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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
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