You are here: Tussock Grasslands MIS  Site Contents Saline communities  Bibliography Habitat Other spp. present Vegetation history Background management information |
|
|
References on Saline Soil Communities
- The Patearoa site consists of soils of relatively low pH and low conductivity on terraces and fans and soils of relatively high pH and conductivity on low-lying land.
- Uncommon native species in both habitats reflect the relatively undisturbed nature of the site.
- The Patearoa site does not have soils suitable for the establishment of populations of the rare plant Lepidium kirkii.
- L. sisymbrioides ssp. subsp. matau from Galloway should not be planted at Patearoa as it would probably hybridise with L. sisymbrioidesssp. sisymbrioides (already present).
- Irrigation, greater grazing pressure, cultivation, oversowing and topdressing at Patearoa, would encourage the establishment and growth of introduced pasture species at the expense of native biota and should be avoided.
Allen, R.B. and McIntosh, P.D. 1994. Soils and plant communities and their management, Pisa Flats, Central Otago. Landcare Research Contract Report LC 9294/131. Dept of Conservation commissioned Lndcare Research to carry out research into the patterns of vegetation distribution with respect to soil properties at Psa Flats, near Cromwell, Central Otago, and to make management recommendations. 6 plant communities were recognised, distributed across 8 landscape units adn 7 soil types. One plant community with 3 variants was restricted to areas with surface horizons that were salt-free to moderately salty and had a pH in the range of 5.7 to 7.1. The remaining 5 communities occupied acid, salt-free soils, and contained indigenous species with very restricted distribution in Central otago.Myosotis uniflora, lepidium sisymbrioides subsp. sisymbrioides, and undescribed Galium, Craspedia and Leptinella species. The Pisa Flats site comprises 2 terraces on the west side of Lake Dunstan. Moderately acid soils of low conductivity cover most of the terrace treads and slopes, and soils of relatively high pH and condcuctivity occur on the western part of the lower terrace, near the foot of the upper terrace. The vegetation contains a relatively large flora including small indigenous and exotic grasses and herbs, with several species of restricted distribution, mostly confined to Typic immature Semiarid soils with acid and brown subsoils on site that are inferred to ahve been stable for many thousands of years. Contrasting soils with alkaline properties and moderate conductivity, having halophytic plant cover, occur nearby. The Pisa Flats does not have as great a pH or salinity range as the Patearoa site previous,y described. It does not have soils suitable for the establishment of Lepidium kirkii, and although it has habitat suitable for L. sisymbrioides subsp. matau , this habitat already contains the closely related l.s. subsp sysimbrioides
matau would probably lead to hybridisation negating the objective of taxom conservation. The presence of acid brown pahses of Typic immature Semiarid Soils is unusual for lowland Cnetral Otago, adn the range of soil types and vegetation, including undescribed species and species with retricted distribution in such a small area, is remarkable. ALthough such a range may have once been typcial of terrace landscapes in Central Otago, it is now very rare. If conservation values of the site are to be maintained, grazing of sheep only at historical (low) levels is advised. We suggest that with agreement with the landholder, grazing by other domestic stock, culivation, irrigation, oversowing and fertilsier application should be avoided. To determine the dffect of terminating grazing, monitroing of vegetaiton change on existin transects ad exclosures is recommended. Recommendations- Negotiate with landowner for site purchase
- Maintenance of present low stocking rates
- No grazing by cattle or goats
- No cultivation, irrigation or fertiliser application
- Establishment of exclosures and regular monitoring
- Accurate mapping of vegetation using colour air photos
- Site not to be used for Lepidium kirkii or L.sisymbrioides subsp. matau propagation
Allen, R.B. and McIntosh, P.D. 1995. Guidelines for conservation of salt pans in Central Otago. Science for Conservation: 49. Dept of Conservation publication.
The Dept of Conservation requested a summary of the distribution and biophysical characteristics of known Central Otago salt pans, and appraisal of the rarity of habitat and biota represented and the degree of threat of each sites, and site-by-site descriptions and guidelines for conservation management.
Twenty-four salt pan sites are dewscribed and ranked. there are 7 sites of major importance for biological conservation, and a further nine of moderate importance. Some adjustments in management, and monitoring of the results, are required for their protection.
The 7 major sites shold be formally protected. irrigation, cultivation, direct drilling, oversowing, fertiliser application and fire should be avoided. Cattle and vehicles should be excluded, and sheep from areas with seasonally wet soils. The effects of grazing and trampling should be monitored at the Chapman Road and Chatto Creek sites. Agressive exotic pernnial weeds should be eradicated. Plantago coronpus, exotic
Grove, P. 1994. Maniototo Ecological District. A survey report for the Protected Natural Areas Programme. Protected Natural Areas Programme Series No 30.
An inventory of existing information on the floral, faunal and landform values of the Maniototo Ecological District supplemented with some field investigation. Ten Recommended Areas for Protection and 8 Areas of interest are identified. Highlights include the numerous remnant saline soil areas with their unique and rare flora and fauna; extensive wetlands of the meandering upper Taieri River; and the low-altitude fescue tussock and red tussock grassland vegetation of the Manuherikia River valley above Falls Dam.
Grove, P. (Ed.) 1995. Lindis, Pisa and Dunstan Ecological Districts. A survey report for the Protected Natural Areas Programme. Protected Natural Areas Programme Series No 36.
A detailed survey was made of the Lindis, Pisa and Dunstan Ecological Districts' largest, most representative, most natural and most diverse areas of vegetation. 53 Recommended Areas for Protection (RAPs) are identified, which incldue saline soil sites, foerst, shrubland, tusockland, cushinfield, snowbank, and wetland vegetation.
Hewitt, A.E. 1992. New Zealand soil classification. DSIR Land Resources Scientific Report No. 19. DSIR, Lower Hutt, New Zealand.
Johnson, P.N. 1976. Central Otago salt pan vegetation- a proposal for two reserves in the Maniototo Basin. DSIR Botany Division report.
Outlines the botanical values and threats to those values, of sites near Pateoroa and Belmont. Also, an description of other salt patch plants in Otago, and other salt patch vegetation in Otago.
The occurrence of saline soils, often termed salt-pans or alkaki patches, is mainly related to the exposure of salt-bearing sediments of tertiary age. Biological and some physical evidence suggests that these areas have a marine origin although acknowledging that other salt producing agents have been involved since the tertiary, and have significnatly contributed to the survival of the saline soils taxa. Areas of Central Otago with saline soils were found to have a small but distinctive Lepidoptera fauna associated with them. the fauna included a new species in the genus Loxostega (Pyralidae), Paranotoreas fulva (Geometridae) that is restricted to Central Otago and was rediscovered during this study, and two species, Scythris triatma (Scythridae) and Kiwaia thyraula (Gelechiidae) that appear to be typical of salt-pas in parts of Central Otago. The botany of the saline areas is also known to be highly distinctive with at least two species confined to such sites. The origin of the salt-pan flora dn fauna is discussed. The historical and biological importance of these areas is stressed. immediate threats to these remnants of saline soils are listed and representative reserves are proposed. What form future management of these prososed reserves takes is seen as cricual to their survival.
Patrick, B.H. 1989. The Lepidoptera of Central Otago salt-pans. Dept of Conservation, Dunedin.
McIntosh, P.D., Beecroft, F.G. and Patrick, B.H. 1990. Register of saline soil sites in North and Central Otago. Volume 1. Technical Record DN5. Division of Land and Soil Sciences, DSIR.
An inventory of 16 saline soil sites in Central and North Otago, detailing site and soil characteristics, flora and fauna present, and an assessment of its conservation value, and mangement requirements. Sites include Otekaike; Otematata Station *; Otematapaio; Pisa Flats*; Poison Flats; Lindis Crossing; beginning of Nevis Road; Chapman Road; Manorburn, type site, Chapman Road; Springvale junction; Chatto Creek*; Galloway No 1*; Moa Creek; Patearoa saline area*; Belmont salt pans; Wilsons Road; Lindis Pass South; Sutton Lagoon; Sutton Salt Lake*. Sites of high conservation value in terms of their salty characteristics are bolded.
Sites considered to be of high priority for proection are marked by *.
McIntosh, P.D., Beecroft, F.G. and Patrick, B.H. 1992. Register of saline soil sites in North and Central Otago. Volume 2. DSIR Land Resources Technical Record 82. DSIR Land Resources, Dept of Scientific and Industrial Research, Lower Hutt.
An inventory of 11 saline soil sites in Central and North Otago, detailing site and soil characteristics, flora and fauna present, and an assessment of its conservation value, and mangement requirements. * Three sites were considered to be of very high conservation value and require immediate efforts for their conservation:- Rockdale
- Dunard
- Blackmans
- Blackstone No. 2
- Conroys
- Patrick's Place
- Butcher's Dam
- Carlowie No. 1
- Carlowie No.2
- Blackstone No.1
- Whiteface
Raeside, J.D. 1948: The origin of salt pans in Central Otago, The NZ Journal of Science and Technology Evidence is presented explaining the salt pans of Central Otago as having been formed by deflation where vegetation has been killed out by high concentrations of soluble salts.
Rogers, G., Hewitt, A. & Wilson, J.B. (1999) Ecosystem-based conservation strategy for Central Otago's saline patches. Landcare Research Contract Report LC9900/52
An account is given of the vegetation of Flat Top Hill, in the driest part of semi-arid lowland Central Otago, New Zealand. Although highly modified, the area was acquired for conservation in 1992, following almost 150 years of pastoral use. The vegetation was sampled to include the majority of habitats and communities present. Native species comprise 53% of the vascular flora of the area (210 species). Fourteen 'communities' are recognised. Mositure stress is the major environmental influence on the vegetation; soil depth and past disturbance are secondary determinants. the communities differ by a factor of 10 in vascular species richness; the richest communities and those with the greatest native component, are those around rock tors. Many of the communities present have not been reports from other vegetation surveys in Central Otago. Moisture stress at xeric sites in the dry core of the region has excluded some exotic species, adn allowed the survival of the native component, including three tiny ephermeral spring ephemerals. Near elimination of grazing, as a result of reservation, will probably lead to an increase in the cover of taller, palatable exotic species and Thymus vulgaris, which may threaten the survival of some native species. Otpimum management, for the recovery or persistence of native species, may comprise exclusion of grazers in some areas, but continuity of grazing in others.
Walker, S.; Mark, A.F.; Wilson, J.B. 1995. The vegetation of Flat Top Hill: An area of semi-arid grassland/shrubland in Central Otago, New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 19(2): 175-194.