The
Mallee Farmer
FIGURE 1 Percentage of tube stock survival.
some sites had above average germination within a 10 metre sample of the seeding line. An increase in germinate growth was evident at some sites at the six month monitoring, however one site recorded a loss of direct seeding at the six month monitoring. This result is not unexpected as a percentage of the seed planted (both treated and untreated seed) will not germinate, or will germinate and die off over time. Two sites had no direct seeding planted. Threats Weed cover within the revegetation site is an issue for the developmental stages of both the tube stock and direct seeding lines. Ongoing management of weeds in order to reduce competition for soil moisture and nutrients is important. Results from both the three, six and nine month monitoring found that weed coverage of revegetation sites was very high, with majority of sites reporting greater than 50% weed cover and an average of 77%, 84% and 86% at the three, six and nine month monitoring periods, respectively (see Figure 2). This may be due to the above average rainfall across the catchment over spring and summer 2010/11. Rabbit abundance was also recorded at the revegetation sites with rabbit numbers reported as low on most sites
In brief
Children under the age of 16 now have the chance to try and grow Australia’s heaviest watermelon!
As part of the Yates Junior Landcare Watermelon Challenge, a free packet of Yates Candy Red Watermelon seeds will be sent to everyone who registers on the challenge website by September 25, 2011. The free seeds will be sent out in October and can be planted anytime from October through to December.
FIGURE 2 Percentage of weed cover.
during the three, six and nine month monitoring periods.
Conclusion
It is important to consider that there are many influences on revegetation success and on the contribution to improving biodiversity within the Mallee. The monitoring of the revegetation works is an important factor in ensuring the best possible outcome for the works that have been undertaken. The information obtained from monitoring these sites will not only quantify the impact of the works that have had on the condition of the site but also help to evaluate if this method of revegetation is the best practice for future programs.
Further information
The information for this article has been developed from ‘Monitoring the success of revegetation works in the Mallee 2010: Development of a monitoring framework to assess the impact of revegetation works on improving biodiversity value at targeted works sites’ report, available from the Mallee CMA. Further information is available from the Mallee CMA on 03 5051 4377. This project is supported by the Mallee Catchment Management Authority (CMA), through funding from the
Victorian Government and Caring for Our Country. The Mallee CMA would like to acknowledge the landholders participation in undertaking revegetation works throughout the Mallee and providing ongoing access to these sites to monitor their survival.
Contact
Stephanie Haw, T: (03) 5051 4377 E: Steph.haw@dpi.vic.gov.au
Acknowledgements
This project is supported by the Mallee Catchment Management Authority, through funding from the Victorian Government and Caring for Our Country. The Mallee CMA would like to acknowledge the landholders participation in undertaking revegetation works throughout the Mallee and providing ongoing access to these sites to monitor their survival.
Register for your free seeds and participate in the Watermelon Challenge by visting www.juniorlandcarechallenge.com.au
Participants contribute 35 per cent of the cost of the approved course to be eligible for a FarmReady Reimbursement Grant of up to $ 1,500 per financial year.
Registrations close on September 25 and the winners will be announced on March 5, 2012.
Funding of up to $500 each financial year is also available to assist with excess travel, accommodation and child care expenses.
Primary producers
can undertake training through the support of the Australian Government’s FarmReady Reimbursement Grants program.
For more information visit: www.farmready.gov.au
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