Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Heavy Rains Show Need For Soil Conservation Practices, G H. Burvill

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Autumn 1953 will stand out in the weather records for the widespread heavy rains in the pastoral areas and wheatbelt. The rains which came from the cyclonic storms of March 22-25, totalled five to 12 inches in many pastoral areas and two to seven inches in the Northern and Eastern Wheatbelt. The steady rain soaked the land, but where the falls were heaviest, runoff to lower parts caused flooding and local inconvenience. All in all, it was a very welcome rain, especially where the previous winter had been dry. In the wheatbelt, ploughing and cultivation were soon in full swing …

The Soil Our Basic Asset, J E. Watson

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Contour furrows increase pasture growth

Good pastures on steep slopes will give profitable returns from grazing, and will also reduce erosion risks. Water needed for pasture growth on such slopes must not be allowed to run off and erode lower slopes. The use of contour furrows is a readily applied erosion control measure which can be very effective in increasing the amount of water held and absorbed on steep slopes.

Wind Erosion Control—I, D J. Fleay

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Desserts have been formed in some parts of the world by the action of wind on once productive soils. This could happen to the light land areas of Western Australia if we do not profit by the lessons of the past and manage these soils with great care.

The Regeneration And Maintenance Of Wimmera Ryegrass Pastures Under Saline Soil Condition, F L. Shier

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Over the past ten years, Wimmera ryegrass pastures at the Salmon Gums Re- VJ search Station have been improved and maintained by periodic cultivation of the soil even without applications of superphosphate. On heavy crab-holey soil affected by high salt content and unsatisfactory for wheat growing, cultivation treatments have produced remarkably uniform stands of Wimmera ryegrass as shown in the accompanying pictures. The bare patches due to salt, have been largely eliminated. If the interval between cultivations is more than three years Wimmera pastures deteriorate badly.

Soil Conservation Service - Basis Of Co-Operation, G H. Burvill

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

The Soil Conservation Service has been established as provided in the Soil Conservation Act, 1945. To carry out its objectives will require the co-operation with it of individual farmers and landholders. The policy of the Service is therefore to encourage farmers to help themselves, and particularly to encourage them to recognise the need for soil conservation methods and for soil erosion control in the early stages. More particularly, the Service aims to provide, through its trained staff, technical asistance in the way of agricultural advice, research, conservation, planning, layouts and surveys. As indicated below, under the heading "Charges for Soil …

The Hose U-Tube Level, J P. Fallon

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

With the growing use of soil conservation practices throughout the farming areas, there has been an increasing demand for a simple levelling device that will enable farmers to take their own levels. When they have become familiar with the use of pasture furrows, contour banks and the various other mechanical erosion control measures, farmers with the aid of such an instrument would be able to make an immediate start on an erosion control programme. The instrument would also prove useful for numerous small jobs around the farm when accurate levels are required. Tests have shown the "Hose U-Tube Level" here …

Soil-Saving Schools

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Save the soil for your sons and grandsons," or "Every farmer his own soil conservationist" might well serve as slogans for the recently-inaugurated farmers' schools organised in this State by the Soil Conservation Service. Judging by the enthusiasm shown by pupils at the first two schools, held in August last, this highly practical approach to an important subject seems destined to usher in an entirely new conception of soil conservation work as it affects the individual land-owner.

Soil Conservation Farming

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

A list of farmers known to be using contour practices for soil conservation, is printed at the end of this note. It will enable other interested farmers to find and see something of such methods. Now is considered an appropriate time to publish this list as many farmers will shortly be travelling through the countryside to agricultural shows and field days.

Dams On The Hillsides

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

A reader of the "Journal of Agriculture" recently wrote to the Commissioner of Soil Conservation concerning the current tendency towards sinking dams on hillsides. He stated that many farmers and contractors were throwing up holding banks in such a manner that a large percentage of the water impounded was lost by seepage under the banks.

Water Erosion Control, L C. Lightfoot

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Although soil erosion caused by water action is common in our agricultural areas, effective erosion control measures, likely to pay for themselves quickly, can be applied in nearly every case. Plant cover above the soil surface, and fertile soil with good structures are the main factors which enable soils to resist erosion. Dense pasture gives the best cover and at the same time improves the fertility and structure of the soil both effectively and economically, so land management adjusted to the need and capability of soils, slopes and climate is of first importance. Contour practices are of secondary value and …