Indices for characterising spatial variability of soil nitrogen semi-arid grasslands of northwestern Australia

Abstract

Within-site heterogeneity of soil N in arid and semi-arid grasslands is often less pronounced than in shrublands and, depending on the index used, can be difficult to detect. We compared biological and chemical indices of soil N from two perennial tussock grasslands of similar soil type in sub-tropical, northwestern Australia. We aimed to add to the minimal information on spatial heterogeneity of soil N in Australian arid environments and to identify indices suited to routine analysis in monitoring and rehabilitation programs in Australia's rangelands. Soils were collected from two sites per grassland type at the end of spring (dry season) from immediately adjacent to tussocks and open areas..