Improved Control Strategies for Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) on Rehabilitated Coal Mine Land

Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit (leucaena) and its complex of hybrids are pantropically introduced woody legumes originating from Mesoamerica. Since first recorded in Australia during the 19th century leucaena has become a persistent problem in disturbed areas such as mine sites, roadsides, and both urban and rural riparian zones across in northern Australia. Altering ecosystems and ecosystem services, thought this project we hope to improve out understanding and ability to control leucaena in both natural ecosystems and rehabilitation sites.

Project objectives:

Improving herbicide control options for leucaena through the identification of effective residual options. 

Determining the effectiveness of fire to control different growth stages (i.e., seedlings, juveniles, and adults) of leucaena, as well as quantifying if it has a detrimental or stimulatory effect on soil seed reserves.

Determining how to maximise the competitiveness of grasses used in mine rehabilitation where livestock grazing is a desired outcome.

Research funding provide by ACARP & Scholarship provided by Queensland Resource Council & Queensland Government through the Coal Minesite Rehabilitation Trust Fund Scholarship