Effect of fire upon weed seeds in the wet Sclerophyll forests of Northern New South Wales
Abstract
<jats:p>The abundance, dry weight, and species of weeds found in the wet sclerophyll
forests of northern New South Wales were determined by whether fire or tractor was
used in seed bed preparation. Acacia, Dodonaea, and Kennedia whose seeds were
stored in the ground were regarded as the most serious weeds and were germinated in
great numbers by fire. The maximum depth of emergence and soil temperature range
for increased germination of each of the three species was determined. Acacia was
restricted by prolonged soil heating, whereas Kennedia produced maximum germination
but was reduced under light flash fires. Intensity and duration of fire was therefore found
to influence the abundance of such weed species, and could be used to some extent in
their manipulation.</jats:p>