Some of the red brown earths used for agronomic research at Condobolin ARAS

Land and infrastructure

The Station covers 1722ha, predominantly of red and red-brown earths typical of the wheat-sheep zone of NSW. It has an average rainfall of 427mm, which is non-seasonal and highly variable. The topography is predominantly level with a small area of slightly undulating land in the north western corner.

The soils are predominantly red gradational and red-brown earths with near neutral pH and low inherent fertility and organic matter. They become shallow and stony on the undulating land. The natural vegetation was open savannah dominated by white cypress pine (Callitris glaucophylla) and bimble box (Eucalyptus populnea) with scattered shrubs and a short grassy understorey. Much of the station is now cleared on natural vegetation and used for farming and grazing of introduced pasture species.

The Station is well equipped with office and seminar facilities, frequently hosting groups of up to 200 people.

Farm operations use modern machinery, including GPS technologies, to implement best practice farming techniques minimising the impact of agricultural activities on the environment. Modern facilities and infrastructure such as grain processing sheds, livestock handling facilities and more than 100 well fenced and watered paddocks ensure the station can reliably and efficiently conduct research activities to a high standard.

Staff

The Station has a staff of 16 including three research officers and two advisory officer together with technical, clerical and operational support staff. In addition, CWFS has a staff of five co-located at the station. A project officer employed the Lachlan Catchment Management Authority is also based at the station to support programs run by NSW DPI and CWFS.