Information

Soil erosion measured by Caesium -137 in a semi arid woodland of south western Queensland

Level 1 General description

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to quantify the severity of soil erosion by measuring Caesium 137 in various parts of mulga landscape in western Queensland.

Methods (brief)

Two catchments were subdivided into five classes based upon erosion history and/or vegetation cover, a sixth class was also chosen which reflected areas of low use on flat hilltops with high cover. Within each catchment samples were taken at random within the six cover categories at various soil depths. The samples were tested for particle size, nutrient analysis and 137 Cs activity.

Key findings (brief)

  • Soil loss rates are influenced by surface conditions and cover.
  • Based on the 137Cs profiles the mulga lands of western Queensland have lost approximately 3 centimetres of soil on average in the last 30 years.
  • Perennial grass and mulga areas are experiencing less soil loss than areas invaded by woody weeds.
  • Sheet erosion is causing the greatest soil loss; 5cm in the last 30 years.

 

Location

Western mulga lands in south west Queensland on the ‘Norah Park’ land system near Charleville.

Related studies

N/A

Key references and sources of this data synthesis

These data summaries have been extracted from:

         i.          Miles RL & Campbell BL. 1989. Soil erosion measured by Caesium -137 in a semi arid woodland of south western Queensland. Not yet published.