Agricultural intensification is known to reduce biodiversity values at landscape scales. Many researchers have proposed targets for the retention of native vegetation to maintain a functioning landscape. The geography of the land (slope, aspect, altitude) and land capability (geography plus soil type and availability of water) have determined where investment in agriculture has been directed, i.e. flat sites on fertile soils. In a topographically variable State like Tasmania, with over 40% of its land area in reserves, it is understandable that public perception is that we have ‘enough’ biodiversity. As ecologists we know that communities and species are over or under-represented in the reserve system and in the landscape as a whole. The development of irrigation infrastructure will change land capability assessments as restrictions relating to water availability are addressed. High cost irrigation infrastructure demands high value crops to be grown under irrigation. Wine grapes and cherries are two such crops which are likely to impact on traditional dryland native grazing areas such as hillslopes. This paper discusses how native species and communities may be further fragmented in the future in the context of investment in irrigation development, and what the potential impacts on ecosystem service provision may be.
History
Publication title
EcoTas13 - 5th Joint Conference of New Zealand Ecological Society and Ecological Society of Australia
Department/School
Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA)
Publisher
NZES & ESA
Place of publication
Auckland, New Zealand
Event title
EcoTas13 - 5th Joint Conference of New Zealand Ecological Society and Ecological Society of Australia
Event Venue
Auckland, New Zealand
Date of Event (Start Date)
2013-11-24
Date of Event (End Date)
2013-11-29
Repository Status
Restricted
Socio-economic Objectives
Other environmental management not elsewhere classified