Three Cost-Effective Ways to Manage the Impacts of Land Clearing on Your Rural Farm Property

24 July 2017
 Categories: Environmental, Blog

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The short- and long-term effects of extensive land clearing are staggering, for both the environment and the financial viability of agriculture in a cleared area. If your rural farm property is suffering from ecological degradation due to clearing activities, check out these cost-effective methods for managing the impact and regenerating your farmland for the benefit of future generations.

Practice minimal disturbance

Your bush regeneration plan will depend greatly on your aims and objectives—whether you wish to restore habitats, aesthetics, drainage, ecosystems or native plant communities. The practice of minimal disturbance is an excellent strategy to implement immediately on your rural farm property. To begin the process of halting land degradation and restore the natural bush ecology, simply minimise the disturbance of natural conditions. This means not tilling, planting or treating the soil in certain areas, while hand weeding, spot spraying and slashing to allow for natural regeneration to occur. This is a long-term process, however, and may require the support of further regeneration activities to support biodiversity restoration.

Manage weeds

Invasive weeds and those classified as ecosystem transformers work to dominate, undermine and destroy the native vegetation on your farm, posing a significant threat to your frugal bush regeneration plans. Depending on the distribution and density of weeds on your farm, invasive weeds can modify soil characteristics, alter habitats, and inhibit native plants from germinating or accessing nutrients in the soil. Removing weeds can be a complex process when working to regenerate native bushland, so it is highly recommended that a comprehensive site assessment and project strategy be established to manage weeds on your farm.

Invite birdlife back

The effects of land clearing on the Australian bird population have been devastating. As land is cleared and habitats destroyed, birds die from stress, food shortages and exposure to the elements. Inviting birdlife back to your farmland is an excellent way of restoring biodiversity in your area. Working with a local wildlife and bush regeneration contractor, you can plant carefully selected native flora to recreate natural habitats that will attract and maintain local fauna. While the encouragement of natural vegetation growth takes time, creating a vibrant understory of native grasses, shrubs, herbs and a range of habitat opportunities is an excellent way to kickstart your bush regeneration journey on a budget.

Consider joining your community-based bushcare group for a great local support network while you work to restore your farmland. For help developing a comprehensive bush regeneration strategy specific for the needs of your farmland, contact your local bush regeneration consultant today.