The effective management of soils and pastures is fundamental to the productivity of the agricultural industry and the health of the environment. Soil health, pasture quality and erosion affect grazing and crop production, vegetative cover and the quality of groundwater and water run-off into watercourses.
Soil and pasture degradation can be caused by overgrazing, over cropping and compaction from livestock or machinery, particularly in waterlogged areas and minor watercourses. Valuable farming land can also be lost through erosion, when wind and water removes topsoil and wears away land. While erosion is a natural process, it can be hastened by fire, drought, flood, overgrazing and loss of vegetation cover. Sound land management practices can combat erosion and improve soil and pasture quality.
Soil and pastures should be managed in a sustainable way that reflects the carrying capacity of the soil, land class, water resources and maintenance of ground cover.
excluding livestock from seasonally waterlogged areas.
Paul Neighbour owns a 400 ha property at Back Valley on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Watch this video to see how Paul plans for the property, the steps he takes to manage his cattle and pastures and also what he is doing to help protect the bushland and creeks on his property.
Sometimes referred to as 'nature's architects', dung beetles are a desirable part of a healthy landscape and can significantly improve your overall soil health. Learn about establishing dung beetles and managing threats to their wellbeing - the resources on this page, including videos, will help you.
Erosion can impact greatly on land production and the environment. Areas prone to erosion should be managed differently.
considering revegetation or farm forestry using native species for areas of erosion.
Erosion can impact greatly on land production and the environment. This erosion control case study is on a farm located near Yankalilla on the Fleurieu Peninsula.