Seed Production and Litter Fall in Some Eucalypt Communities in Central Queensland

Abstract

Seed production and litter fall were studied for seven woodland communities, dominated by Eucalyptus spp., in central Queensland. Seed and capsule fall are usually completed between annual flowering periods, for each of the Eucalyptus spp. studied. A pattern of light and heavy seed production is common over different years. Annual seed yields up to 20 kg ha^-1 (or c. 49 million seed ha^-1) were estimated over the varying 1-3-year study periods. Litter fall followed expected trends, ranging from 900 to 2700 kg ha^-1 year^-1, with peak production in the warmer months. These litter yields, coupled with understorey grass production, could provide adequate fuel for a ground fire to occur in most years. The implications of these findings for woodland management under pastoral use are discussed.