revegetation - keeping farmland productive for future generations by ayla webster

REVEGETATION:

WHAT IS REVEGETATION AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

• Revegetation is the planting of trees and shrubs to increase the ecology of an area.

• There are many different species of native plants that can be planted depending on the area to be revegetated.

• Deep rooted plants hold the soil together and lower the water tables.

• By planting banks and rows of hardy native trees and shrubs, stock and native wildlife can benefit greatly.

BENEFITS OF REVEGETATION

NATURE CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

• Nature conservation benefits include habitat for native wildlife, a diversity of native plants, wildlife corridors, conservation of endangered wildlife and stability for natural ecosystems.

• Growing plants absorb carbon dioxide and give out oxygen.

• Grass grows better in shaded areas as there is better ecology in the soil.

ECONOMIC BENEFITS

• Economical benefits include: shelter for stock and crops, honey, timber, fence posts, cut flowers, fodder, habitat for pest controlling wildlife and erosion and salinity control.

• Some trees may be used as extra feed in a drought.

• Other benefits include aesthetics and preservation of the uniqueness of rural areas.

BENEFITS FOR STOCK

SHADE AND SHELTER

• Shade reduces dehydration and deaths from stress after shearing and transporting or mustering on a hot day.

• Trees and shrubby bushes provide a rain and windbreak to protect stock during storms.

• Shelter can provide protection from hypothermia after shearing

BENEFITS FOR EROSION

HOLDS SOIL TOGETHER

• Roots and humus provide a network to hold soil together. They also provide small channels for water to soak into the soil.

• Dead leaves, flowers and bark decompose to form humus.

• Humus is taken into the soil by worms and is natures’ water crystals, helping to increase water retention in the soil.

SALINITY

INCREASES SOIL PROFILE

• Planting deep rooted trees will reduce salinity by increasing soil levels with roots and humus.

• Decomposing plant matter helps water retention and topsoil profile.

• By increasing soil levels you will lower water table levels, eliminating the evaporation of ground water therefore reducing salt left in the soil.

BENEFITS FOR CROPS

NATURAL PEST CONTROL

• Some revegetative plants attract beneficial insects and native animals that control pest species on crops.

• By increasing native animals and insects that eat pests, pesticide use can be cut down considerably.

• By doing this, you will also save money on chemicals and labour.

BENEFITS FOR NATIVE WILDLIFE

PROVIDES HABITATS

• Many beneficial native wildlife species are becoming endangered due to habitat loss

• Revegetation provides habitats for many different native wildlife species.

• It also provides safe corridors for the movement of wildlife around the farm and between national parks, keeping it off roads.

TYPES OF VEGETATIVE PLANTS

TYPES OF PLANTS TO PLANT

• Plant hardy native species that don’t need much water or any maintenance.

• Indigenous species that are naturally occurring in your specified area are best as they are well adapted to local soils and climatic conditions.

• Strategically place banks and corridors for shade and shelter of stock and crops

HOW CAN YOU REVEGETATE?

GRANTS AND WHERE TO BUY PLANTS

• Many plant nurseries grow plants for revegetation.

• The Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and Landcare offers grants for the revegetation of some farmland.

• Many local councils provide grants for revegetation.

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO REVEGETATE!

GOLD SILVER PLATINUM

BRONZE

WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE SPONSORS OF THE

2011 CREAM OF THE CROP COMPETITION