This case study is an extract written by Julie O’Halloran from Lovett S, Price P, and Lovett J. (2003) ‘Managing Riparian Lands in the Cotton Industry.’ Cotton Research and Development Corporation, Narrabri, NSW.
Auscott’s properties in the Gwydir valley are located along the Carole Creek. About six years ago, Auscott Midkin ceased grazing and farming of their riparian areas to allow for regeneration of native vegetation. Today, a significant portion of Auscott Midkin’s creek frontage (about 24 per cent of farm area) is not farmed, with Auscott Midkin’s General Manager, Harvey Gaynor and Water Resources Manager, Terry Haynes revealing that there were several prompts for this change in management. Erosion along Carole Creek was a problem, and it was felt that the riparian areas were better left to protect the creek bank, and provide a buffer for pesticides and sediments entering the waterway. Harvey and Terry also felt that farming riparian areas was inefficient as they were often oddly shaped and difficult to access. The riparian areas on the property now form a corridor for wildlife as well as protecting the creek from further erosion. These areas of deep rooted vegetation may also help prevent watertables from rising and guard against salinity problems. For the first three years, management to regenerate the cleared riparian areas was relatively intensive. This involved slashing and selective spraying of weeds (e.g. Nogoora Burr, Sesbania Pea), and efforts continue to control weeds such as Johnson Grass. Feral animals such as cats and goats were a problem in timbered areas, however, a successful removal program has been implemented to control them. Unfortunately, feral pigs remain a problem. Pump sites have also been considered in the management of riparian zones. At many sites engines are sitting close to water with fuel storage in close proximity. Fuel storages are now bunded to prevent contamination of Carole Creek in the event of leakage, and only biodegradable drip feed oils are used in pump sites to limit contamination of the waterway. Irrigation areas adjacent to Carole Creek are planted to Genetically Modified Ingard® cotton. This management practice helps to minimise the number of insecticide sprays in close proximity to the waterway. Prior to the release of genetically modified cotton, Auscott had a spray management plan in place, as well as guidelines for spraying these areas to minimise the potential for drift. Auscott is currently in the process of formalising and documenting their riparian zone management practices. They hope that this will help identify gaps in their current management and highlight areas that require further attention. Harvey and Terry believe the main challenge for riparian land management is accurately defining what is natural for riparian areas and determining how to return it to that state. Non-native species are quite prolific along the creek (e.g. willows), as well as species not native to the area. The management of regrowth and controlled thinning are also challenging and require ongoing maintenance. There is also some concern over future flood events if riparian lands become heavily timbered since development of the surrounding area has altered natural flood flows. Figure 27: Part of property being allowed to regenerate and extend width of the riparian zone.
Source: Lovett S, Price P (2003) ‘Managing Riparian Lands in the Cotton Industry: A guide to principles and practices.’ Cotton Research and Development Corporation, Narrabri, NSW.
Figure 28: Riparian area with mix of trees and shrubs regenerating naturally.
Source: Lovett S, Price P (2003) ‘Managing Riparian Lands in the Cotton Industry: A guide to principles and practices.’ Cotton Research and Development Corporation, Narrabri, NSW.
A final word… Harvey and Terry believe that the benefits of allowing riparian lands to revert to a ‘natural’ state include the value of these areas as effective buffers between different areas of the properties. As cotton growers, these areas are important to Auscott for spray drift management, as they provide a buffer between cropping areas and the creek and different types of cropping. The provision of a continuous corridor along the creek has also increased the diversity of vegetation and wildlife. |
