SuperSites Data Portal

The objective of the AusPlots-Rangelands program is to establish permanently marked plots throughout the Australian rangeland bioregions where baseline surveys of vegetation and soils can be conducted. AusPlots-Rangelands operate at a continental scale across all Australian rangelands jurisdictions. The description of the physical environment of the plot is based on key concepts in the Australian soil and land survey field handbook (National Committee on Soil and Terrain 2009) and provides the broad physiographic/landscape context for other information collected on the plot. The information recorded is important for baseline descriptions and comparison between plots. AusPlots Rangelands methodology includes the collection of a detailed soil characterisation to 1 m depth. This characterisation is preferably performed in-situ by a pedologist, but can also be performed by field staff. Further analysis is then required by a pedologist. The presence of all perennial and annual plant species and cover, grouped into life form (e.g. annual grasses and forbs) is recorded and vouchered at each plot. Identifications are subject to change and voucher specimens help cross-reference these changes to previous research. They also ensure the currency/longevity of the data collected at sites compared to data collected on vegetation at sites in the absence of vouchering. It is likely that a number of regions sampled will have been poorly sampled in the past and voucher collections will improve distributional data and assist in refining taxonomy. A mobile app (Android tablet) automates data entry in the field, increasing accuracy and reducing data entry workload back in the office. The Point intercept (1,000 points) method is used to quantify vegetation and substrate cover. Data is available on the Australian Ecological Knowledge and Observation System AEKOS Portal (http://www.aekos.org.au/access_portal)