A-ACAP

The Australian Alternative Covers Assessment Program

Plant / Soil Behaviour and Interactions

Jason EllertonGriffith University

Supervisors:Assoc Prof Hossein Ghadiri

Assoc Prof Margaret Greenway Dr Sam Yuen

A-ACAP

Proposed Objectives

• Impact of physical, mechanical and chemical characteristics of the cover materials on:– Plant growth– Root system development– Water uptake

• Establish suitability of selected plants for use on phytocaps– Performance– Survivability (thrive vs survive)– Sustainability (garden vs self sustaining ecosystem)

A-ACAP

Proposed Objectives (cont.)

• Compare root/shoot development across sites– Soil types– Climate variation

• Assess changes in soils due to plant development– Structure– Bulk density– Soil hydraulic properties

• Develop / modify a model to predict system performance– Aid landfill operators

A-ACAP

Locations

Cockburn

McLaren Vale

Lyndhurst

Lismore

Townsville

A-ACAP

Plants and Soils

• Australian natives– Mix of trees, shrubs and grasses– Attempt to mimic natural ecology– Indigenous to location (Lismore)

• Local soils– Sourced locally– No special treatment

A-ACAP

Potential problems

• Harsh climate for young plants– Drought– Wind

• Pests– Weeds– Insects– Rabbits– People

• Rooting depth– Landfill gas

A-ACAP

Summary

• Suitability of Australian plants for the purpose of phytocaps

• Compare root/shoot development across the sites

• Assess changes in soils over time

• Model the system for future use