Ecocene

Rapid, low-cost indicators of biodiversity are needed to track large scale restoration projects. Structural complexity from remote sensing is an indicator with potential, as a more complex vegetation structure often reflects higher plant species richness and diversity of habitat. We have been exploring the structural complexity metrics from aerial image and LiDAR data. This includes the Rumple index - a ratio of canopy surface area to ground surface area. While such metrics are an attractive option, some form of on-ground survey is always going to be needed for verification, which is where Astron’s highly skilled field team comes in.

Astron took part in R U OK? Day on Thursday the 14th of September by holding a morning tea in our East Perth office. We got together to highlight the importance of checking in with each other and how to ask those questions to see if they are okay or they are having a hard time.

During our lovely morning tea, which was supplied by multiple staff members to cater for any and all requirements to make everyone feel included and celebrated, we spent some time focusing on how our work at Astron can continue to foster a supportive environment and to show that there is always support for those who might be struggling, whether it be someone in the field or in the office.

R U OK? Day encourages us to start those conversations if we’ve noticed changes in someone, whether it’s a family member, colleague or friend. The hardest step for someone who is battling can be reaching out for help. But when someone asks if they ‘R OK’, it can show that person that they are supported. Even if someone is okay, the knowledge that you are someone safe they can ask in the future can ease those struggles.

FLORA AND VEGETATION – GROUNDWATER DEPENDENT VEGETATION MONITORING, PART 2

One informative method to monitor the water status of groundwater dependent vegetation is to measure leaf water potential or ‘water pressure’, which can be thought of as being similar to measuring ‘blood pressure’ in humans. Leaf water potential describes the average 'demand' for water within the plant and is a leading indicator of water stress.

Leaf water potential is measured on sampled leaves using a Scholander-type pressure chamber. This is a rapid, simple and reliable method that has been used for decades by plant scientists. Predawn measurements of leaf water potential can be used as an indicator of soil water availability and base levels of water stress. Midday measurements are indicative of peak water stress, when evaporative demand, transpiration rates and soil water depletion are at their highest within a day.

If you would like to know more, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Astron’s Earth Observation team.