(approximately is particularly susceptible to a variety of soil 700 mm annually) deterioration processes. Soil erosion is a problem that is most prevalent on some of restricts the ability the roads and tracks (section D.7.2) and the of vegetation to loss of soil can have consequences for many quickly natural values of Anglesea Heath. For once example, as Geoff Carr (Ecology Australia) lost. suggests, such as soil erosion ‘disturbances The area’s soils can facilitate weed invasion, as opportunistic and vegetation, in species colonise disturbed sites. In addition, their natural eroded material moving downslope can condition, are change site conditions where it is deposited generally stable. ultimately in drainage lines, causing When soil is smothering of ground cover vegetation, deprived of its altering soil structure, nutrient status, and protective siltation and turbidity of waterways’. (Carr, vegetation cover, it 1995). ANGLESEA HEATH MANAGEMENT PLAN ~ NOVEMBER 2002 27
(approximately 700 mm annually) restricts the ability of vegetation to quickly once lost. The area’s soils and vegetation, in their natural condition, are generally stable. When soil is deprived of its protective vegetation cover, it is particularly susceptible to a variety of soil deterioration processes. Soil erosion is a problem that is most prevalent on some of the roads and tracks (section D.7.2) and the loss of soil can have consequences for many natural values of Anglesea Heath. For example, as Geoff Carr (Ecology Australia) suggests, ‘disturbances such as soil erosion can facilitate weed invasion, as opportunistic species colonise disturbed sites. In addition, eroded material moving downslope can change site conditions where it is deposited ultimately in drainage lines, causing smothering of ground cover vegetation, altering soil structure, nutrient status, and siltation and turbidity of waterways’. (Carr, 1995). ANGLESEA HEATH MANAGEMENT PLAN ~ NOVEMBER 2002 27