SWATT leaf d13C 

A total of 53 native Australian species (52x C3, 1x C4) were sampled from 22 plant families and 7 growth forms along a transect in WA spanning 9.56 degrees latitude and 6.85 degrees longitude. Samples were collected using the nationally-accepted AusPlots Rangelands methodology. Samples were stored to preserve isotopic signatures and analysed using standard techniques for mass spectroscopy, including internationally-calibrated standards. Technical replicates of 13% showed very low drift (0.07). 

We at TERN acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians throughout Australia, New Zealand and all nations. We honour their profound connections to land, water, biodiversity and culture and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. 

This project was established to investigate the leaf stable carbon isotope response of terrestrial plants to aridity along a bioclimatic gradient known as the South West Australian Transitional Transect (SWATT) in Western Australia. The South West Australian Transitional Transect (SWATT) is an ecological infrastructure initiative developed to measure biodiversity attributes and biophysical processes. The infrastructure informs key ecosystem science questions and assists with the development and validation of ecosystem models. Many of the questions addressed by research programs using the SWATT relate to the impacts of changing climate, land use and management practice on the patterns and processes that influence the distribution of genes, species and communities. Research underpinned by SWATT data is enabling better management and provides evidence to support sustainable development, landscape restoration and increased ecosystem resilience. The program is a collaboration between TERN (Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network) and the Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). 

Data not provided.