KEEN TREE planters have been out and about when possible, making use of the elevated soil moisture levels to get more trees in the ground before growth rates slow with decreasing temperatures. Weed growth has of course kept pace with and frequently exceeded tree growth.
Landholders have also had to contend with slips, surface erosion and everything to do with maintenance tasks. It will be a busy autumn and unfortunately some of us will have to wait to slash the weeds until it’s safe to move tractors on our steep country.
An interesting statistic came to light recently from a trial to monitor soil losses from a bare fallow (without cover) field. The trial was carried out in the Lockyer Valley by Primary Industry and Fisheries and in a mere (by our standards) 30mm rainfall event, the soil loss was a staggering 1.3 tonnes per hectare. The equivalent area with a cover crop recorded no soil loss. Soil can certainly move off bare ground during rainfall events. We all know that, but it’s interesting to have the amount quantified.
Grassed drains and grass buffer strips can filter sediment and minimise its movement. Water will always flow downhill so sometimes we need to be creative with planting in gully lines and allow enough light to encourage grasses and sedges. Their spreading surface root mass can be more effective than trees in holding the soil together and slowing down flow. Every type of vegetation has its place.
With that in mind, don’t forget to visit the Barung Wood Expo over the May long weekend where you can talk to the nursery tent volunteers and many others who can help with land management issues.
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