Archives for August 2015

Mackay fish face serious transit challenges

Jaime · Aug 28, 2015 · Leave a Comment

A barrier which is blocking fish passage at Sandy Creek near Mackay — Stefanie Wabnik, Reef Catchments Coasts and Biodiversity coordinator, and Matt Moore from Catchment Solutions take a look at a barrier blocking fish passage at Sandy Creek, a high priority site.

If our waterways were a road system, our local fish would have a lot to complain about.

A newly released report has found fish in the Mackay Whitsunday area face up to 4000 potential barriers as they attempt to migrate across our region, leaving no aquatic ‘highway’ to move on.

Catchment Solutions project officer, Matt Moore, said serious action needed to be taken now to help smooth the waters and ensure the health and survival of key fish species.

“This is the first comprehensive fish barrier prioritisation study conducted locally and we found fish in the Mackay Whitsunday region face serious challenges. In total, 3973 potential barriers were identified across the region that prevent, delay or obstruct fish migration,” Mr Moore said.

If fish movement continues to be blocked, it could lead to a serious decline in the native fish population long-term.

“What a lot of people don’t realise is that almost 48 per cent of all fish species in the Mackay Whitsunday region are diadromous – meaning they are a truly migratory species and need to transit between freshwaters and the sea at various stages of their life cycle, including to breed.

“We are talking about some very important species including barramundi, jungle perch and mangrove jack.

“Barriers that prevent fish connectivity also have an adverse impact on our local fisheries’ productivity and create environmental conditions favourable for invasive fish species – for example, tilapia.”

Mr Moore said it was critical works were now undertaken to improve conditions for local fish.

From nearly 4000 fish barriers the report (funded by the Australian Government and conducted by Catchment Solutions) has identified the Mackay Whitsundays ‘Top 40’ most important fish barriers.

“We have distilled barriers down to a ‘Top 40’ list of the highest priority sites that show the most potential for effective outcomes, as well as value for money. These sites are where we now need to focus our attention and investment dollars to build appropriately designed fishways, remove barriers and really start to improve life for our local fish.”

Highest priority waterways recommended for immediate fish passage works include: the O’Connell River, Flaggy Rock Creek, Cedar Creek, Marion Creek, Sandy Creek, Constant Creek, St Helens Creek, Jolimont Creek and Blackrock Creek.

“By rebuilding fish passage at these sites, extensive areas of fish habitat will be opened up to migratory fish species. This is an important first step to ensure we keep genetic diversity and maintain healthy fish populations in Mackay Whitsunday waterways moving forward,” Mr Moore said.

Report Details

Title: Mackay Whitsunday Fish Barrier Prioritisation (to view the full report, CLICK HERE)

Author: Matt Moore, Catchment Solutions (aquatic ecologist)

This report has been commissioned by the Australian Government, through the Sustainable Environment Stream Target Area Grants 2013-14.

1000 barra fingerlings ready to make a splash at Reef Catchments Family Fishing Fun Day

Jaime · Aug 28, 2015 · Leave a Comment

With hundreds of baby Barra headed to Mackay, Mackay families have an exciting opportunity to take part in a hands-on day of fishing action and education at the Reef Catchments Family Fishing Fun Day, Saturday 19 September.

Local kids are being called on to help release 1000 barramundi fingerlings into the Mackay Gooseponds as part of on-going tilapia predatory control trial.

Prior to the barramundi release, eager young anglers will be provided with bait to take part in two hours of fishing and fun.

“All children must be supervised, but we are encouraging kids of all ages to join in!” said event coordinator, Trent Power.

“Numbers are limited so we are asking parents to register ahead of the event. After that, kids just need to arrive on the day with a fishing line, check in at the MRFA stand and they are ready to go, we will provide the bait and there will be plenty of experts on hand to ask for advice.”

Children will also be involved in a short information session where they will learn to identify aquatic pests and threats, such as the noxious pest fish tilapia. Adults won’t be left out either, with plenty of information displays highlighting the outstanding environmental work underway in the Mackay and Whitsundays.

“Mackay is an avid fishing community and we want the next generation to have a good awareness about how to keep our fish and waterways healthy,” Mr Power said.

“As well as being a fun day out, this event will help kids learn more about what they can do to protect our waterways and fish habitat, the kinds of fish to avoid, and the benefits of looking after our local native species, like barramundi.”

The barramundi release is the second phase of a research trial to investigate the potential of using native predatory fish to help control tilapia, a classified invasive pest species posing a significant threat to Queensland waterways and aquatic ecosystems.

Mr Power said the barramundi release and Reef Catchments Family Fishing Fun Day were both collaborative events and would not be possible without significant support from the local community.

“In particular, we would like to thank the Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance Inc for assisting with coordination of the fishing day and Mackay Area Fish Stocking Association (MAFSA) for providing the group’s hatchery to hold the fingerlings prior to the release”, he said.

Michael Wynn from Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance Inc. said the day would be a great chance for young anglers to learn first-hand from the experts.

“We are proud to utilise our angler education team for the day and teach junior fishers the finer points on how to land that prize catch,” he said.

Kieron Galletly from Mackay Area Fish Stocking Alliance said the initiative was an important one for the Mackay community.

“MAFSA is proud to assist again in the release of the fingerlings and to be able to use our recently upgraded hatchery facilities for housing and tagging of the barra prior to their release,” he said.

Some great lucky draw prizes will be on offer for those registered, including a 1/2 Day Fishing Charter with Lake Proserpine Fishing Charters and gift vouchers from Tackle World Mackay and Nashy’s Compleat Angler also up for grabs.

Registration forms for the day can be picked up from Tackle World Mackay on Shakespeare Street, or Nashy’s Compleat Angler on Harbour Road.

EVENT DETAILS

What: Reef Catchments Family Fishing Fun Day
Date: Saturday, 19^th September
Time: 9.30am – 12.30pm
Where: Mackay Gooseponds
Cost: Free (numbers strictly limited)
Registration: Essential. Registration forms can be picked up at your local fishing shops –
Tackle World Mackay on Shakespeare Street, or Nashy’s Compleat Angler on Harbour Road.

With thanks to all involved: Reef Catchments, Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance, Mackay Area Fish Stocking Association, Catchment Solutions, Conservation Volunteers Australia, Mackay Regional Council, Debbie’s Seafood, Tackle World Mackay, Nashy’s Compleat Angler and Pioneer Catchment Landcare.

Botanic Gardens works improve life for local fish

Jaime · Aug 28, 2015 · Leave a Comment

Catchment Solutions Matt Moore and Reef Catchments Manager Katrina Dent with Mackay Regional Parks and Environment Councillor Theresa Morgan at the Lagoons Creek rehabilitation site.

Works include construction of a fish rock ramp fishway to improve fish passage through the Mackay Whitsunday region.

Environmental rehabilitation works at Lagoons Creek (Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens) are set to help improve life for local native fish and other wildlife species.

Works will also assist in stabilising the stream bed, reducing erosion and adding to the natural beauty of the park area.

The Lagoons Creek Rehabilitation is a major project being undertaken by Reef Catchments in conjunction with the Mackay Regional Council and Catchment Solutions to increase the extent of native habitat and provide aquatic connectivity between the Pioneer River Estuary and important upstream wetland habitats along Lagoons Creek.

Activities recently completed at the site include the installation of a rock-ramp fishway designed to improve fish movement through the Mackay urban area. Two erosion control structures have also been installed. Works have additionally involved significant revegetation and weed control.

Catchment Solutions project officer, Matt Moore, said rehabilitating wetland areas to help aid the movement of native fish and improve habitat for wildlife in the Mackay region was critical.

“In the Mackay region, we have lost quite a lot of important wetland area to urban and agricultural development, so preserving and rebuilding the lowland wetlands that remain are critical. The Lagoons Creek is a tributary of the lower Pioneer River and is one example of a waterway that has been channelised, cleared and undergone significant structural change over time,” he said.

“Important works completed in conjunction with the Mackay Regional Council and co-funded by the Australian Government will now help restore connectivity through the wider Mackay area.”

Mr Moore said works were especially important in maintaining healthy levels of native migratory species, including fish, birds, reptiles and mammals.

“For example barramundi, sea mullet and tarpon migrate from the sea into productive freshwater wetland habitats as juveniles where they feed and grow before migrating back to the sea to spawn and complete their life cycle. By assisting their journey through the region, we help ensure the future survival of these iconic fish, many of which are important recreational, commercial and indigenous fishery species,” Mr Moore said.

Prior to works, large amounts of exotic weed (para grass) were choking the waterways and forming a barrier to fish migration.

“Had the site been left unattended, streambed erosion would have continued, barriers to fish and wildlife would have remained and eventually the result would be an environmental ‘bottleneck’ between land and sea in the urban area of Mackay,” Mr Moore said.

“Thanks to the work being done by Reef Catchments and Mackay Regional Council we are now well placed to continue to remove that bottleneck and improve the environmental and aesthetic value of the area.”

Mackay Regional Council Parks and Environment portfolio councillor, Theresa Morgan, said council was committed to the maintenance and improved condition of the local environment.

“Mackay’s natural environment contains unique species and ecosystems that can’t be found anywhere else in the world so it is important that we protect these,” she said.

“Our beaches, islands, fishing grounds, rainforests and unique wildlife also play an important role in the region’s tourism industry.

“Investing in the natural environment is not only beneficial to the health of local ecosystems but is essential to the prosperity of the local economy.”

This project is a joint initiative of Reef Catchments, Catchment Solutions and Mackay Regional Council, co-funded by Mackay Regional Council, the Department of Transport and Main Roads and the Australian Government Reef Programme.

Mackay-Whitsunday region set to receive first waterway health report card

Jaime · Aug 28, 2015 · Leave a Comment

Coastal communities have a strong and enduring connection with their waterways.

A new report card specific for the Mackay Whitsunday region will highlight the health of waterways and in particular identify local impacts on the Great Barrier Reef.

Due for release later this year, the report card will provide information about the health and condition of local freshwater rivers, wetlands, estuaries and coastal and marine environments. Catchments and estuaries covered include the Don, Proserpine, Pioneer, O’Connell and Plane basins, as well as the inshore and offshore marine and reef areas.

These waterways influence the lifestyles and livelihoods of the community, by providing a wide range of recreation uses from fishing, to boating and diving, along with supporting the regional economy through jobs in tourism, fishing and charter boats.

The report card is being developed by the Mackay-Whitsunday Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership, a collaboration of 28 partners from across the community. The Partnership is founded on a shared vision for the region’s rivers and reefs – to ensure they are healthy and contribute to a prosperous and iconic region where people visit, live, work and play.

Register for our e-newsletter to be kept up to date at www.healthyriverstoreef.org.au

Di Tarte, Chair | Mackay Whitsunday Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership

Forestry Feedback Wanted

Jaime · Aug 28, 2015 · Leave a Comment

The Reef Catchments forestry working group has completed the Native and Plantation ABCD Forestry frameworks and is seeking feedback from interested members of the community and industry.

These frameworks provide information on Degrading through to Aspirational practices that apply to both native and plantation forestry. Although the frameworks do not replace industry accepted codes of practice they do identify additional practices that may contribute to increased sustainability and innovation in the forestry industry.

In addition to timber production, the frameworks have been developed for agroforestry (e.g. trees and cattle) and for plantings that have been planted for carbon sequestration.

The draft frameworks will be available on the sustainable agriculture pages on the Reef Catchments website. If you would like to review the draft frameworks, or have an interest in forestry field days, or the forestry working group, please contact Reef Catchments, regional landcare facilitator, Robyn Bell.

The forestry working group is also keen to implement appropriate silvicultural regimes in forestry trials that are five years or older. If you would like further advice or management please contact Robyn Bell on 0488 733 121 or by EMAIL.

Young ‘turtles’ take to the beach to find out more about conservation

Jaime · Aug 28, 2015 · Leave a Comment

Reef Catchments coastal officer, Olivia Brodhurst, helps young marine lovers learn more. From left front - Daniel Beams, Jasmine Brodhurst, Jason Beams and Ashleigh Beams. — Reef Catchments coastal officer, Olivia Brodhurst, helps young marine lovers learn more. From left front – Daniel Beams, Jasmine Brodhurst, Jason Beams and Ashleigh Beams.

Children made their way to the sea as ‘turtles’ to learn more about key threats to marine life. — Kids made their way to the sea as ‘turtles’ to learn more about key threats to marine life.

It’s not often you get the chance to put on a shell and take to the beach in the name of conservation.

Eager young learners of all ages came together recently at the Reef Festival Telstra Family Fun Day in Airlie Beach to find out more about how we can look after our reef and marine animals.

Children were able to put on turtle shells and make their way to the water’s edge like real sea creatures, stopping to read and learn about key threats on their journey.

Other activities on offer at the Reef Catchments stand included a competition to colour in and identify key marine threats, with more than 100 entries received.

Reef Catchments coastal officer, Olivia Brodhurst, said the day was a great way for young beach-goers to learn more.

“The activities helped children identify threats to our turtles and talk about ways in which we can all help in their conservation. They learned about simple things, for example the impact of houses, street-lights and torches, fishing and human activity,” she said.

“We really wanted to get the kids thinking about their day-to-day activities and they were very engaged and interested to try and understand how that can impact our marine environment and animals.”

Mrs Brodhurst said engagement with the community was essential to improving conservation efforts.

“It is particularly important we engage young people and families to help ensure that conservation actions required along our coast are well received and that the community is supported to make the necessary behavioural changes to help protect our precious reef species.

“We would like to thank everyone involved in the success of a terrific day, including the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Fauna Rescue, OUCH, the Airlie Aqua Park and Reef Festival organiser Ellen Kerr and the team.”

Five lucky marine threat colouring-in competition winners were given free passes to the Airlie Aqua Park, kindly donated for the event. Winners were: Sophia Stacey, Jai Dennison, Kaitlyn Hope, Josh Shanahan and Reubann Salbanha. Congratulations to all involved!

To learn more about upcoming family-friendly Coastcare beach and conservation events, visit www.reefcatchments.com or contact:
Jess Berryman P: (07) 4968 4226 | E: jessica.berryman@reefcatchments.com

Reef Catchments is proud to deliver Coastcare activities in our community, supported through funding from the Australian Government.

Students of the sea

Jaime · Aug 28, 2015 · Leave a Comment

Reef Catchments Marine Classroom Program — The Marine Classroom Program offers students an unforgettable learning experience.

It’s not your everyday classroom, but the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday islands have offered 35 local Mackay students a truly memorable marine lesson.

Students from Sarina State High School and Pioneer State High School recently took part in an outdoor education adventure as part of the Marine Classroom Program, spending four days on Brampton Island and out and about on the reef.

The Marine Classroom Program, a joint initiative of Reef Catchments and Wild Mob, allows students in the region with a passion for the marine environment to learn about marine science and conservation by getting their hands dirty conducting research and undertaking works with qualified scientists.

Reef Catchments coastal officer, Jess Berryman, said the program offered an unmatched opportunity for young people to connect with their islands, coast and marine environment.

“There is a focus on science and conservation – the trip highlights real issues that are both relevant to the region and in line with high school curriculum. These two recent trips with Sarina and Pioneer High ran early August, and we are excited to have another two trips scheduled to take place later this year.”

Ms Berryman said the students had a ball learning out on the water and islands, as well as contributing to island conservation efforts through weed and marine debris removal.

“The program encourages them to act as real scientists, conducting valuable research with the ‘Eye on the Reef’ and ‘Coral Watch’ programs. Students also undertook physical weed identification and removal in 2ha of endangered beach scrub, and removed and analysed over 50kg of marine debris on critical turtle nesting beaches!” she said.

“The trip is so rewarding for the students involved, both academically and personally. From transects and turtles, to snorkelling to spotlighting, students learn direct from both environmental professionals and nature – one of the best teachers of all.”

Pioneer State High student Tyra Hutchinson said the trip had included her first time snorkelling.

“It was the most incredible experience, I have never seen the reef from such an up-close perspective. You have no idea how much life there is under the water until you see it for yourself! This experience has really highlighted the importance of marine conservation efforts for me,” she said.

Students from Sarina State High remarked that the removal of invasive weed species from the Island with the help of Wild mob staff Phil Hrstich and Amanda Scrivenor helped them see the ‘whole picture’ when it came to both island and coastal conservation efforts.

Sarina State High student Alex Darmody said he enjoyed learning about how removal of invasive weeds could help protect native fauna and flora, as well as the Coast and islands themselves.

“This trip has taught me lessons which I will carry with me for life.”

For more information contact Jess Berryman (Reef Catchments) on P: (07) 4968 4226 | E: jessica.berryman@reefcatchments.com

Grazing BMP Sessions on offer (Mackay region) September 2015

diana · Aug 26, 2015 · Leave a Comment

Cattle in Mackay

FOR GRAZIERS, BY GRAZIERS.

Read the full details about the workshops.

Best management practices in grazing will be the focus of free workshops, run by producers for producers, at Proserpine and Walkerston/Mackay in September.

The workshops will focus on five modules of an online self-assessment tool, Grazing Best Management Practices, which has been designed to help producers to self-assess and to improve their business performance.

The information sessions will cover five modules of the Grazing BMP program including soil health, animal health and welfare, grazing land management, animal production and people and business.

The Grazing BMP program is a voluntary, industry led process which helps graziers identify improved practices which can help them increase long term profitability.

It also helps identify the steps which need to be taken to incorporate best management practices.

Two workshops will be held in the region:

PROSERPINE
Where: Earlando
Date: Saturday, 19 September
Time: 8.30 am – 4:00 pm
Lunch and smoko provided.
MACKAY
Where: Walkerston
Date: Monday, 21 September
Time: 8.30 am – 4:00 pm
Lunch and smoko provided.

Registrations are essential and can be made on the Agforce website.

Case study: Tackling declines in sugar productivity through innovation and soil health

diana · Aug 26, 2015 · Leave a Comment

Marian cane farmer, Simon Mattsson, is trialling the use of multi-crop species including sunflowers to improve soil health and address declines in sugarcane productivity. Simon’s sunflower crop is ready for harvest 14 weeks after sowing. Returns of $900-1000 tonne (with a yield of 1-2 tonnes/ ha) are expected on the horse-feed market.

Sunflowers grown by Simon Mattsson to improve soil health — Sunflowers can help reduce soil compaction, improve potassium cycling, and may remove harmful toxins from the soil.

Simon Mattsson's trial includes the intercropping of more than 8 varieties of plants to address and improve soil condition. — Simon’s trial includes the intercropping of more than 8 varieties of plants to address and improve soil condition.

Tackling declines in sugar productivity through innovation and a focus on soil health

“Soil health for us here in Mackay is an issue of utmost importance. We have gotten our soils into a position where they are badly degraded and we need new ideas on how to fix the problem.”
– Simon Mattsson, Marian cane farmer and Nuffield Farm Scholar

Location: Pioneer Catchment, Mackay Whitsunday Isaac NRM region, Central Queensland
Industry: Sugarcane
Issue: Declines in sugarcane productivity
Outcomes: Increased plant diversity, alternative income streams and improved aesthetics on-farm

Background: Simon Mattson has farmed sugarcane at Marian since 1987 and has implemented many practices considered sustainable including controlled traffic and legume break crops. He was awarded a Nuffield Scholarship in 2014 which enabled him to travel extensively overseas to improve his understanding of soil biology, and the balances of fungi and bacteria and microbial activities that are crucial to sustain soil health. Simon considers everything is inter-linked, humans, plants, the soil, the air. He said cane productivity continued to decline, there were always outbreaks of new pests and diseases, and he wanted to investigate other ways of dealing with problems.

The Project: Simon trialled a number of species as ‘intercrops’ amongst the cane to see if they improved soil health. The first trial included radish, turnips, chick pea, soybean, common vetch, sunflowers, cereal rye and oats. Ultimately, some of the inter-cropped species did not perform well, sugar content compared well with the cane only treatment but biomass was reduced in the inter-cropped treatments. Simon is trialling some new potential species for intercropping including buckwheat and Brassica species for its ability as a soil biofumigant to reduce nematodes. He has also planted Phacelia tanacetifolia, a plant used extensively overseas as a cover crop and for bee forage. Benefits of Phacelia include its potential to limit nitrate leaching as well as flowering abundantly for long periods that can increase beneficial insect numbers and diversity and can also be useful as a cut flower. Simon is about to harvest a sunflower crop planted around one week after planting his plant cane. The sunflower crop is ready for harvest 14 weeks after sowing, and Simon expects a return of $900-1000 tonne (with a yield of 1-2 tonnes/ ha) on the horse-feed market. He will then plant another sunflower crop to target the birdseed market that can pay up to $1500/ tonne. Sunflowers can reduce soil compaction, improve potassium cycling, and may remove harmful toxins from the soil.

Outcomes: Simon is a passionate advocate for trialling new innovative practices to improve soil health on cane farms which may also help to overcome the ongoing decline in productivity. Field days at his farm have attracted over 100 people. The outcomes are multi-faceted. Because of ongoing poor returns for sugar there is an economic outcome from an alternative income stream and socially the vista of a sunflower crop amongst cane fields is an unusual and attractive sight for travellers and others in the region. The environmental benefits include increased diversity of plant and insect life as well as expected improvements to soil health.

The Future: Simon is leading the way in the sugar industry for trialling new ways to improve soil health in a monoculture farming system. Reef Catchments will support Simon where possible to benchmark and validate his trial work as well as communicating his findings to the industry and other interested parties.

SUNFLOWER BENEFITS:
Green fallow option against a bare fallow. Good for soil health for maintaining companion symbionts such as mycorrhizal fungi who starve and diminish during bare fallows.
Breaks disease and pest cycles.
Tap roots bust hard pans such as plough pans and clay pans for better water infiltration and root exploration of the soil leading to improve water and nutrient use efficiency.
Using a bird seed sunflower allows for on farm storage and opportunistic trading for best on farm price to end users. Oil seed sunflowers typically are grown under a contract or through an agent.
Easy to store in on-farm silos.
Rain during the grain harvest windows presents a much lower risk to crop damage than pulse and cereal crops.
Can be companion planted with sugarcane offering improved cash flow.
A 100 -150 day crop suitable for skip row farming.
SUNFLOWER DISADVANTAGES:
Needs to be sown with a planter, a precision planter is best practice.
Herbicide weed control options more limited if companion planting with sugarcane. There are however many options if planted alone and plant the cane later. The latter tactic assists in grass weed control later in the cane crop.
Need a grain harvester and ideally with sunflower trays attached to the front for better seed recovery.
Although not an issue as yet, native birds will learn to use the crop as a feed source if widely adopted.

Channel erosion work underway on the O’Connell

diana · Aug 26, 2015 · Leave a Comment

Work by Reef Catchments on land adjoining the O’Connell River aims to make a significant difference to water leaving the property which will reduce pollutant and runoff levels both in the waterway and to the reef.

Reef Catchments healthy waterways project officer, Chris Dench, said the O’Connell River, south of Proserpine, had been identified as a significant contributor of sediment to the Great Barrier Reef with a large proportion derived from channel erosion.

“In an effort to reduce sediment and nutrient exports, and to improve the aquatic health of the river, Reef Catchments commissioned a stability assessment to understand the location, cause and extent of channel erosion through the O’Connell River,” he said.

“This river provides areas of important aquatic and terrestrial habitat for native species and is an important water source for irrigating productive grazing and sugarcane land.”

Reef Catchments has been undertaking works to improve water quality and aquatic and terrestrial health within the region through a range of activities including bank stabilisation on some of the region’s major rivers.

With funding provided through the Australian Government Reef Programme, a LiDar capture of the river was taken to be able to develop Digital Elevation Models of difference by overlaying LiDar from 2013 with Lidar from 2009.

The digital elevation model of difference was used to assess sediment loss over the four year period. Combined with an analysis of stream power and the use of hydraulic modelling, Reef Catchments identified and prioritised on-ground actions to reduce the supply of sediment and nutrients to the Great Barrier Reef.

Mr Dench said Reef Catchments had been working with landholders and undertaking works along the O’Connell River to prevent future channel change.

“One particular site lost 9,000m3 of river bank between 2009 – 2013 and is expected to lose considerably more over the coming years ahead. Because of this loss, it has been listed as a high priority site.

“A range of potential options were identified to stabilise the eroding bank which ranged from low cost with a high risk of failure, to high cost with a low risk of failure.

“We worked with the landholder to identify potential resources, and the selected option was a 2m rock toe which ranked as having a high likelihood of success.”

The design included the rock toe placement followed by revegetation of the bank with native species. Woody debris was also placed in the river bed to create refuge for aquatic species.

This project is a Reef Catchments initiative, through funding from the Australian Government Reef Programme.

With thanks to:

Landholder Tom O’Donnell
Alluvium Consulting Australia
GM Grader Hire
Whitsunday Catchment Landcare

Why compaction is the key to good soil health

diana · Aug 26, 2015 · Leave a Comment

Peter Muller, Reef Catchments

Soil health is a hot topic and in Mackay the compaction in a sugarcane paddock was recently investigated as part of one of Reef Catchments sustainable agriculture projects.

One of the ways of checking to see if compaction is occurring is to dig a small pit, either by hand with a spade or by backhoe and to examine the soil structure.

Reef Catchments project officer, Peter Muller, said anyone could do this once they understood what to look for. He said it was also useful compare soil structure from an undisturbed site with that from a cropping or grazing paddock.

“There has been a lot of focus on the chemical and biological aspects of soil health such as microbiology, organic matter, and alternate farming systems,” Mr Muller said.

“However physical soil health, including soil structure and compaction is also essential. Plough pans and compacted layers can reduce root penetration and therefore yield.”

He said a highly compacted soil had no structure as a result of downward pressure by either machinery or animal hooves.

“It is most commonly associated with cropping. In sugarcane it has been measured as causing a 15 per cent reduction in yield.

“As sugarcane is essentially a row crop, controlled traffic, which matches the row spacing to the wheel spacing of all machinery used in a cane field, can be one way to prevent compaction on the mound.”

The Reef Catchment investigation looked at controlled traffic on 1.83 m row spacing using GPS guidance. This system proved to be effective by restricting compaction to the interrows.

Mr Muller said the good aggregation in the mound, that is completely made up of small fine peds, meant the roots were able to grow throughout the mound and down into the subsoil. Whereas in the compacted interrows, very few roots were able to penetrate the compacted layer He said looking to see where the roots are able to grow is another way to check for compaction.

“Soils vary in their natural ability to have structure and it is related to clay content. So sandy soils with less than 10 per cent clay do not have any structure as there is insufficient clay to bind the soil together to form the natural soil aggregates or peds,” said Mr Muller.

“This could be contrasted to a black cracking clay soil formed on basalt, such as occurs on the central highlands. This soil, which has up to 80 per cent clay, is completely made up of small, fine peds. In between these two extremes, the amount of soil structure gradually increases as the clay content increases.”

For more information contact Peter Muller | P: (07) 4968 4234 |

E: peter.muller@reefcatchments.com

Conway Beach conservation efforts off to a flying start

diana · Aug 26, 2015 · Leave a Comment

Treated prickly pear and revegetation in a degraded open patch in Conway Reserve.

The Conway Beach Reserve has been a hive of activity lately with an area equivalent to more than 75 rugby fields (80 hectares) targeted for conservation works.

The foredunes were infested with weeds including lantana, para grass, singapore daisy, prickly pear and yucca.

As part of the initial weed control activity, more than 300kg of Yucca sp. has been removed by hand.

Reef Catchments Coastal Officer, Olivia Brodhurst said controlling weeds in the coastal reserve area helped foster the natural regeneration and regrowth of native plants.

“Intact vegetation protects the area from degradation and plays a vital role in reducing erosion from storm events. Critically, it also provides valuable habitat for native animals, helping ensure our region’s threatened species have improved access to the environment they need to survive,” she said.

“This work will help to improve the continuity of the dune vegetation which, once restored, will continue to shade out weeds.”

The Reserve includes a critically endangered Beach Scrub ecosystem, which provides habitat for various listed species including the northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus), rusty monitor (Varanus semiremex) and coastal sheathtail bat (Taphozous australis). Beach Scrub is also known to be habitat for vulnerable species including the beach stone curlew (Esacus magnirostris) and the false water rat (Xeromys myoides).

With valuable seagrass meadows offshore, Conway Beach is additionally an important site for marine turtles and is known to be a shorebird roost site.

Mrs Brodhurst said prickly pear and other weeds had been treated so far at the site.

“However ongoing management will be required to ensure the condition of the reserve continues to improve,” she said.

Conservation works in Conway Reserve were undertaken by Whitsunday Catchment Landcare for Reef Catchments – the Natural Resource Management Group for the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region.

“Reef Catchments would like to thank Whitsunday Regional Council for their support of coastal conservation works and Whitsunday Catchment Landcare for their commitment to delivering conservation projects in our region.”

This project is a Reef Catchments initiative, through funding from the Australian Government National Landcare Programme (Looking After Local Landscapes).

For more information contact Olivia Brodhurst, Reef Catchments on: 0429 033 541 | E: olivia.brodhurst@reefcatchments.com

Archives for August 2015

Stay up to date. Subscribe now.