most common method of water application used in Australian vineyards. However it places physical and chemical stress upon soil structure, which may affect soil physical properties, soil water availability and grapevine functioning. Common soil types within Australian vineyards appear vulnerable to soil degradation and there is emerging evidence of such degradation occurring. Two South Australian vineyards (one located at Nuriootpa in the Barossa Valley, the other in the McLaren Vale winegrowing region) were used to examine evidence of altered soil physical properties due to irrigation. Significantly higher soil strength and lower permeability was found under or near the dripper in irrigated soils. There was also evidence that irrigation increased subsoil bulk density at Nuriootpa. It was uncertain how irrigation caused these changes. While sodicity was present at Nuriootpa, it appeared the physical pressures exerted by irrigation, such as rapid wetting and prolonged wetness, also contributed. To gauge the severity of the degradation at Nuriootpa, a modelling study assessed the impact of higher soil strength and salinity on grapevine transpiration. The SWAP model (Soil- Water-Atmosphere-Plant) was modified and then calibrated using soil moisture data from Nuriootpa. Simulations were conducted for different irrigation regimes and the model output indicated that degradation led to a reduction in cumulative transpiration, which was almost entirely due to higher soil strength. However the reduction was relatively minor and there was evidence of water extraction by roots in all soil layers. Hence the degradation, in terms of higher soil strength and salinity, was not considered a significant management problem in the short - term. Evidence of increased waterlogging and its consequences require further investigation. Roots were observed in soils at Nuriootpa with penetration resistance (PR) much greater than 2 MPa, which was thought to completely impede grapevine root growth. It was hypothesised that roots avoided the physically hostile matrix by using biopores or structural cracks. A pot experiment tested this hypothesis and examined the relationship between soil strength, biopores and root growth for grapevines. Grapevine rootlings (cv. Cabernet Sauvignon) were grown into pots with varying degrees of soil compaction, with and without artificial biopores. No root growth occurred when PR>2 MPa unless biopores were present. Pores also improved root growth in non-compacted soil when PR approached 1 MPa, which suggested biopores influence root growth in soils regardless of compaction levels. Therefore PR should not be the only tool used to examine the rooting-potential of a vineyard soil. An assessment of soil structure, such as biopore density and size, should be incorporated. In drip-irrigated vineyards, there is a possibility that degraded clayey subsoils could be ameliorated by manipulating zones of soil drying. At distances away from the dripper, drying events could generate shrinkage cracks that improve drainage and provide opportunities for root growth. From a practical perspective, drying events could be manipulated by moving the dripper laterally or by changing the irrigation frequency and intensity. The potential of this simple, non-invasive, ameliorative approach was investigated. Large, intact cores were sampled from Nuriootpa subsoil where degradation had been identified. Individual core bulk density was calculated using a formula that was derived by solving two common soil physics equations simultaneously. This proved to be an accurate and non - invasive method. Half the cores were leached with a calcium solution, and the saturated hydraulic conductivity (K [subscript s] ) was measured on all cores before and after drying to a matric potential of -1500 kPa. Soil drying led to a significant increase in K [subscript s], which indicated an improvement in structure through the creation of shrinkage cracks and heaving. Calcium treatment had no impact on K [subscript s], but that could change with more wetting and drying cycles. Results indicated the need for further investigation in the field, where different compressive and tensile forces operate. Harnessing this mechanism may provide an attractive soil management option for growers. The soil physical degradation identified is concerning for sustainable production in irrigated vineyards. Given the sites were representative of typical irrigation practices, such degradation may be widespread. While modelling suggested the impact of higher soil strength and salinity was minimal, these properties should be monitored because they may worsen with continuing irrigation. Furthermore, the impact of irrigation on subsoil permeability needs to be defined more accurately. An increased incidence of waterlogging could significantly restrict production, which was evident when overly wet growing seasons were modelled. If subsoil permeability was found to be significantly lower in irrigated soils, amelioration may be required. In this instance, the use of drying events to generate structure provides an option. Ultimately, the impact of drip irrigation on soil physical quality warrants further attention, and it is imperative to monitor the physical quality of vineyard soils to ensure sustainable production.
Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2007.

"August 2002"
Bibliography: leaves 230-254.
[11], 254 leaves : ill. (some col.), plates (some col.) ; 30 cm.
Field sites and soils from cropping studies in the mid-north of South Australia were used to address questions of soil responses to lime and the influence of acidifying inputs. The study showed that LMWOAs associated with different stubbles can help to ameliorate toxicity through complexation with A1.
Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Agronomy and Farming Systems, 2002

Bibliography: leaves 67-72.
ix, 72 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm.
The main objective of this research project was to study the environmental fate and mobility of two herbicides registered for use in Australian viticulture, namely norflurazon and haloxyfop-R methyl ester.
Thesis (M.App. Sc.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Environmental Science and Management, 2000

"September 2001"
Bibliography: leaves 144-159.
xix, 159 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm.
Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library.
The two main aims of this study were: 1) to determine if the presence of Calcium carbonate in soil was the reason behind soils from Yorke Peninsula having relatively high OC (organic carbon) contents, given local farming practices, and 2) to determine the effect that the composition of the soils' OC has on the mineralisation rates.
Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Agronomy and Farming Systems, 2002