Soil Science Commons^™

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.

A Review Of Agriculture On The Esperance Downs, J L. Shier, T. C. Dunne, E. N. Fitzpatrick

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

Esperance is approaching a period of rapid development based on the results of research at Esperance Downs Research Station and on farmers' properties in the area.

This article reviews the soils, vegetation, climate, agricultural development and development costs of the area.

Light Lands In Western Australia. 1. History And Future Prospects, F L. Shier

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

BECAUSE of the scattered distribution of light lands of the agricultural areas of Western Australia among the better soils, and their large total area, it is not surprising that attempts to develop these unattractive soils for agriculture started many years ago.

Good Pasture On A Problem Soil, R Sprivulis

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

The acid peaty sands of the South-West have always been problem soils, and are often considered useless.

But, by following recommended establishment methods, farmers like Mr. F. E. Bellanger, of Nornalup, have shown that it can carry valuable pasture.

Natural Paddocks Help Soil Conservation, G W. Spencer

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

ON most farms, particularly in the cereal and sheep districts, the paddocks as we know them are fenced off into neat squares or rectangles.

The original fencing was done in such a way that the paddock layout, as well as the fences, completely disregards the topography or natural features of the land. Often this has encouraged soil erosion.

In properly laid out paddocks there should be a very close relationship between the natural features of the farm, the fence plan, and soil conservation.

Establishing Saltland Pastures, C V. Malcolm

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

WITH the approach of winter, thoughts are turning to the seeding season. It will therefore be appropriate to discuss methods of establishing saltland pastures.

This discussion will be restricted to "bluebush," creeping saltbush, and old man saltbush. Seed of these plants is available from local stock firms.

Healthy Pastures, F E. Ryan

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

IN sweeping away forests to make room for pastures we have taken on the responsibility of maintaining these areas in a condition suitable for the growth of pasture plants.

This is done by a choice of suitable species, fertilising, cultivating, drainage, control of grazing and by weed and insect control.

Salty Seepages Can Be Productive, C V. Malcolm

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

MUCH has been said and written concerning the use of Paspalum vaginatum for growing on seepage areas, but the general production to be expected from seepage areas has not received much attention.

The fact is that properly handled, seepage areas can be quite productive, and can be valuable for summer grazing.

Manage Your Rainfall For Maximum Production, J E. Watson

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

TTOW much would an extra inch of rainfall be worth to you? Much sloping land loses this much and more by run-off every year.

The soil is the main asset of your farm, but your profits depend on how you manage the rain which falls on it.

Reclaiming Salt Land With Bluebush, Stanley Thomas Smith

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

IN Western Australia there are approximately a million acres of salt land, some of which is a serious economic problem to individual farmers, unfortunate enough to have the major portion of their properties affected by salt encroachment.

Soil Conservation In The Kimberley Area Of Western Australia, K Fitzgerald

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

OFFICERS of the Soil Conservation Branch of the West Australian Department of Agriculture, have not been engaged in soil conservation work in the Kimberleys prior to this year, not because a serious erosion problem did not exist, but rather because with limited trained staff available they were too fully occupied elsewhere.

The recent arrival of a senior Soil Conservation Officer in the area to assist and plan an approach to the problem of soil erosion in the Ord River catchment area is therefore very welcome.

Leaflet No 1003 - The Salt Problem In The Wheat Belt, G. H. Burvill

Bulletins 1 - 2999

IN the wheat belt of Western Australian bare patches in farm paddocks are often seen. Many are bare, or almost bare, because of too much salt in the soil. The excess of salt prevents the germination of seeds, or kills living plants, because it causes the water supply for germination or growth to be cut off. This salt problem is so serious in places that single farms or groups of farms have been ruined; wheat growing on them has become unprofitable.