Distribution, nature and threats to soils of the Australian Alps: A review

The Australian Alps contain an assemblage of soil types that is unique on the Australian continent. The above-ground ecosystems of the Australian Alps have received considerable scientific attention but research relating to the nature of its soils has been much more limited. A fuller understanding of the role of soils in these ecosystems is required to inform effective management strategies. This review was undertaken to assess existing research on soils in the Australian Alps. We aimed to summarise our current knowledge of their nature, distribution and characteristics, to examine the services they provide and to assess their vulnerability to the range of threats that exist to the soil resource both local and external. Soils of higher elevations, namely Transitional Alpine Humus Soils, Alpine Humus Soils and upland Peat Soils are particularly important to the ecology, hydrology and potential carbon storage of the region, yet our understanding of the nature, formation and functioning of these soil types remains weak. A series of knowledge gaps and research priorities are identified, relating to basic knowledge needs on the formation, distribution and function of these soils, particularly their microbial populations and the impacts of specific threats (i.e. climate change, grazing, fire, visitors, infrastructure, feral animals and pollution).