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Dryland Tussock Communities

Semi-arid Dwarf Grasslands
Select from: Identification

Habitat

Other spp. present

Vegetation history

Management options

Goal: Encourage the invasion of native woody plants.

Where intensive active management to maintain dwarf grasslands "as is" is not feasible, conversion to native woody plants is considered a desirable option.

NOTE: This goal will be easiest to achieve in moist microsites of dryland environments e.g. gullies, shady slopes and rocky talus slopes

MANAGEMENT GUIDELINE:

No grazing; fence (Once shrubland has become established, periodic light grazing may help to control competitive exotic grasses)
No burning
Establish a buffer zone to protect the area from the management impacts of neighbouring grasslands (e.g. seed drift from AOSTD; fire risk etc).
Apply seed of native woody species where the natural seedbank in the soil appears to be deficient in desired species. Collect the seed locally- within the Ecological District if possible. Possible species: Carmichaelia sp., Pimelia sp., Leucopogon suaveolens, Corallospartium sp., and matagouri (Discaria toumatou).
Weed control
Weeds which can potentially overtop native vegetation (e.g. wilding pines, gorse) are considered by ecologists to be the highest priority for control. However, the role of exotic woody weeds as nurse crops is not well understood. for more information on weed control
Pest control
Animal control will be essential in most areas. However, some communities e.g. kanuka shrubland found in semi-arid areas, appear to benefit from some rabbit grazing which removes the competitive grasses.
Monitor the area to determine the vegetation condition and composition resulting from passive management; status of weed and animal pest populations.

Background
Information

This goal is generally not compatible with managing an area for pastoral use. Stock access will become increasingly difficult, with less fodder available for stock grazing as shrubby plants become dominant.

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