Rangeland Richness Data Harmonisation Workshop – Resource Hub

This targeted Rangeland Richness Data Harmonisation Workshop provides an applied introduction to using TERN vegetation plot data that were collected using the AusPlots rangelands survey protocols. The workshop provides a background on data retrieval, preparation and analysis to explore the ecology of Australia’s rangelands.

This workshop highlights the value of using harmonised rangeland vegetation data to answer large-scale environmental questions and support evidence-based management across these vast landscapes.

The workshop materials, video, and supporting code are now available below.

Participants are guided through accessing and preparing TERN’s rangeland vegetation plot data, followed by harmonisation. The workshop demonstrates how to integrate these harmonised field observations with environmental predictors drawn from national climate and soil datasets.

Using a practical case study, participants explore the research question:

“Identify the drivers of plant species richness across Australian rangelands”

The tutorial covers:

• accessing and harmonising rangeland vegetation data
• integrating environmental predictors (climate + soil)
• building statistical models in R to identify key drivers of Rangeland vegetation species richness

Key predictors examined include:

• Meteorological data (mean monthly minimum/maximum temperature, precipitation)
• Soil and Landscape Grid variables (sand/silt/clay composition, pH, available water capacity, nitrogen, phosphorous, organic carbon)

This workshop is suited to those seeking practical skills in environmental data analysis:

• • environmental managers in state, local or federal government
  • ecologists
  • researchers
  • students 

• • • Background to the workshop series and identified end-user requirements
    • Live demonstration of data retrieval and analysis with R
      • Importing the data into R 
      • Analysing EcoPlots data in R
    • Hands-on practise opportunities
    •  Accessing and querying the data through EcoPlots

The workshop video runtime is 37mins 41s.