Grazing Management
Grazing Management
Ground cover equals greater biodiversity and increased biology
Community Participation -
LP007-008
The issue
Years of prolonged drought and recent bushfires had impacted heavily on large areas across New England, impacting our landholders, primary producers, life stylers and conservationists. Recent rains have assisted in rebuilding this landscape, but steps need to be taken to ensure the area becomes more resilient when faced with future emergencies.
We understand that photosynthesis is the basis of plant life and that a greener landscape increases diversity and improves the health of the soil over time. What we need to uncover is the tools and methods we can use to prolong and improve our pastures.
The solution
With a heavy focus on regenerative agricultural practices and through funding obtained from the Commonwealth and NSW Governments Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund we set up a series of informative workshops. Grazing management was the topic and attendance was heavily subscribed with almost 50 participants coming along for the day. Grazing expert Dr Judy Earl was contracted as our facilitator. Attendees were engaged with lots of questions and a coach was sourced to transport the large contingent to a nearby pasture walk for an interactive on ground experience.
The impact
More than 50 people attended this workshop from across our Shire and Southern Downs, QLD. Our facilitator, grazing expert Dr Judi Earl, informed and educated the group with handouts, a power point presentation and led a paddock walk for an interactive experience. The feedback from the group was extremely positive and attendees were given time throughout the day to network and engage with each other.
Learnings
Greater root volume equates to greater microbial activity and improves the soil, its ability to retain water ensuring greater and stronger plant growth. The greater the material above the ground reflects the volume of the roots beneath.
Healthy plant root systems enable greater nutrient cycling and improve the structure and infiltration of water. It also has a positive impact on the organic matter and biological activity within the soil. This improves the growth of the plant and an increase in plant matter, particularly perennial grasses increases the livestock carrying capacity of the pasture.
Key facts
- Overstocking impacts on ground cover, monitor mob size and their movement
- Develop a grazing plan
- What you can see of a plant above ground reflects its root system
- Improved soil biology and structure improves porosity