Case studies: Soil preservation (improving groundcover and preventing soil erosion following low rainfall) (Webpage)

This webpage from the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) provides growers and advisers with information on practical tactics to improve ground cover and ensure soil preservation following successive low rainfall seasons. It outlines eight case studies from South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales, where farmers monitored paddocks over 20 months to assess strategies such as proactive groundcover maintenance, livestock management, and soil monitoring. While the content focuses on these states, the information is applicable to other low rainfall cropping regions across southern Australia. #

Case studies:
Practical tactics to improve ground cover and ensure soil preservation following successive low rainfall seasons
Proactive soil cover strategies within sustainable continuous cropping programs – including pulses
Combining cropping and sheep in the Millewa
Repairing severe blowouts at Walker Flat in a decile 1 season
Re-levelling blowout areas for effective seeding and harvest
Changing sands mechanically and biologically to support drought resilience
Cropping land restoration and the learns following successive years of drought in NSW
Rules of thumb for optimal cropping paddock management in marginal areas
Livestock management strategies safeguarding against wind erosion

Resource Last Updated: June 5, 2025

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