Ways To Manipulate Farm Environments
March 9th, 2009
Farmers should consistently look for opportunities to make improvements to their farm systems and environment. Here are some initiatives you can take.
Increase pasture utilisation of the hill country. Apart from fencing, ways to do this include strategic planting of shade trees higher up slopes or the provision of water to draw stock up. The provision of water can be a difficult one but often this can be achieved through tapping of springs with horizontal bores.
Enhance water quality. Cattle can have a huge impact on water quality. The provision of alternative water will increase stock performance and greatly reduce the stock impact on water quality.
Use poplars to manipulate soil pH and drainage. Research has shown over time poplars will increase soil pH. They are renowned for drying out wet soils and will provide stability in gully systems. Poplars and willows are also a good source of feed for stock so consider planting blocks of poplars for fodder. The feed quality of poplars and willows is better than lucerne, hay and these species coppice.
Reduced nutrients entering waterways. As environmental pressures increase on farming, wetlands and swampy gullies will play an important role in reducing nutrient leakage. They trap nutrient and sediment run-off providing valuable filtering benefits to farm stock water and down stream users. They are also nature’s sponge capturing large amounts of water in a storm and slowly releasing it over a longer period of time. This reduces the large volumes of water running down gullies and into waterways.
Storm-proofing. Research conducted by FedFarmers shows adequately spaced trees reduce erosion by 62% whilst closed canopy exotic forestry or scrub can reduce erosion by 95%. Properties can be easily “storm-proofed” by doing a little planting each year or even keeping water tables and culverts clear.
Every small change you make to your farm can make a difference to enhancing your farm’s physical environment and in doing so improves the profitability and sustainability of your farm.
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