Variations in vegetation and soil pattern across the Hawkesbury Sandstone plateau from Barren Grounds to Fitzroy Falls, New South Wales

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Abstract
The regional variations of vegetation, soil and rainfall over the Hawkesbury Sandstone plateau from Barren Grounds Nature Reserve to Fitzroy Falls, N.S.W., were described by aerial photo interpretation, field surveys, ordination techniques and trend surface analysis. The results show that on well‐drained middle to upper slopes the regional gradient in mean annual rainfall is the main factor controlling soil morphology, vegetation formation and species composition. Local deviations from the regional patterns result from topographic modifications of the regional climate or variations in soil drainage impedance. Other minor variations in vegetation species composition may be the result of small differences in soil texture or fertility.