Maintaining groundcover to reduce erosion and sustain production

Summary

Managing pastures to maintain adequate levels of groundcover is the most effective way to minimise run-off and erosion. By reducing run-off, more water is made available for plant growth. By reducing erosion, soil, nutrients and organic matter are retained in place and siltation problems are minimised. In addition, groundcover is important for soil health and assists in weed control.

This Agfact is aimed at pasture managers who wish to maintain groundcover to reduce erosion and sustain production.

It includes information on:

• Importance of groundwater
• Role of groundwater
• Adequate groundcover
• Manipulating groundcover
• Estimating groundcover
• Minimum groundcover estimates