SPRING 2017 Issue 73

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A land management publication for the South East

IN THIS EDITIONWeed Resources now available

Two popular weed resources have been revised and are now available at NRSE.

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Best Practice Grants now open

Agriculture groups can now apply for one off grants of up to $4000.

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Managing Water Logged Soils

A full soil profile is great - but what do you do when things get a little too soggy?

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Rewards for nest sightings

Report a sighting of a Red-tailed Black Cockatoo nest to receive cash (and good karma).

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‘Faces and Voices of Our Landscape’ competition winners!After much deliberation over the 200+ awesome entries we received, we’d like to congratulate the following winners:

Still photography

Open 1st: ‘Quacker Flapper’ by Graeme Mellor 2nd: ‘Pied Oystercatcher’ by Danielle White 3rd: ‘Naracoorte Regional Livestock Exchange’ by Steve Bourne

U18 1st: ‘Possums Curiosity’ by Reagan Sims 2nd: ‘Flooded Bool Lagoon’ by Reagan Sims 3rd: ‘Farmers Post’ by Zoe Ashby

Honorable mentions: Sheep movement by Steve Bourne; ‘Common Grass Blue Butterfly’, ‘Great Egret at Port MacDonnell’ and ‘Masked Lapwings’ by Danielle White.

Social Media 1st: ‘There are aliens among us...@holly_and_hounds 2nd: ‘Mooood’ @holly_and_hounds 3rd:’I love autumn...’ @stellascanlon

Honorable mentions: ‘Horns’ @holly_and_hounds; ‘Walking around at Cape Buffon’ @stellascanlon; ‘Summer in the South East’ @reade_all_about_it

Video U18: ‘Red Tailed Black Cockatoos’ by Oliver Capewell

Thank you to everyone who entered, keep an eye out to see if your entry appears in our upcoming Natural Resources South East 2018 Calendar. We’ll also use competition entries in our publications like this one, on our website and social media platforms. Check out the gallery of winners on our website naturalresources/southeast/get involved.

FROM THE GROUND UP

Introducing some new faces!

Damien BickleyRegional Landcare Facilitator, Community Engagement Team

I grew up in Perth Western Australia and relocated to Adelaide in 2004 to further my studies at Flinders University, successfully completing a double degree in Science and Education in 2008. In 2015 my wife and I decided to relocate our young family from Adelaide to Mount Gambier to enjoy the open spaces and all that the South East has to offer. I have a strong passion for the environment and our native fauna and flora.

I look forward to working with the landholders, Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resource management groups within the region, and I’m excited to be a part of the Community Engagement team.

T: 8735 1145 M: 0447 576 523 E: damien.bickley@sa.gov.au

Lachlan KayAboriginal Engagement Officer, Community Engagement Team

I have a passion for reconciliation and believe in the potential for partnerships between government and Aboriginal communities. Natural Resources South East has a real commitment to Aboriginal engagement across all project teams, so I’m thrilled to be working in such a dynamic environment. I have previously worked in traineeship and apprenticeship regulation for the Department of State Development (DSD) and was actively involved with the DSD Reconciliation Action Group during this time. I have also helped to facilitate many Reconciliation SA events in a voluntary capacity over the past 5 years. Last year I completed a BA in Public Policy and International Relations, minoring in Indigenous Studies at Flinders University. My studies helped me to appreciate the importance of engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in natural resources management, not only from a reconciliation perspective, but in order to gain important knowledge about land and the need to respect its limitations.

I will be living and working in Mount Gambier for 3 days a week, and working from Adelaide for the remainder of the time. The country atmosphere of Mount Gambier is certainly a welcome change from the urban sprawl of Adelaide.

T: 8735 1244 M: 0429 446 370 E: lachlan.kay@sa.gov.au

Above: Social media winners from the Faces and Voices Competition. From left “There are aliens among us” and “Mood” by @holly_and_hounds. Far right “I love autumn” by @stellascanlon

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Visit Natural Resources South East at the 2017 Spring ShowsPlease stop by and say hello at the upcoming Spring Shows across the South East.

We’ll be at:

• Keith: Saturday 7/10

• Mil-Lel: Saturday 7/10

• Mt Gambier: Friday 20 – Saturday 21/10

• Penola: Friday 27 – Saturday 28/10

• Millicent: Saturday 4/11

Bring your weed samples for identification and expert control advice, drop in soil and water samples for free testing, bring the kids for some free craft activities, pick up a free 2018 calendar or just come along to catch up on the latest news from Natural Resources South East.

Look forward to seeing you there!

Subregional Workshops – Round 2 completeNatural Resources South East and the South East NRM Board recently hosted the second round of Subregional Workshops in 4 locations around the region. At this round of workshops, over 80 community members identified and prioritised NRM actions that address the landscape priorities developed in the first workshops in June.

Lively discussions were held about issues important to urban residents, landholders, conservationists and volunteers, with sharing of ideas between interest groups. Board Member Michael Bleby said it was great to see people getting so enthusiastic about setting achievable goals for their subregion. “There was a good cross-section of the community represented at the workshops, and everyone’s opinions were shared in the group discussions. The Board is pleased that the community have engaged in these conversations to influence NRM action in their part of the region”.

The next phase in the process is drafting plans for each of the four subregions, which will then be circulated out to workshop participants, stakeholder groups and the community for feedback. For more information, visit naturalresources.sa.gov.au/southeast or to register your interest in being part of this feedback process, please contact Natural Resources South East on 8735 1177 or email DEWNR.SENRMBoard@sa.gov.au.

Below: Wendy Telfer and David Robertson at the Naracoorte Subregional workshop.

FROM THE GROUND UP

Free weed handbooks available Two popular weed resources have been revised and are now available for free from Natural Resources South East.The ‘Weed Control Handbook’ has been updated to include information about 5 recently declared plants, as well as the latest recommended control options. The handbook is a useful reference, and features photographs and descriptions of all the declared weeds in South Australia. Landholders are encouraged to get the July 2017 edition of the handbook in order to follow the latest registered labels and permits when controlling weeds with herbicides.

Gardeners will benefit from the revised ‘Grow Me Instead’ booklet produced by the Nursery and Garden Industry of South Australia (sponsored by Natural Resources South East). This guide identifies common garden plants which are potential weeds, and suggests non-invasive plants which can be used instead. The revised edition features new weeds and alternative plantings which will help protect the environment from invasive plants, and give people confidence that they are purchasing appropriate garden plants.

To get your hands on the latest versions of these excellent resources contact our NRM Officer Aidan Laslett on 0429 685 401, or call in to the Mount Gambier office at 11 Helen Street.

Weed Control 2017Effective weed control is one of the easiest ways to improve and maintain the profitability and sustainability of your property. Winter/Spring is the key time to be controlling a range of priority weeds and start organising your own weed control.

Under the NRM Act 2004, the South East NRM Board is responsible for ensuring declared pests on roadsides are effectively controlled, via a region wide program. This Act also allows NRM Boards to recover the costs of this work from the adjoining landowner. However, in an attempt to maintain a co-operative approach, landowners are encouraged to implement their own control measures for declared plants on roadsides.

If you choose to undertake your own roadside weed control you must meet the following requirements:

• You must obtain local government approval before undertaking works on roadsides.

• You must notify your local NRM Officer that you will be doing your own roadside weed control.

• Dye must be used in the controlled area to show where treatment has occurred

• All weeds in the area must be controlled by 31 August.

• Organic industries or landholders concerned with the use of chemicals are advised to contact their local NRM Officer to discuss alternative control methods on adjacent roadsides to ensure the equivalent standard of weed control is achieved.

• Any works not completed satisfactorily, or completed, but not notified may result in the NRM Officer carrying out the works and invoicing the adjoining landholder.

• Alternatively if you do not wish to undertake or arrange your own roadside weed control, Natural Resources South East staff can ensure that your roadside weeds are controlled according to the required standards.

For further information and advice for your Local NRM Officer, contact the Natural Resources Centre in Mt Gambier (08) 8735 1177 or Keith (08) 8755 1620.

Below: The latest edition of the ‘Weed Control Handbook’ and ‘Grow Me Instead’ resources are now available.

Below: The stages of effective Boxthorn control.

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Tatiara Water Allocation Plan Review and Stakeholder Advisory Group In response to community feedback about the importance of having local input to review the Tatiara Water Allocation Plan (WAP), the SE NRM Board initiated the formation of the Tatiara WAP Review Stakeholder Advisory Group.

Members of the group are representatives from local and primary industry stakeholder organisations and include NRM Group representatives and an SE NRM Board representative as the group Chair. Since its appointment in April 2017 the group has met four times and taken a lead role in providing input in the preparation of the draft Tatiara WAP Review Paper.

The paper is an important first step in the review and revision process for the Tatiara WAP as it identifies key issues to be considered and will guide the Board and the group’s work.

A range of technical and policy issues have been identified that will be the focus of the review. Some key issues identified include the review of management zones, sustainable limits and simplification of the WAP.

With the aim of identifying any additional issues and supplying feedback to the Board, the community is invited to consider the draft Review Paper and provide a written submission.

More information on the Advisory Group and a copy of the draft Tatiara WAP Review Paper is available at naturalresources.sa.gov.au/southeast.

Written submissions will be received between Monday 28 August – Thursday 28 September 2017 and can be sent to: SE NRM Board, PO Box 1046, Mount Gambier, SA, 5290 or emailed to DEWNR.NaturalResourcesSE@sa.gov.au

Possum Park Magic for CurlewsTo encourage successful breeding of the Bush Stone Curlew, Tatiara District Council has reintroduced fallen timber and dead logs to Possum Park in Bordertown.

Bush Stone Curlews were once a regular sight in the South East, but it is believed there are only a few pairs left in the district, with Bordertown and Mundulla the only area in which the birds are now regularly seen.

The curlew has unique camouflage markings, and they sit or stand among fallen timber, bark and leaves. To the untrained eye, they can be almost impossible to see, even with binoculars.

There is a pair of Curlews that commonly roosts in Possum Park and have nested from time to time.

Tatiara District Council CEO Rob Harkness said that the reintroduction of fallen timber and logs to Possum Park has been carefully considered.

“We selected 15 trees to place timber underneath, and they are spots where the Bush Stone Curlews have been seen roosting or attempted to breed in the past,” Mr Harkness said.

“Fallen timber is clearly a very important part of their habitat and it is great that we can provide that for them.”

Council aims to maintain the aesthetic of Possum Park, and fire management remains a high priority, but feels that these objectives can be met while increasing the habitat area of the park for the Bush Stone Curlews.

Below: Two of the resident Curlews at Possum Park.

FROM THE GROUND UP

2017/18 ‘Best Practice Agriculture in a Changing Climate’ GrantsThe South East NRM Board invites agricultural groups within the region to submit an application for the 2017/18 ‘Best Practice Agriculture in a Changing Climate’ grants program. This project is supported by the South East Natural Resources Management Board through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme. The objectives of the grants are to support the agricultural community to operate on the principle of sustainable management of natural resources and be better able to respond to the threats and opportunities created by climate change.

Grants are one off and up to $4,000 in value.

Who can apply?

Agriculture groups such as;

• Farming system groups

• Agriculture Bureaus

• Local Action Planning Groups

• Non-government or not for profit groups

working to improve agriculture

Groups must be operating within the South East, and be willing to enter into a standard grant agreement.

What are the application criteria?

The funding will be awarded to projects that seek to promote, support, or encourage the uptake of best practice agriculture in a changing climate. Projects may include but are not limited to;

• Organising a guest speaker or industry expert to present at an event

• Hosting workshops or training sessions

• Conducting field trials or demonstrations of new and innovative technologies

• Publishing a booklet or other literature

relevant to best practice agriculture

• Producing other communication tools such as videos, websites etc.

When can I apply?

Applications are now open and an application form can be found on the Natural Resources South East website.

For more information on the grants program, criteria, assessment and conditions of funding visit naturalresources.sa.gov.au/southeast/get-involved/grants-and-funding or contact Damien Bickley, Regional Landcare Facilitator on 08 8735 1145 or 0447 576 523 or via email damien.bickley@sa.gov.au

Applications close 6 October 2017

Sustainable Ag Projects ‘Best Practice Agriculture’ Grants awarded in 2016 / 2017From on farm education and field walks to ‘how much moisture left in the bucket’, here are some of the successful outcomes from Round 1. The projects all aimed to promote the uptake of best practice agricultural techniques in a changing climate.

Successful Grant Recipients:

Project: Coomandook and Meningie Saltland Redemption Project (see feature article page 8)

Group Name: Coorong Tatiara Local Action Plan in partnership with Coomandook Agricultural Bureau

Description: Contribution toward establishment of three Saltland demonstration sites. Including monitoring of the salt tolerant pastures ready for ‘Spring Farm Walk and Site Tour’ Wednesday the 20th of September 2017.

The project is investigating:

1. Does Messina grow in the environment?

2. Can it be productive either as a standalone species or as part of a pasture mix

Project: Alkaline Soils Field Day

Group Name: Mid South East Irrigators and Mackillop Farm Management Group

Outcome: Delivery of Alkaline Soils field day, including workshop, soil pit inspection and scoping discussions. 26 farmers and consultants attended the workshop at Reedy Creek to discuss production constraints on alkaline soils of the South East. An afternoon brainstorming session was then held to identify production constraints and project ideas.

Project: Addressing climate challenges by improving irrigation efficiency

Group Name: Dairy SA

Outcome: Conducted 5 irrigation catch can tests, collated information and compared against previous tests. This information was compiled into a case study and results presented at an irrigation discussion group, to Dairy SA members and the community.

Below: Alkaline Soils field day Below: one of the pivots involved in the catch can test

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Helping Little Fish with a Big ProblemYarra Pygmy Perch, a small freshwater fish found in the South East and Victoria, is under enormous pressure of becoming extinct. The Australian Government has recognised this and listed the species as Vulnerable under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. There are an estimated few thousand of the Yarras remaining in the South East in five known populations.

The reason for their demise is habitat loss. With 95% of the South East drained for agriculture there is very little suitable habitat for them remaining, especially with permanent water. Work started in 2011 on a captive breeding and release program to help recover the Yarra populations. Kingston Community School and Millicent High School commenced breeding the fish in their aquaculture facilities. Since then two breeding dams have also been established north of Millicent and in Mount Gambier.

Over the past 3 years over 1000 of the fish bred in captivity have been released into the natural environment. They have been released into strategic locations within the Piccaninnie Pond system as parts of that wetland exhibit all the requirements of the Yarra Pygmy Perch. This means clear, clean freshwater with suitable aquatic vegetation and most importantly, permanent water. The fish have been released at three separate sites and are periodically supplemented with fresh releases to support and secure the populations. Subsequent monitoring at the release sites have shown that the fish are doing very well and are now breeding on their own. Lots of baby Yarras have been found during monitoring giving hope that the fish are becoming established again in their own right.

The release process can take up to a day with fish collection, transportation and release. The Yarras have to be ‘acclimatised’ slowly to their new home so that they are not shocked by water that may not be the same temperature or quality to where they have been bred. The last release of 100 fish occurred in the second week of August with potentially another 500 by the end of the year.

Above: Steve Clark (left) and Frank Amoroso releasing fish back into Piccaninnie Ponds.

Below: Juvenile Yarra Pygmy Perch

FROM THE GROUND UP

Want to drive down your farm energy costs?A whole farm energy audit is vital for your business to help drive down costs - particularly if your farm has seen significant changes in infrastructure or systems.

That’s the message Meningie dairyfarmers Brad and Karin Fischer shared at a recent DairySA Energy Forum in Murray Bridge. The Fischers recognised that together with rising electricity prices, system developments on their farm left them exposed to costly electricity tariff penalties.

“Over the past few years we have made several changes to our farm including building a new barn, installing a new effluent system and upgrading irrigation - all of which had the potential to impact our electricity costs,” said Brad.

Brad and Karin employed the services of an energy auditor who understands farm businesses, setting him the task of identifying options for reducing their power costs.

By working closely with the energy auditor, the Fischers implemented a range of devices designed to reduce energy demand. They also viewed it as an opportunity to look at other ways to reduce energy costs.

Brad noted that it’s important the auditor is ‘nimble’ - by considering the implications and solutions for alternative options.

Options such as small solar to reduce peak loads, and installing LED lighting across the farm have been successful in reducing demand. And the energy audit also helped the Fischers get the best deal for solar feed in.

DairySA are currently offering Energy Audits to dairyfarmers. To find out more about how to get an Energy Audit undertaken for your farm business, contact DairySA’s Monique White on 0400 972 206.

Coomandook Saltland Redemption Project - an initiative of the Coomandook Ag Bureau and the Coorong Tatiara Local Action Plan

Project Summary

The Coomandook Saltland Redemption project was initiated by the Coomandook Ag Bureau to investigate new developments in salt tolerant pastures across the Meningie, Coomandook, and Cooke Plains areas. This includes testing the suitability of new salt tolerant legume species Messina and complementary salt tolerant pastures in broadacre farming systems. The project direction emerged from the Dryland Salinity Information Sessions held by the CTLAP in 2016, in response to cowncern at the increasing areas of salinity affected land.

Key issues that farmers wanted to investigate were:

1. Does Messina grow in this environment?

2. Can it be productive either as a stand alone species or as part of a pasture mix?

Project Activities

Messina is being established across not only saline areas, but in the surrounding gradational areas. All sites were sprayed out then sown with inoculated Messina plus or minus other salt tolerant companion pasture species.

SARDI have co-located a trial site looking at the seeding rates for Messina in a low rainfall environment, and the impact of fungicide seed treatments (Apron SD™) on establishment and nodulation of Messina.

Sites are being monitored for establishment, growth and production in 2017, and regeneration and persistence into 2018.

Over 2017 / 2018 additional parameters will be monitored such as Messina regeneration and palatability. A Spring Farm Walk visiting all sites with input from expert speakers will be held in September 2017. For further information please contact tstrugnell@coorong.sa.gov.au

Below: the Fischer family at their property in Murray Bridge.

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Table 1. Site locations and species being assessed at each site

Cooke Plains Messina @ 10kg/ha + Lucerne (SARDI Grazer) @ 3Kg/ha

Messina @ 10kg/ha + Puccinellia @ 4Kg/ha

Messina @ 10Kg/ha + Scimitar medic @ 3kg/ha + Phalaris @ 3kg/ha

Messina @ 10Kg/ha + Persian clover @ 3kg/ha + Fescue @ 5kg/ha

Cooke Plains Messina Seeding Rate Trial (sown by SARDI)

Coomandook Messina @ 10Kg/ha

Meningie East Messina @ 10kg/ha + Puccinellia @ 5Kg/ha

This project is supported by the South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board, the South East Natural Resources Management Board, Coorong District Council, Coorong Tatiara Local Action Plan and the Coomandook Agricultural Bureau through funding from the NRM Levies and the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme.

Right: Messina emerging at the Coomandook Trial Site

Upcoming workshop on cryptic indigenous species of heath plantsNGT established the Cross-Border Community Nursery thanks to an Australian Government grant in 2012. Since this time, the nursery has been a hub for research and education in the area, with propagation trials conducted on over 50 species, eight native plant display gardens established in the region, and a large number of public workshops held. The display gardens showcase our region’s beautiful and interesting native flora, including threatened species.

The nursery has hosted a Work for the Dole program, school students gaining work experience, older job seekers, and general volunteers. In each of these cases the participants have learnt valuable skills and knowledge, while helping with important conservation work.

The nursery will be holding a final workshop with special guest Jenny Guerin from the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide and the South Australian

Seed Bank. Jenny will be sharing with us her research on cryptic indigenous species of heath plants which will be of interest to those in the nursery industry, anyone into native plants or general scientific research. All are welcome!

The free public event will take place on Thursday, 7 September, 6:00pm at the Dress Circle, Main Corner, Mt Gambier. Please register your intent to attend by emailing Rose (rose.thompson@ngt.org.au).

Although the initial funding period has now wrapped up, we will continue to grow seedlings in our nursery for local revegetation projects. You can contact the nursery on 08 8797 8596.

This event is proudly supported by the City of Mount Gambier.

The Display garden in Helen Street shows a variety of native plants of the South East

FROM THE GROUND UP

Drains ready to go with winter flowsOff the back of a very wet winter in 2016 the South Eastern Water Conservation and Drainage Board (SEWCDB) and the Drainage Operations team, Natural Resources South East were mindful that the drain maintenance program needed to be stepped up in readiness for the 2017 winter season.As part of its drainage maintenance program, all SEWCDB excavators and a number of local contractors were utilised to undertake an ambitious drain maintenance program targeting strategic sections of the drainage network. This program resulted in a record distance of 97km of drains being maintained during the 2016-2017 year.

These maintenance works are necessary to remove excessive silts, and vegetative material that affect the flow capacity of the drains that are designed to sustain (as a maximum) a 1 in 20 year flooding event.

Some notable challenges for this program included:

• Silt and reed removal from a one kilometre section of Drain M drain through the Woakwine Range

• The upgrading of drains in the Bunbury

and Northern Outlet network in the Upper South East

• The rehabilitation of Drain E , in the vicinity of Canes Road at Stewart Range

• Repairs to Drain M following record flows from the Mosquito Creek system into Bool Lagoon in 2016.

With over 50mm of rainfall in the first week of August, many of the drains in the South East Drain Network have begun to flow. The maintenance of these drains will allow for sufficient drainage to benefit sustainable agriculture, and to direct good quality surface water towards wetlands, thus benefitting the environment.

As spring begins, and the flows begin to slow, the Drainage Operations team will begin to hold the water flows back with the use of its regulators throughout the network, hence

hydrating local groundwater levels, benefitting both primary production and the environment.

With little flows in 2015, and excessive (near record) flows in 2016, we can only hope that 2017 may be a “Goldilocks” (just right) year for the region’s primary producers.

New Bucks for Bush resources available!The Bucks for Bush factsheets are a step by step guide on how to go about establishing vegetation on your property. Designed to be read either as a series or individually, depending on the stage you are at with your revegetation, they highlight key issues and actions to take to ensure your revegetation is a success.

Fact Sheet 1 | Setting up Photopoints

Fact Sheet 2 | Site Planning

Fact Sheet 3 | Site Preparation

Fact Sheet 4 | Planting

Fact Sheet 5 | Direct Seeding

Fact Sheet 6 | Maintenance (Weeds and Pests)

Fact Sheet 7 | Maintenance (Watering and Tree Guards)

Fact Sheet 8 | Recording Success

Fact Sheet 9 | Years 2, 3, and 4

Fact Sheet 10 | Natural Regeneration

The booklet “Planning Revegetation on Farms in the South East” offers a more comprehensive guide. A free copy can be obtained by contacting Cathy Ashby on 8735 1236 or visiting the Natural Resources Centre in Mt Gambier and Keith.

Above: Silt removal at Drain M

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Recognising community supporters of Mt Burr SwampOn Saturday 12 August 2017, 70 people gathered at Mount Burr Swamp to join Nature Glenelg Trust (NGT) for an informal celebration of the successful fundraising campaign that led to the purchase of the property a year ago.With water levels rising and the bed of water ribbons in the wetland looking spectacular, attendees had the perfect backdrop for an enjoyable afternoon among fellow supporters. Indeed, despite a dry June, the inundation extent of the wetland is greater than the same time last year, thanks to the success of the trial structure on the outlet drain restoring a deeper water level; ensuring the site held permanent water through last autumn for the first time in decades.

After a couple of hours birdwatching, bushwalking and tree planting, supporters

gathered in the shearing shed to have afternoon tea, hear about NGT’s early works and future plans for the property, and to witness the unveiling of the permanent sign that has been installed in the shearing shed. The sign recognises all of the donors, volunteers and contributors to the project so far – of which there are too many to name here – and we thank them for their incredibly generous support. Major organisational partners in the project include the Native Vegetation Council, OneFortyOne Plantations, Natural Resources South East and the Nature Conservation Society of SA.

All in all, it was a great day that reminded everyone present of the great things we can achieve for the environment when everyone chips in towards a common goal. While we may have a long way to go, thanks to that incredible community spirit, the project is now off to a flying start.

Keep up to date with the latest Mt Burr Swamp news by registering for the NGT Newsletter at ngt.org.au, or by emailing info@ngt.org.au

Managing Water Logged Soils A full soil profile is desired by most landholders, but how do we approach management when things get a little too wet? When managing excess surface water there are several approaches we can consider:

1. Removing excess water (drainage options), 2. Minimise traffic and compaction (non-

drainage option), and3. Improve water storage and usage from

the profile.

All 3 options can be used in isolation but when used in combination they have the best effect.

Removing excess water – drainage is the quick fix to remove surface water, but can be costly and the proper approvals for constructing surface drains are required to undertake this work. For higher value horticultural crops sub surface drainage and raised beds may be an option.

Minimising traffic and compaction – using controlled traffic lines on the farm can help to minimise compaction across crop growing beds.

Some examples include; stock management that uses the “graze and spell” technique based on plant growth and soil type, or land class fencing that paddocks up similar soil types so they can have stock traffic managed accordingly.

This can be combined with spells onto higher sandier soils in winter and late spring and summer grazing on the heavier ground.

Improving water storage and use in the profile – if you notice the water that sits on the surface becomes discoloured when disturbed by rain or animal traffic then sodic soils could also be contributing to your problems. To help improve this we need to improve the topsoil structure. This can be done through the addition of organic matter into the topsoil and increasing soil cover over the soil through early crop establishment. In cases where sodic soils are taking effect then the application of Gypsum will aid in opening up and maintaining structure in the soil, and help drainage to the lower profile.

A final consideration is nutrients and their application to crops and pasture. When soils

are cold and waterlogged the ability for plants to effectively take nitrogen (N) up through the roots is limited. Early applications to get the crop established before water logging will help the plants to survive longer periods with wet feet. But application after water logging will only be effective once the plants are actively growing again. Water logging has been for a period of longer than 30 days seek agronomic advice.

For further information on managing water logged soils or other soil issues, contact the Natural Resources South East, Land Management Advisor on 8762 9700.

Aboe: New sign unveiled by Barb Cameron (left), Pip Rasenburg and Mark Bachmann.

FROM THE GROUND UP

From the Ground Up is a publication of Natural Resources, South East and supported by the South East Natural Resources Management Board (SENRM Board) through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme. It promotes awareness and uptake of natural resources management in the South East region of South Australia.

This edition of “From the Ground Up” has been printed on recycled paper. Please care for the South East and recycle this after reading. Articles in “From the Ground Up” may be reproduced with acknowledgement.

For further enquiries on “From the Ground Up” please contact:

Cathy Ashby, Natural Resources, South EastPhone: (08) 8735 1236 Email: cathy.ashby@sa.gov.au

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy in this publication, Natural Resources South East and the SE NRM Board take no responsibility for any errors or omissions. Content contained within articles is, and remains, the responsibility of the submitting agency. The editorial committee and associated employing agencies make no representation, either expressed or implied as to the suitability of the information and data contained within this publication for any particular purpose, and accept no liability for any use of this information and data or reliance placed upon it.

Design by: www.hellofriday.com.au

The Recovery Team and BirdLife Australia are calling landholders and members of the public to report all nesting activity of the endangered South-eastern Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo over the upcoming breeding season.Since 2011, nest incentive payments have been offered to people with information on new and existing Red-tail nest sites across its range in the South East of South Australia and South West Victoria. The scheme offers $500 for all ‘new’ nests reported to the Team and $100 for information on the re-use of existing nests. These incentives are thanks to the Nature Foundation SA and the ‘Saving the SERTBC Project’, which is supported by the Australia Government, Natural Resources South East and BirdLife Australia.

Over the last six years, the nest incentive project has proved to be a great success with a total of 23 new nests found across 11 sites. Last year a record of nine new nests were found near Casterton and Edenhope thanks to the reports from local landholders and the work of PhD student Daniella Teixeira.

Daniella is developing and trialling new methods to monitor Red-tail breeding using bioacoustic technology. This involves observing and gathering data on the birds behaviour using sound recorders to capture calling behaviour between parent birds and the nestling at nest sites. The aim is to identify if specific vocalisations or calls, and certain behaviours, indicate nesting activity and fledging of chicks. Once breeding-related calling behaviour is understood, Daniella will test bioacoustic methods in the field to investigate important questions about breeding location, nest survival rates, hunger, and the relationship to feeding habitat.

For this to be a success, we urge anyone with observations of nesting Red-tails to report them to the Project Coordinator on 1800 262 062 or at redtail@birdlife.org.au. Further information on the nest incentive scheme and conditions of payment please visit www.redtail.com.au/nest-incentive.

The SERTBC Recovery Program is funded by the Australian Government through partnership agencies including

Natural Resources South East, Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority and Wimmera Catchment

Management Authority.

Rewards offered for Nest Reports