Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Salt Land Survey, 1962 : Report Of A Survey Of Soil Salinity In The Agricultural Areas Of Western Australia, L C. Lightfoot, S. T. Smith, C. V. Malcolm

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

IN Western Australia there are within the agricultural areas about one million acres of salt land, largely within the 14-25 inch rainfall area used for cereal and wool production.

In March, 1962, farmers in 68 shires in the agricultural areas of Western Australia estimated that on their properties 305,270 acres of land previously cropped or sown to pasture had become salt affected. Of this total, 59,203 acres had gone salt in the seven years immediately before the survey.

Set Stocking Has A Place In Soil Conservation Farming, J E. Watson

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

Set stocking of sheep at increased stocking rates is rapidly becoming popular with farmers in the agricultural areas of Western Australia.

But will set stocking increase soil erosion hazards? It should do just the reverse, according to Soil Conservation Adviser J. E. Watson, B.Sc, who claims that set stocking has a place in soil conservation farming.

Soil Erosion And Farm Water Supplies, J C. Grasby, J. E. Watson

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

Water supplies for stock have an important influence on farm management.

In this article Soil Conservation Advisers J. C. Grasby and J. E. Watson discuss problems of soil erosion and farm water supplies.

Agriculture In The Lakes District : Report Of A Survey Of Farm Practices, A W. Hogstrom

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

At the request of the Central South Zone Development Committee a survey which covered 58 farms in the Lakes District was carried out by officers of the Department of Agriculture. Field work for the survey started in 1961.

The Lakes District supports about 70 holdings adjoining a chain of salt lakes to the east of Newdegate and Hyden but west of the No. 1 Rabbit Proof Fence.

The chain of lakes is about 70 miles long running in a N.N.W. to S.S.E. direction. The lakes are O'Connor, Carmody, Hurlstone, Varley, Gulson, Fox, Camm, King, and Pal lamp.

Soil Conservation : Contour Banks Must Be Maintained, D J. Carder, G. W. Spencer

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

The wet winter of 1963 showed up faults in many contour bank systems and emphasised that banks won't last forever without maintenance.

This article tells where to look for weaknesses and how to treat them.

Soil Erosion By Water In W.A. Cropland : A Serious And Widespread Problem, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

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

Much wheatbelt agriculture is based on thin topsoils which are inherently infertile by world standards. Erosion even to the depth of cultivation will cause the loss of:—

• most of the original topsoil

• the phosphate build up from years of "super" applications

• any accumulation of organic matter and humus.

Opposed Disc Plough Furrows Hard Kimberley Soils, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

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

THE work of reclaiming the eroded areas of the Ord River catchment has posed special problems for field staff of the Department of Agriculture engaged on this large scale project.

Thousands of miles of furrows must be contour-ploughed and seeded in extremely hard ground over big areas of eroded country.

Treating Severe Saltland, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

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

THE illustration shows a large area of severely salt affected land near Narembeen.

Before treatment, sheep had access to the area and in summer broke the topsoil into a fine powder which lifted to form dust storms with every good breeze.

Planning New Farm Dams : Excavated Earth Tanks, J E. Watson, J. C. Grasby

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

A GOOD farm dam is a valuable asset, and well worth its cost, but there are many aspects to consider when a new dam is required. Careful planning with adequate testing and checking will help to get the best value for money and reduce the chance of costly failures.

This article discusses these aspects in relation to the excavated earth tank type of dam.

Dairy Farming In The Busselton-Margaret River District. Part 1. Stage Of Development, R A. Bettenay

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

This article is the first of four in a series reporting a survey of farming practices in the Busselton-Margaret River area.

Besides the development of farms the series will cover farm stocking rates and milk production on farms in the area.

THE survey of farms in the Busselton-Margaret River district began at the end of the 1962 season.

Information on the stage of development of the properties was obtained from 94 farmers during advisory visits.

Modern Methods Boost Apple Production In A South-West Orchard, N H. Shorter

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

A WELL-KNOWN South-West apple orchard with an impressive cropping record is owned by W. F. & E. M. Dilley and Sons, of Upper Capel, near Donnybrook.

Trees in this orchard have been producing consistently heavy crops for many years and, furthermore, yields have increased steadily over a 10-year period.

Soil Conservation : Build Contour Banks With A Disc Plough, G W. Spencer, D. J. Carder

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

Heavy earthmoving machinery is not necessary for contouring; most farmers are already equipped to do the job themselves.

This article by soil conservation advisers G. W. Spencer and D. J. Carder tells how to build contour banks with a disc plough.