May2011_SEQ LANDOWNERS FIGHT FLOOD IMPACTS ON CATCHMENTS
The work of some south east Queensland landowners successfully reduced the impact of flooding and the amount of sediment washed into our waterways during recent floods.
Senior Extension Officer Ian Layden from the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) said improved grazing and horticulture practices in rural catchments had paid off in areas hit by flooding.
“The January 2011 floods caused significant impacts in the Lockyer, Bremer, Mid Brisbane and Upper Brisbane catchments, causing widespread bank erosion, topsoil removal and sediment redistribution,” Mr Layden said.
“However, without the work of local landowners to increase natural buffers along creek banks to improve bank stability and water quality, the flood impacts could have been a lot worse.
“Through the Healthy Country program, which includes DEEDI’s FarmFLOW project and SEQ Catchments’ on-ground restoration projects, local landowners are reducing the amount of sediment and nutrient loss to our waterways.
“Analysis of this work over the past three years has shown promising results, with recent assessments finding damage from the floods was not as severe in the project sites.
“Producers who had ground cover established had less damage than in areas that had none.
“The long-term benefit of this is more effective and profitable land management by primary producers and landowners, and healthier waterways for everyone.”
Mr Layden said that where flooding caused soil movement off or onto fields, there were key considerations for addressing the damage.
“Possible effects of flooding on cultivation are unevenness in the field, soil nutrient deficiencies and topsoil loss,” Mr Layden said.
“This means that the soil you are now working with is not necessarily the same as what you had before.
“Landowners should test their soil to find out what nutrients it has, as this will impact on your crop choice since some crops can have lower nutrient requirements.
“If soil fertility is such that the field is unlikely to produce a quality vegetable crop, then you may need to look at longer term management options such as green manure and cover crops to get some organic matter back into the system.
“Soil borne diseases are also a serious concern, so crops should be monitored for early signs of disease.
Until 30 June, DEEDI is offering a free diagnostic service to help producers identify and target diseases in horticultural crops affected by the floods. For more information on DEEDI’s free plant disease diagnostic service or soil management options, contact 13 25 23.
“The January 2011 floods caused significant impacts in the Lockyer, Bremer, Mid Brisbane and Upper Brisbane catchments, causing widespread bank erosion, topsoil removal and sediment redistribution,” Mr Layden said.
“However, without the work of local landowners to increase natural buffers along creek banks to improve bank stability and water quality, the flood impacts could have been a lot worse.
“Through the Healthy Country program, which includes DEEDI’s FarmFLOW project and SEQ Catchments’ on-ground restoration projects, local landowners are reducing the amount of sediment and nutrient loss to our waterways.
“Analysis of this work over the past three years has shown promising results, with recent assessments finding damage from the floods was not as severe in the project sites.
“Producers who had ground cover established had less damage than in areas that had none.
“The long-term benefit of this is more effective and profitable land management by primary producers and landowners, and healthier waterways for everyone.”
Mr Layden said that where flooding caused soil movement off or onto fields, there were key considerations for addressing the damage.
“Possible effects of flooding on cultivation are unevenness in the field, soil nutrient deficiencies and topsoil loss,” Mr Layden said.
“This means that the soil you are now working with is not necessarily the same as what you had before.
“Landowners should test their soil to find out what nutrients it has, as this will impact on your crop choice since some crops can have lower nutrient requirements.
“If soil fertility is such that the field is unlikely to produce a quality vegetable crop, then you may need to look at longer term management options such as green manure and cover crops to get some organic matter back into the system.
“Soil borne diseases are also a serious concern, so crops should be monitored for early signs of disease.
Until 30 June, DEEDI is offering a free diagnostic service to help producers identify and target diseases in horticultural crops affected by the floods. For more information on DEEDI’s free plant disease diagnostic service or soil management options, contact 13 25 23.
For landholders who suffered severe watercourse changes, SEQ Catchments will undertake free preliminary assessments. Contact SEQ Catchments on 3816 9721 or 0488 713 340.
