A new study is exploring the complex relationship between the natural environment, primary industries and the native animals and plants which make farms and forests their homes, in an attempt to boost biodiversity across western NSW. 

Researchers from the Trangie Agricultural Research Centre have developed a model to better explain the relationships between plants, animals, birds, bats, reptiles, frogs and insects with land use in low rainfall areas. 

NSW Department of Primary Industries research scientist, Cathy Waters, said the model was built using existing research results from NSW DPI, Forests NSW and Office of Environment and Heritage studies. 

“We are looking at a range of agricultural activities - grazing management, cropping activities, retention of remnant native vegetation - to identify how on-farm management can benefit biodiversity,” Dr Waters said. 

“In the past, agriculture has been seen as a cause of biodiversity loss, we are now investigating how our production systems can encourage biodiversity to benefit both the environment and production.” 

Agricultural production depends on biodiversity to underpin long-term landscape viability and important ecosystem processes which are needed to maintain a healthy environment. 

Dr Waters said that in identifying agricultural management practices which maintain or improve biodiversity, farmers could reduce the rate of species loss and also maintain or increase primary production. 

“We know that eucalypt plantations established for forestry purposes have the capacity to provide food and shelter for birds and animals,” she said. 

“Enhancing remnant vegetation to improve its composition with shrubs and trees will provide an understorey habitat for insects – the presence of those insects may also have beneficial effects for crops and pastures. 

“Native vegetation, trees, shrubs and grasses, can have positive effects on hydrological functions on the farm - controlling run-off, reducing erosion and managing dryland salinity.” 

Researchers aim to give farmers, land managers and Catchment Management Authorities solid information they can use to assess existing operations and explore alternative options. 

Dr Waters said critical components of the model will be tested in future farm case studies to identify any information gaps. Digital photographs are available bernadette.york@industry.nsw.gov.au 

Media contact: Bernadette York 6391 3936 or 0427 773 785