{"id":3514,"date":"2024-05-16T22:17:33","date_gmt":"2024-05-16T12:17:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/revegetation.org.au\/?page_id=3514"},"modified":"2024-12-19T09:58:14","modified_gmt":"2024-12-18T23:58:14","slug":"deeper-read-the-understorey","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/revegetation.org.au\/?page_id=3514","title":{"rendered":"Deeper Read \u2013 The Understorey"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#9dbf9e&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_font=&#8221;|||on|||||&#8221; header_text_align=&#8221;center&#8221; header_text_color=&#8221;#326622&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\">Deeper Read &#8211; The Understorey<\/h1>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understorey broadly consists of all the plant or vegetation layers under the overstorey or tree layer. When discussing understorey on farms we generally mean shrubs which can be grown and established relatively easily. However, the understorey also includes the ground layer, consisting of grasses, lilies, groundcovers, orchids and a myriad of other plants that make up the natural system. The ground layer is very difficult to recreate. If it has not been lost, we can retain it by fencing to manage grazing, removing invasive weeds or non-local plants, and minimising soil disturbance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_heading title=&#8221;Importance of the Understorey&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">understorey is the layer of greatest biodiversity;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">understorey is vital habitat for native wildlife, for feeding, sheltering, nesting and breeding;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">seeds and propagules lie within the understorey &#8211; the source of future vegetation;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the stability of soils, catchments and natural systems depends on the health of the understorey;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">many understorey plants improve soil fertility by \u2018fixing\u2019 nitrogen (eg. wattles and native pea- flowers);<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">water quality is determined at the understorey layer; and<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the condition of the understorey determines the regeneration of trees.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_heading title=&#8221;Threats to the Understorey&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most rare or endangered plants are part of the understorey. Understorey plants are particularly vulnerable because:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">they are low-growing, and accessible to grazing animals including livestock, rabbits and hares;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">many understorey plants are relatively short- lived, hence requiring continual replacement by soil-stored seed or from suckers. In grazed areas regenerating seedlings are generally eaten, so fail to establish;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">many understorey plants such as nitrogen-fixing wattles and native pea-flowers are nutritious and highly palatable, and hence are selectively grazed;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">many understorey plants are vulnerable to being \u2018crowded out\u2019 by vigorous exotic plants such as Phalaris and Paspalum, which rob low-growing understorey of light, moisture and nutrients, hence suppressing growth and regeneration; and<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">many understorey plants prefer low nutrient soils, and are hence disadvantaged by fertiliser and drainage changes.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_heading title=&#8221;The Understorey on Farms Today&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Today, much of the shrub understorey has disappeared, due to the above factors. Often the only understorey remaining are prickly plants such as Kangaroo Thorn (Acacia paradoxa) and Bursaria (Bursaria species). In areas with only older trees remaining, these shrubs are vital havens for small birds, in particular, that seek refuge from cats, foxes and larger more aggressive birds.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_heading title=&#8221;Bringing Back the Understorey&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suggestions for bringing back the understorey will vary with your site. Refer to the applicable <a href=\"https:\/\/revegetation.org.au\/?page_id=3295\">Local Native Vegetation Profile<\/a> when choosing species for your area.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=&#8221;Relatively \u2018natural\u2019 areas (few weeds)&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; title_level=&#8221;h4&#8243; title_font=&#8221;||||||||&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fence the area to manage grazing and remove invasive non-local or exotic plants. If the understorey does not reappear within a few years from soil-stored seed, replant it from stock grown from seed as close as possible to the site.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=&#8221;Windbreaks and Corridors&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; title_level=&#8221;h4&#8243; title_font=&#8221;||||||||&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plant at least 50 per cent understorey with your trees. Planting 80 per cent understorey will have additional benefits, including providing a \u2018nurse crop\u2019 for slower growing trees, encouraging the return of native wildlife, and improving soil fertility. In sites dominated by exotic or weedy pastures, conditions will probably be unsuitable to re-establish low growing plants under 1 m high \u2014 the more robust wattles may be your only option until the weed layer is reduced.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; fullwidth=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_fullwidth_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/revegetation.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Graphic-for-pages-Cropped.png&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Graphic for pages &#8211; Cropped&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_fullwidth_image][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Deeper Read &#8211; The UnderstoreyUnderstorey broadly consists of all the plant or vegetation layers under the overstorey or tree layer. When discussing understorey on farms we generally mean shrubs which can be grown and established relatively easily. However, the understorey also includes the ground layer, consisting of grasses, lilies, groundcovers, orchids and a myriad of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-3514","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Deeper Read \u2013 The Understorey - Revegetation Guide<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/revegetation.org.au\/?page_id=3514\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Deeper Read \u2013 The Understorey - Revegetation Guide\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Deeper Read - The UnderstoreyUnderstorey broadly consists of all the plant or vegetation layers under the overstorey or tree layer. When discussing understorey on farms we generally mean shrubs which can be grown and established relatively easily. 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