SOILS AND VEGETATION

PRIORITY LS1

Soils at risk from structural decline and erosion

Soil structural decline through compaction is a threat and ongoing management issue for intensively farmed land under irrigation across the region. Compaction is the result of tillage operations or excessive traffic (animal or vehicular) when soil moisture conditions are less than optimal. Compaction leads to increased bulk density by reducing the volume of air and water in the soil and gives rise to poorer plant growth and root penetration, reduces the ability of water to infiltrate into the soil profile and increases the risk of surface runoff. Structural decline from excessive traffic at elevated soil moisture levels usually occurs during winter and spring in the Cradle Coast region from wet harvesting of crops and on densely stocked intensive grazing enterprises. Structural decline and low levels of ground cover increase the likelihood and severity of soil erosion from rainfall events and irrigation. Poor soil structure reduces water infiltration into the soil profile, with the resultant increase in surface runoff eroding soil particles as water moves downhill. In the absence of ground cover, raindrop impact causes surface sealing of soil also reduces water infiltration leading to increased surface runoff and greater risk of erosion.

outcome

By 2030, 30% of land managers in the region have adopted management practices to manage soil structure and stability and are actively implementing soil loss prevention practices in priority areas for erosion by water (hillslope) and wind (coastal and hinterland), as a result of new CCA projects.

threats

Local threats that can be addressed by NRM actions:

  • Soil loss
  • Loss of production
  • Reduction in economically viable enterprises in the region
  • Impacts on water quality, biodiversity and ecosystem function in freshwater and marine ecosystems

Actions

LS1.a

Encourage the adoption of practices under cropping that maximise groundcover, reduce soil loss and improve soil structure to benefit soil health and productivity.

Encourage the adoption of practices under dryland grazing to manage soil compaction and erosion and improve pasture quality, persistence and productivity

Increase awareness of BMP and encourage the adoption of practices under irrigation to manage waterlogging, soil compaction and erosion.

implementation

Investment Opportunity

  • Australian Government
  • Tasmanian Government
  • Regional or Local
  • Private or philanthropic

  • Information gathering activities including a foundational spatial review of properties in erosion-prone areas.
  • On-ground works including trials, demonstrations and one-to-one advice on BMP for different production systems.
  • Behaviour-change and capacity-building activities such as BMP education and support, PMP facilitation, extension to landholders.

Landholders; industry bodies; agri-service providers; processors; State and Australian Government; research institutes.

Engagement with landholders including through the development of extension and education materials and website resources; field days and public events; on-farm customised support.