Ms Lindy Scott

Qualifications

Scott, L. A., J. M. Facelli. (2007)
Impact of Mineral Exploration on Ecosystem Characters and Mallee Vegetation of Pinkawillinie Conservation Park, South Australia – oral presentation Medecos X1 The International Mediterranean Ecosystems Conference, 2nd – 5th September 2007, Perth, Western Australia

Scott, L. A., J. M. Facelli, S. Carthew. (2005) Impact of Mining Exploration on Ecosystem Characters and Mallee Vegetation of Pinkawillinie Conservation Park, South Australia. – poster presentation Ecological Society of Australia Conference, 28th November – 2nd December 2005, Brisbane, Australia, page 207

Research Interests

Impact of mining exploration on ecosystem characters and mallee vegetation of Pinkawillinie Conservation Park, South Australia

Linear disturbances have a larger effect on ecological systems than their actual extension due to their low interior to edge ratio with a zone of effect radiating outward from the route. Radical changes in the patterns of transport/retention of materials (water, nutrients, litter, seeds) across the landscape are produced. Erosion, water and nutrient redistribution, and invasion by weeds are common consequences. Recent mineral exploration in South Australia has resulted in many kilometres of tracks being cleared in areas of natural vegetation. We studied the impact of linear disturbance in formerly pristine mallee vegetation on sand dunes in central Eyre Peninsula.

This pilot study compared disturbed areas with closely adjacent undisturbed ones. Measurements and samples were taken from four sections along each of three tracks: crest, slope, footslope and swale at the centre, wheel rut, shoulder and undisturbed area. Characters observed were; vegetation composition including seedbank and seed rain; potential of soil for weed invasion; soil surface in terms of litter; soil characteristics including compaction, moisture levels and chemistry and seed predation by ants.

Compaction was higher on the tracks than in undisturbed areas particularly in the wheel rut where no vegetation grew. The most compacted soil held moisture within it, with less moisture as depth increased, while the looser soil was drier. There was significantly more litter in the undisturbed area than on the tracks. The weed invasibility experiments showed a higher potential in the swale and slightly higher on tracks than off. Nutrient, pH, conductivity and ant activity didnâ€^TMt show a discernable pattern.

Changes identified in this preliminary study indicate that this kind of disturbance can redistribute water flow across the landscape and change litter distribution which may alter the structure and function of the ecosystem. Knowledge of these processes is of utmost importance for the restoration of habitats.

Publications

Williams, K., S, Donnellan, C, Smyl, L, Scott, H, Wallwork. (2003) Molecular Variation in Rhynchosporium secalis Isolates Obtained from Hotspots. Australasian Plant Pathology 32, 257 – 262

Williams, K., Bogacki, P., Scott, L., Karakousis, A., H. Wallwork (2001) Mapping of a Gene for Leaf Scald Resistance in Barley Line 'B87/14' and Validation of Microsatellite and RFLP Markers for Marker-assisted Selection. Plant Breeding 120, 301 – 304

H.B.S.Womersley and L.A.Scott (1987) Section: Subgenus Sargassum. In â€^~The Marine Benthic Flora of Southern Australia, Part IIâ€^TM. (H.B.S.Womersley) pp. 440-447. (Govt. Printer: Adelaide).

Entry last updated: Friday, 22 Jul 2011