Synergies in dryland science: the importance of cross-continental linkages

in Deniliquin, New South Wales.Walt joined our research team at a site in the semi-arid woodlands about 40 km northwest of Louth, NSW.Walt proposed studies to show that termite activities enhanced the ecosystem functionality of these woodlands.As described in two case studies, we confirmed this hypothesis.Termite activities functioned to increase water infiltration, soil fertility, and herbage biomass and diversity within two common features found in these woodlands, mulga log mounds and mulga tree groves, creating fertile patches.Walt returned for a shorter visit in 1990 and encouraged further studies in Australia and elsewhere to confirm that termite-mediated processes enhanced functionality beyond fine-scale patch effects to local watersheds.