By TANIA PHILLIPS
AGRONOMISTS and soil conservationists are working with Southern Downs farmers to help with soil recovery as their farms move from flood to drought conditions
The Ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald 2013 On-Farm Productivity and Riparian Recovery Program, is funded by the Queensland and Commonwealth Governments through natural disaster relief and recovery arrangements.
It is aimed at supporting primary producing areas severely impacted by flooding following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald in 2013.
The program is being carried out by Condamine Alliance, a group that works with the community to repair and conserve the environment in the Condamine catchment, aiming to protect people, water, land and wildlife for future generations.
Condamine Alliance community officer Alexandra Kennedy, one of four field officers helping land managers across the catchment, said major floods in the past three years followed by prolonged dry periods had a major impact on the industry.
She said it has not only significantly affected their productivity and profitability but also forced many farmers to change their farming routine and practices.
“Only 12 months ago our region’s farmers were cleaning up after major flooding and now many are affected by drought,” Ms Kennedy said.
“Swinging from one extreme weather event to another in a relatively short period of time has significant implications for farm management decisions,” she said.
“This is particularly tough for those whose land is still recovering from the damage caused by flooding. Soils and vegetation damaged during the floods are often more susceptible to dry conditions which increases the negative impacts on productivity and profitability.”
Condamine Alliance is working with affected land managers in Warwick, Cecil Plains, Dalby, Jandowae and Chinchilla, by providing technical support, advice and assistance.
Agronomist David Hall and soil conservationist Geoff Titmarsh, part of the technical support team, are visiting farmers and providing support and advice to repair damage and restore productivity.
Mr Hall said flood recovery and drought management required additional considerations, which added to the complexity for farmers.
“Repairing damage caused by a flood is about ensuring the long term health of the land and its capacity for sustainable production into the future,” he said.
“Management in a drought is about reducing the risks to crops, animals and cash flow so the business can survive in the short term.
“After a flood, the top soil has been washed away and you need to replace nutrients and reintroduce organic matter to stabilise the soil’s structure,” Mr Hall said.
“But the conundrum for farmers is that to kick-start the soil’s activity you need soil moisture. If there is no rain there is no moisture and that means less soil microbial activity and less plant growth.
“So while farmers want to improve their soils after floods by adding manures and nitrogen there will be less benefit until they get decent rain.”
Most farmers would normally be preparing for their winter crop at this time of year but the lack of rain and soil moisture means many will have to rely on fertilisers to provide the crop’s necessary nutrients.
“A soil test helps you assess how much soil moisture there is so you can work out realistic target yields and then apply the right amount of nutrition to achieve those targets,” Mr Hall said.
Soil conservationist Geoff Titmarsh said soil erosion was one of the biggest threats to productive agricultural land.
Most of the microbial activity is in the top 30cm of soil and when this is washed away it leaves a new layer of soil with a different chemical make-up, he said.
Some of the best ways to reduce soil erosion in cropping areas is to practice minimal till, maintain ground cover and, to remove runoff on hill slopes, use contour banks.
For more information about the program, contact Alexandra Kennedy on 0439 673 083.
