Buffel grass and fire in a Gidgee and Brigalow woodland: A case study from central Queensland

Butler D.W. and Fairfax R.J. (2003) Buffel grass and fire in a Gidgee and Brigalow woodland: A case study from central Queensland Ecological Management and Restoration 4, 120-125.

This paper explores the relationship between Buffel grass and fire in a remnant Gidgee and Brigalow woodland in Central Queensland. The effects of fire on the plant community structure were significant fifteen months after fire. Burnt areas had about half the basal area of living trees and more than double the cover of Buffel grass and Parthenium weed than found in unburnt areas. This supports the theory that there is a positive feedback between Buffel grass and fire – the increased fuel loads of Buffel grass facilitates further burning, which then allows increased Buffel invasion. The interaction between Buffel grass and fire is therefore an important management target, as fire breaks and fuel reduction techniques can reduce the impact of burning Buffel grass infested woodlands. The long term control of Buffel grass will be necessary to prevent the long term community survival of the Gidgee/Brigalow remnants.