Restoring Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra) to grassland and woodland understoreys: a review of establishment requirements and restoration exercises in south-east Australia

• Published in: Ecological management & restoration 2005-04, Vol.6 (1), p.28-33
• Main Authors: Cole, By Ian, Lunt, Ian D.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Conservation; Ecosystems; establishment; Grasslands; grassy woodland; native grasses; Planting; restoration; Seeds; Themeda triandra; understorey
• ISSN: 1442-7001; 1442-8903
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-8903.2005.00216.x

Summary  Temperate grassy ecosystems are amongst Australia's most endangered ecosystems. Most remnants are small, fragmented and highly degraded. Practical methods for restoring native understorey species are urgently required. Dominant native grasses such as Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra Forssk.) and Tussock‐grasses (Poa species) have been eliminated from many remnants by heavy grazing in the past. The reintroduction of these grasses is a critical step for understorey restoration. This paper (i) reviews the literature on Themeda seed biology and seedling establishment; (ii) summarizes the lessons learnt from three major attempts to establish Themeda stands in south‐east Australia; and (iii) identifies the research needed to enhance Themeda restoration. Considerable information is available on Themeda seed and establishment biology, and restoration exercises have shown that Themeda stands can be readily established by surface‐spreading awned seeds in seed‐bearing hay. However, many practical challenges remain, including the need to identify optimal sowing periods, create better seedbed conditions, develop practical mulching techniques, and improve weed control. The use of seed‐bearing hay has constrained restoration to relatively small areas in the past. Future trials may benefit by using more concentrated seed products such as seed‐bearing florets and pure seeds which permit larger areas to be restored at one time.