Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Sustainability Issues For Agriculture In Western Australia, Anne Bennett, Ross Kingwell, Ross George

All other publications

Agriculture has been and will continue to be a major component of economic activity in several regions in Western Australia, and agricultural communities will remain an important part of the social fabric and landscape of the State. Promoting the sustainability of agriculture is likely to produce three main outcomes: vibrant rural communities; profitable agricultural systems; and conservation of the natural environment. This paper describes briefly the main challenges to the sustainability of agriculture and outlines some means of responding to the challenges: market-based approaches; agricultural and environmental research and development; accelerated adjustment; and global and national policy initiatives.

Guidelines For Management Of Farmland Adjacent To The Busselton Wetlands, William Oldfield, Department Of Conservation And Land Management, Department Of Planning And Infrastructure

Bulletins 4000 -

The Busselton Wetlands are a chain of wetlands that lie parallel with the coastline of Geographe Bay, Western Australia and in close proximity to the town of Busselton. The main issues for the maintenance of quality of the wetlands are nutrient levels and habitat value. This guide outlines many of the current best practices related to farming around wetlands.

Fertigation Of Vegetables In Western Australia, J Burt

Bulletins 4000 -

Fertigation is the technique of using soluble fertilisers to supply essential nutrients to vegetables through sprinkler or trickle irrigation systems, or by means of a boom spray. It is ideally suited to most horticultural areas in Western Australia, especially the sandy soils of the Swan Coastal Plain that have a poor capacity to retain nutrients.

Before and after planting, nutrients are often applied to vegetables on soils of the Swan Coastal Plain by applications of poultry manure* or solid fertilisers. After planting, fertigation is a safe and effective method of applying top-dressings of nutrients to crops, especially after the rows …

Weed Plan For Western Australia, State Weed Plan Steering Group, Department Of Agriculture And Food, Western Australia

Bulletins 4000 -

One of the most significant environmental challenges facing Western Australia is the minimisation of the impact of weeds. In the relatively short history of this State since European settlement, some 1155 exotic plant species have established as weeds in our diverse and generally fragile ecosystems. While development for agriculture, mining, transport and housing must by its nature result in some change to the State’s flora, the introduction of weedy plant species has caused serious impacts which cause great concern.

Weeds now pose a serious threat to many of the State’s ecosystems, and impose high annual costs on agricultural industries. Weeds …

Management Of Soil Organic Matter And Gypsum For Sustainable Production In The Carnarvon Horticultural District Of Western Australia, R.S.B. Greene, A.J. Lin, D. C. Parr

Agriculture reports

Soil quality is critically important for the long-term production of high quality and high yielding fruit and vegetable crops in the Carnarvon horticultural district of Western Australia. A stable soil structure is essential for good soil quality.

Dealing With A Dry Season, Department Of Agriculture And Food, Western Australia

Bulletins 4000 -

Farmers' approaches to adverse seasonal conditions whether they be frost, flood or low rainfall should be to acquire as much information as possible on the immediate agronomic and financial situations and make a judgement on the longer term implications for the following seasons. Once the information has been acquired, in consultation with advisers, it is necessary to construct and implement agronomic and business strategies to deal with individual situations.

The agronomic and stocking options for the dry season supplied in this booklet deal with questions and issues arising from the Year 2000 season, which has been characterised by a mid …

Fertilisers For Wine Grapes : An Information Package To Promote Efficient Fertiliser Practices, B. H. Goldspink, Neil Lantzke, Bob Paulin, Diana Louise Fisher, Colin Gordon, N. Cross, J M. Campbell-Clause

Bulletins 4000 -

No abstract provided.

Native Vegetation Handbook For The Shire Of Northam, Sarah J. Weaving

Native vegetation handbook series

This booklet provides land managers with information relating to the natural resources of the Shire of Northam, including the existing and original vegetation, fauna and flora, drainage systems, topography and soils. Some of the problems relating to the management of these resources within the Shire and community initiatives to deal with these problems are also discussed. It is hoped that this information will contribute to the long term viability of the agricultural landscape and the conservation of native vegetation within the Shire.

Native Vegetation Handbook For The Shire Of Toodyay, Sarah J. Weaving

Native vegetation handbook series

The Handbook provides land managers with information relating to the natural resources of the Shire of Toodyay, including the original and existing vegetation, drainage systems and soils. Some of the problems relating to the management of these resources within the Shire and ideas and community initiatives to solve these problems are also discussed. It is hoped that this information will contribute to the long term viability of the agricultural landscape and the conservation of native vegetation within the shire.

Success With Serradella In The Wheatbelt, Clinton Revell, Bradley Nutt, Michael Ewing

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Clinton Revell, Bradley Nutt, and Michael Ewing review the latest developments with new varieties of French serradella and yellow seradella that should provide the basis for productive legume pastures on acidic, sandy soils throughout the wheatbelt of Western Australia

Trees Working In Western Australia, Dave Berry

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

There is an air of inevirability about farm forestry - no-one disputs that planting trees is a sure route to curbing agriculture's serious land degredation problem. Dave Berry talks with some of the key players developing the industry.

An Inventory And Condition Survey Of The Sandstone-Yalgoo-Paynes Find Area, Western Australia, A L. Payne, A M E Van Vreeswyk, K A. Leighton, H J. Pringle, P Hennig

Technical Bulletins

The inventory and condition survey of the Sandstone-Yalgoo-Paynes Find area, undertaken by the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA) between 1992 and 1993, describes and maps the natural resources of the region’s pastoral leasehold land. This survey report provides a baseline record of the existence and condition of the area’s natural resources, to assist with the planning and implementation of land management practices. The report identified and described the condition of soils, landforms, vegetation, habitat, ecosystems, and declared plants and animals. It also assessed the impact of pastoralism and made land management recommendations. The area surveyed covers about …

The Use Of Red Mud/Gypsum To Reduce Water Pollution From Sandy Soils Used For Vegetable Production, Ian Mcpharlin, W. J. Robertson, R. C. Jeffery

Research Reports

An important domestic and export vegetable industry is located on the sands of the Swan Coastal Plain (SCP) in Western Australia. The total value of the vegetable industry on the SCP was estimated at $90M in 1996/7 or about 50% of the total value of the industry. This vegetable production has been located on good quality sands such as the Spearwood and yellow Karrakatta sands, close to the coast, since the 1950s. However in recent years competition for this land for urban and industrial use has forced vegetable production onto soils with poorer water and phosphorus retention capacity such as …

Planning To Grow Vegetables Commercially, John Burt, Peter Gartrell

Bulletins 4000 -

This Bulletin was developed by Department of Agriculture in recognition of the increasing complexity and competitiveness in establishing a commercial vegetable enterprise. The information in this Bulletin will provide you with a useful guide to assess your likelihood of succeeding in vegetable production.

Vegetable production is not an easy lifestyle. It is a highly competitive environment with the industry consisting of growers with big investments and years of experience and knowledge. Horticultural farms require a large amount of capital and time and are increasingly expanding and becoming more specialised.

If you are serious about growing vegetables, work through this Bulletin …

Phosphorus And Nitrate Loss From Horticulture On The Swan Coastal Plain, Neil Clifton Lantzke

Agriculture reports

(En) The extent of nutrient loss from nine horticultural properties located on the sandy soils of the Swan Coastal Plain was examined. On three of the properties phosphorus (P) loss was measured by monitoring nutrient loads in shallow drains. On the other six properties networks of monitoring bores were installed and both P and nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N) concentrations were monitored. All of the properties except one were located on the low phosphate fixing Bassendean sands. The level of nutrient loss was depend l production areas. High to very high N03-N concentrations were found in the shallow groundwater beneath the production …

Native Vegetation Handbook For The Shire Of Beverley, Rod Safstrom

Native vegetation handbook series

This Handbook is one of a series covering the agricultural region of Western Australia. The Handbook aims to assist the development of sustainable farming systems which combine agricultural production and nature conservation. Information is provided on the natural resources of the Shire of Beverley, including the existing vegetation, drainage systems and soils. Problems in managing these resources are described and community initiatives to tackle the problems are summarised.

Native Vegetation Handbook For The Shire Of Brookton, Rod Safstrom

Native vegetation handbook series

This Handbook is one of a series covering the agricultural region of Western Australia. The Handbook aims to assist the development of sustainable farming systems which combine agricultural production and nature conservation. Information is provided on the natural resources of the Shire of Brookton, including the existing vegetation, drainage systems and soils. Problems in managing these resources are described and community initiatives to tackle the problems are summarised. It is hoped this Handbook will contribute to the long term viability of the agricultural landscape and the conservation of native vegetation within the Shire.

Native Vegetation Handbook For The Shire Of Pingelly, Rod Safstrom

Native vegetation handbook series

This Handbook is one of a series covering the agricultural region of Western Australia. The Handbook aims to assist the development of sustainable farming systems which combine agricultural production and nature conservation. Information is provided on the natural resources of the Shire of Pingelly, including the existing vegetation, drainage systems and soils. Problems in managing these resources are described and community initiatives to tackle the problems are summarised. It is hoped that this Handbook will contribute to the long term viability of the agricultural landscape and the conservation of native vegetation within the Shire.

Native Vegetation Handbook For The Shire Of Bridgetown-Greenbushes, Shaun B. Grein

Native vegetation handbook series

This booklet provides rural land managers with information relating to the natural resources of the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes including the existing vegetation, drainage systems and soils. Some of the problems relating to the management of natural resources in the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes and possible solutions to these problems are also discussed. By providing this information, it is hoped this booklet will contribute to the long term viability of the rural landscape and the conservation of native vegetation within the Shire.

Native Vegetation Handbook For The Shire Of Boyup Brook, Shaun B. Grein

Native vegetation handbook series

This booklet provides rural land managers with information relating to the natural resources of the Shire of Boyup Brook including the existing vegetation, drainage systems and soils. Some of the problems relating to the management of natural resources in the Shire of Boyup Brook and possible solutions to these problems are also discussed. By providing this information, it is hoped this booklet will contribute to the long term viability of the rural landscape and the conservation of native vegetation within the Shire.

Native Vegetation Handbook For The Shire Of Augusta-Margaret River, Shaun B. Grein

Native vegetation handbook series

This booklet provides rural land managers with information relating to the natural resources of the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River including the existing vegetation, drainage systems and soils. Some of the problems relating to the management of natural resources in the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River and possible solutions to these problems are also discussed. By providing this information, it is hoped this booklet will contribute to the long term viability of the rural landscape and the conservation of native vegetation within the Shire.

Early Season Disease Control In Winter Cereals With Real ® Seed Dressing., R Loughman, J Hodgson

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Establish a rate response for Real on powdery mildew (Erysiphe graminis) and determine crop safety of the formulation.

Chemicals applied as seed dressings prior to sowing. Completely randomized block design with four replicates.

No-Till Sowing : Helping To Keep Cropland Soils In Place, Kevin Bligh, Paul Findlater

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Repeated erosion of tilled land can ;ower crop and pasture yields because of reduced available moisture and nutrient storage. Kevin Bligh and Paul Findlater look at the causes of water and wind erosion and the role of no-till sowing in minimising erosion.

Improving Dairy Farm Performance, Ruth Dilley

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Western Austraian sairy farmers produce more milk per cow and per farm than their eastern Sttates counterparts and the milk is also of higher quality. But there is always room for improvement and as grain prices rise it is crucial that maximum benefit is derived from the cheapest feed source - the pasture.With this in mind Ruth Dilley looks at the Dairy Farm Performance Program - a comprihensive farm database developed by Agriculture Western Australia.

Weeds : A Curse For Native Plants In Farm Woodlands, Max Abensperg-Traun

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Weeds have a mJOR IMPct on native Australian plants, particularly in the tropical north and the agricultural regions of southern Australia.

Maz Abensperg-Traun, and his clooeagues from the CSIRO Division of Wildlife and Ecology, explainthe effects of weed invasion on the diversity of native herbaceous plants in faarm woodlands in the centeral wheatbelt of south-west Western Australia.

Native Vegetation Handbook For The Shire Of Dumbleyung, Shaun B. Grein

Native vegetation handbook series

This booklet provides agricultural land managers with information relating to the natural resources of the Shire of Dumbleyung including the existing vegetation, drainage systems and soils. Some of the problems relating to the management of natural resources in the Shire of Dumbleyung and possible solutions to these problems are also discussed. By providing this information it is hoped this booklet will contribute to the long term viability of the agricultural landscape and the conservation of native vegetation within the Shire.

Value Of Saltbush Questioned, Brian Warren, Tess Casson, Ed Barrett-Lennard

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Over the last 20 years the Department of Agriculture has focused on finding plant species that can grow on salt/and to produce sheep feed, and on techniques for establishing plantations of saltbushes. Some research has been in response to farmer reports of success in using revegetated salt/and to provide autumn forage, while other work has resulted from the apparent importance of saltbushes in rangeland areas.

Objective measurements of wool production have been taken only recently. Three years research at Katanning indicates that while saltbush material is selected and eaten by sheep, its value for wool production is not high. It …

Nature Conservation In The Western Australian Wheatbelt, Max Abensperg-Traun

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Growing concern about the survival of flora and fauna in the Western Australian wheatbelt prompted CSIRO scientists to start a long-term study to moniter trends in populations. Max Abensperg-Traun and his colleagues reportt on their findings so far.

Making Horticulture Sustainable, Bob Paulin, Neil Clifton Lantzke, Ian Mcpharlin, Murray Hegney

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Sweet crunchy carrots, luscious strawberries at very reasonable prices, crisp green vegetables - these are just a few of the horticultural products that Western Australians take for granted and eat almost every day. But is their future availability guaranteed as population grows, suburbia spreads and environmental concern increases?

Storm : [Wind Erosion In The Great Southern], Dan Carter

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

On Thursday 11 May 1995, a low pressure system with central barometric pressure of 990 hPa formed of south-western Australia. This depression directed gale force winds over the South-West Land Division for some seven hours.

Dan Carter reports on the widespread damage to soils and property, and management practices that would have reduced the problem.