trial paddock management - nccma.vic.gov.au · tech rpt no. 6 for aotgr1-167. ... fact sheet no. 3....

Sequestering Soil Carbon in an Irrigated Landscape turned Dry Ecological Grazing

Trial Paddock Management

Project AOTGR1-167

Technical Report No. 8

February 2016

Version 1.0

Project Outline ACCEPTANCE AND RELEASE NOTICE

Role Name and Position title Signature Date

Project Director Shawn Butters, Director Kilter Rural

Project Manager David Heislers, Sustainability & Natural Resources Analyst Kilter Rural

26/02/16

Project Outline VERSION CONTROL REVISION HISTORY

Version Date revised

Main Revisions

V0.1 Oct 2015 Internal draft

V1.0 Feb 2016 Published

This document is a managed document and the Project Manager is responsible for its development and maintenance. For identification of substantive amendments each page contains a version number and a page number. Please refer to the Version Control Identification Table for sequence of version numbers.

This project is supported by the Action on the Ground Program funded by the Australian Government

Trial Paddock Management AOTGR1-167 of 48

Contents

Acknowledgments Abbreviations

1. Introduction 7 2.1 Purpose 7

2.2 Background 7

2. External management factors 11

2.1 Commercial operations 11

2.2 Climate 11

3. Paddock Management 14

3.1 General 14

3.2 Paddock FOSC2.1 18



3.5 Paddock FOSC7 27

3.6 Paddock FPAG10 29

3.7 Paddock GMCO7 31

3.8 Paddock GMGP2.1 34

3.9 Paddock JCRO2 37

3.10 Paddock KCLO3 40

4. Grazing emissions 42

References 44

Appendix 1: Grazier Observations 45


Supporting project documents

This document, code TR8, is supported by and accompanies the following publications generated in project AOTGR1-167. These publications are referenced in this document by their short code.

Technical Report series

TR1: Kilter, 2013. Monitoring and data Protocols. Tech Rpt no. 1 for AOTGR1-167.

TR2: Sunraysia Environmental, 2013. Soil, site and landform description. Tech Rpt no. 2 for AOTGR1-167.

TR3: Sunraysia Environmental, 2013. Spring 2012 soil carbon survey. Tech Rpt no. 3 for AOTGR1-167.

TR4: Kilter, 2013.Trial paddock histories. Tech Rpt no. 4 for AOTGR1-167.

TR5: Waddell G. and Just K., 2014. Baseline paddock vegetation survey. Tech Rpt no. 5 for AOTGR1-167.

TR6: Waddell G. and Just K., 2015. Trial paddock vegetation reassessment. Tech Rpt no. 6 for AOTGR1-167.

TR7: Sunraysia Environmental, 2015. Final soil carbon survey. Tech Rpt no. 7 for AOTGR1-167.

TR8: Kilter, 2016. Trial paddock management. Tech Rpt no. 8 for AOTGR1-167.

TR9: Kilter, 2016. Project outcome. Tech Rpt no. 9 for AOTGR1-167.

Technical Note series

TN1: Kilter, 2015. Baseline survey statistical implications. Tech Note no. 1 for AOTGR1-167.

TN2: Kilter, 2015. Final sampling repeat. Tech Note no. 2 for AOTGR1-167.

TN3: Kilter, 2016. Analysis of soil carbon change. Tech Note no. 2 for AOTGR1-167.

Fact Sheet series

FS1: Kilter, 2012. About the project. Fact Sheet no. 1. for AOTGR1-167.

FS2: Kilter, 2013. About the landscape. Fact Sheet no. 2. for AOTGR1-167.

FS3: Kilter, 2014. Environmental dryland grazing and carbon. Fact Sheet no. 3. for AOTGR1-167.

FS4: Kilter, 2015. Paddock vegetation and soil carbon. Fact Sheet no. 4. for AOTGR1-167.

FS5: Kilter, 2016. Final project results. Fact Sheet no. 5. for AOTGR1-167.

Peer Reviewed Paper

Kilter, 2016. Building soil carbon in semi-arid drylands for landscape resilience.

All documents are available for download from the project web page: http://www.nccma.vic.gov.au/Land/Dryland/BoostingSoilCarbonKilter/index.aspx

http://www.nccma.vic.gov.au/Land/Dryland/BoostingSoilCarbonKilter/index.aspx


Abbreviations

AOTG Action On the Ground

DSE Dry Sheep Equivalent

EVC Ecological Vegetation Class

FFL Future Farming Landscapes

FOSC 5-on-7 Country (based on '5/7' channel nomenclature)

GD Grazing Days

PPA Pest Plants and Animals

VES VicSuper Ecosystem Services


1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose

This document sets out activity and management undertaken on the 9 trial paddocks comprising project AOTGR1-167. This includes the detail of grazing loads on the relevant paddocks. This information is provided in the context of climate and therefore variations in biomass (vegetation) experienced during the project. The information in this document supports to the interpretation of soil carbon change measured in the paddocks.

1.2 Background

1.2.1 Action on the Ground

Project AOTGR1-167 is funded through round one (2011–12) of the Carbon Farming Futures – Action on the Ground program, administered by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture. This was a component of the Carbon Land Sector package of the Securing a Clean Energy Future plan of the time.

1.2.2 Project setting

The project aims to demonstrate innovative on-farm management to increase the sequestration of carbon in soil through changed land management practice from historical flood irrigation to dryland grazing and protected biodiversity.

The project area is 150km to the NNW of Bendigo – on the Lower Loddon and Avoca floodplains between Kerang and Lake Boga – where Kilter manages 9000 ha of semi-contiguous rural property that comprises VicSuper’s Future Farming Landscapes (FFL) investment.

The context of this project is a significant one as reflects a broad shift from historic broad scale flood irrigation in the southern Murray Darling Basin (MDB) to a more balanced agricultural landscape with modern efficient irrigation and renewed drylands where irrigation infrastructure has been retired.

This project focused on the renewed dryland component, aiming to demonstrate soil carbon improvements in land use change from flood irrigation to (i) low-impact controlled grazing, and (ii) protected biodiversity. The key assumption here is that a return of permanent groundcover to the landscape should result in more perennial biomass, less cultivation; and therefore the gradual increase in organic carbon being incorporated and maintained within the soil.

In 2012 low impact rotational grazing (sheep) was introduced to the FFL landscape under a joint venture with Bright Futures P/L (AH Bear & Sons). This wool and fat lamb operation is run under a holistic philosophy with stock movement controlled to maintain and enhance the cover and diversity of shrubby grasslands. Some of the grazing lands have been assisted with active renovation of native pasture. Fenced biolinks intersect and border the grazing lands and are aimed to not just protect significant biodiversity assets but to also to enhance the physical resilience of the greater FFL landscape.

Organic carbon across the FFL landscape are typically less than 1.5%. However the cracking floodplain clays (vertosols) of the region are believed to offer good potential for soil carbon storage (ENRC, 2010). The ambition in the longer term is to raise soil carbon content by a further 1% of the soil mass. The proposition in this project is to achieve a 0.1% increase within the originally planned 2 year sampling period, equivalent to sequestering 4 tC/ha (assuming this increase occurs over a 30cm depth).


1.2.3 Trial area

Nine trial paddocks were selected representing four treatment scenarios, these being grazing or biodiversity and whether these had been actively revegetated or not (Fig. 1.1, Table 1.1). Where possible three replicates were selected for each treatment, though this was only achieved for the grazing scenarios. The trial paddocks mostly vary between 30 and 60ha.

Figure 1.1: Relative location of trial paddocks, Project AOTGR1-167


Table 1.1: Trial paddock treatments

Paddock Treatment Types No. Replicates

1 Flood irrigation to ‘passively restored’ rotational grazing

Paddock recovered through rest and PPA control

3

2 Flood irrigation to ‘actively restored’ grazing

Paddock recovery assisted by direct seeding of native grasses and/or chenopods; as well as PPA control

This activity undertaken in 2010 or prior (two years before initial soil survey) with significant visual and/or measurable success

3

3 Flood irrigation to ‘passively restored’ biodiversity

Biodiversity value has recovered through stock exclusion and PPA control

2

4 Flood irrigation to ‘actively restored’ biodiversity

Paddock recovery assisted by direct seeding of native grasses and/or chenopods; as well as PPA control

This activity undertaken in 2010 or prior (two years before initial soil survey) with significant visual and/or measurable success

1

The core of this trial area on the ‘5-on-7’ grazing-biodiversity block (also denoted as FOSC) to the west of Lake Tutchewop, some 5–10km SE of Lake Boga. All (3) of the passively restored grazing paddocks lie on this block in addition to a passively restored biodiversity paddock.

All paddocks are located on variations of grey and brown cracking clays (vertosols) on the lower and upper floodplain terraces of a riverine landscape. All paddocks have been previously flood irrigated during the 100 year irrigation history of the region.

More detailed setup characteristics of the trial paddocks are summarised in Table 1.2.


Table 1.2: Characteristics of project trial paddocks

Paddock ID

Address Area (ha)

Land Use Treatment Characteristics of Treatment/Comment

FOSC2.1

Murray Valley Highway, Tresco

38 Grazing with passive restoration

First sheep introduced to paddock in Spring 2012. Rotational sheep grazing throughout year. Date, duration and number of stock in paddock determined by grazier under sustainable management principles.

FOSC3.2 Cook Road, Tresco 48 Grazing with passive restoration

First sheep introduced to paddock in May 2012. Rotational sheep grazing throughout year. Date, duration and number of stock in paddock to be determined by grazier under sustainable management principles.

FOSC4.2 Murray Valley Highway, Tresco

33 Grazing with passive restoration

As above, except sheep introduced to this paddock in July 2012.

FOSC7 Benjeroop–Tresco Road, Tresco

34 Protected biodiversity with passive restoration

Area fenced from stock in Autumn 2012. Passive restoration. Project trial area is outside registered BushTender zone.

FPAG10 Vains Road, Fish Point 2.3 Protected biodiversity with active restoration

Area fenced from stock over Summer 2008–09. Active restoration with air broadcast direct seeding took place in April 2010

GMCO7 Rob Roy Road, Fish Point

60 Grazing with active restoration

Mechanical air and manual broadcast seeding from the rear of a utility in the period April to June 2010. First sheep introduced to paddock in Spring 2012. Rotational sheep grazing through year. Date, duration and number of stock in paddock to be determined by grazier under sustainable management principles.

GMGP2.1 Winlaton Road, Fish Point


Paddock direct seeded April 2010 using a mixture of native and introduced species. First sheep entered paddock Winter 2012. Rotational sheep grazing through year. Date, duration and number of stock in paddock to be determined by grazier under sustainable management principles.

JCRO2 Three Chain Road, Tutchewop


Direct seeding carried out March 2010 (with Kilter seeder) and April 2010 (air broadcast method). First sheep introduced to paddock in August (Spring) 2012. Rotational sheep grazing through year. Date, duration and number of stock in paddock to be determined by grazier under sustainable management principles.

KCLO3 Flood Lane, Lake Charm

28 Protected biodiversity with passive restoration

Area fenced from stock in 2012. Passive restoration.


2. External management factors

Section 3 deals with management history on an individual paddock basis. Introduced here are broader or external influences that have had impact on paddock management. These factors can be classified as whether they relate to a (i) fundamental need to maintain sustainable commercial operation of these assets, or as (ii) climatic influences that are important for biomass production for stock feed and as a carbon source. Analysis of these external factors provides a preface in Section 3.

2.1 Commercial Operations

The grazing and biodiversity enterprises relevant to operations in the trial paddocks in this project are operated on a commercial basis. However the benefit of the FFL investment is that its scale allows adherence to land capability principles and a diversity of land use and management, so that lower revenue enterprises (of the likes of low impact grazing and biodiversity protection) can co-exist with high value enterprises as part of a diverse and healthy landscape. Nevertheless there is no assumption that these lower revenue enterprises will remain static over time or even exist into the future.

Decisions on the grazing operation are dependent upon negotiation of the joint venture parties. Land made available to graze is the responsibility of the land custodian (Kilter) while the timing and intensity of grazing is the responsibility of the grazier (Bright Futures). As discussed in Section 3 there was commercial decision making that impacted on grazing schedules, also in part tied to climate.

Paddocks in FFL set aside for biodiversity protection do not necessarily earn any direct revenue so their existence is justified on their intrinsic ecological value and their ability to be a part in building environmental resilience across the greater landscape. Some biodiversity paddocks in FFL earn direct revenues through BushTender or BushBroker management agreements (as the case for trial paddock FOSC7); others may become monetised assets in the future if ecosystem service markets develop. Though its earning ratio is low the FFL biodiverse land asset base is relatively secure.

2.2 Climate

The chief climate variable of interest is rainfall, not just in quantum but how it’s distributed over the year (so in one sense the effectiveness of rainfall). Figure 2.1 illustrates the significant variability from month to month for Lake Boga. As one measure, of the 42 months between Jan-12 and Jun-15, there were 6 (14%) that were either Decile 1 or 10. Though calendar year rainfall for the years 2012-14 was relatively consistent (85%, 91% and 91% of Mean), summer, autumn and winter seasonal totals widely fluctuating over the period. Of all seasons spring rainfall was the most consistent, but significantly below average in each year.

As discussed in Section 3.1 later rainfall variability has had significant implications for the project, from sampling efficacy to grazing management decisions (via vegetation growth and therefore feed availability).


Figure 2.1: Relative location of trial paddocks, Project AOTGR1-167

Table 2.1: Proportion of seasonal rainfall achieved

Year Summer Autumn Winter Spring Annual (Cal)

2012 113% 103% 82% 64% 85%

2013 48% 53% 140% 84% 91%

2014 99% 192% 67% 70% 91%

2015 59% 62% 104%


The impact of climate variation on vegetation growth is clearly illustrated in the photo history of the trial paddocks, an example of such below. These images are taken in successive May’s during the project.

Figure 2.2: Paddock response to varying seasonal climate (trial paddock FOSC4.2)

May 2013 3 month lead-up rainfall: 31mm




3. Paddock management

Prior history of all trial paddocks is documented in TR4. Described in this section is the management of these paddocks during the course of the project. Sections 3.1 and 3.2 describes observational methods and general observations, and then paddocks are described individually.

3.1 General

The management of trial paddocks during the course of the project occurred within the context of the commercial realities of agriculture. While the project has dictated the maintenance of the general enterprises (grazing and biodiversity protection) across the trial paddocks, daily management of these enterprises (the key one being grazing) on these paddocks has been driven by sustainable commercial oriented decisions.

3.1.1 Management of grazing paddocks

The grazing operation in FFL is based on the rotational grazing concept, whereby time-based stocking of paddocks occurs upon an assessment of feed availability and pasture reproduction requirement. In reality, as this sustainable grazing model was only implemented in the landscape since May 2012, the process for paddock management has been an adaptive one as the grazier has progressively learned more about paddock capability and response.

During the course of the project climatic conditions and alternate commercial feed opportunities have influenced the pattern of paddock utilisation:

In autumn 2014 a window of opportunity arose to graze stock on Lucerne and maize stubble and this became a short term feed priority. As a consequence there was an understocking of trial grazing paddocks through the remainder of 2014.

With a looming El Nino forecast for late 2014 there was a strategic decision to largely rest the FOSC grazing block in order to maximise later feed availability in autumn 2015.

Figure 3.1 is an example of visual paddock response in FOSC4.2 in relation to the above.

At the end of the 1st Qtr 2015 trial paddocks FOSC2.1 & 4.2 were permanently removed from active grazing owing to a commercial decision to redevelop this land for irrigated cropping. However this was not material to the outcomes of AOTGR1-167 as final sampling occurred in July 2015 and there was negligible disturbance to these paddocks in the period prior (April to July).


Figure 3.1: Example of padodock response to operational grazing decisions (FOSC4.2)

November 2013 3 month lead-up rainfall: 97mm; Grazing Days: 900

October 2014 3 month lead-up rainfall: 68mm; Grazing Days: 0

Calculation of grazing loads

Through the life of the project joint venture grazier Bright Futures P/L contributed paddock grazing records for the project. This occurred on a regular 6-monthly basis and were compiled into an Excel spreadsheet to the calculation of grazing loads (including conversion to dry sheep equivalents, or DSE) and equivalent greenhouse gas emissions

For each month a quantity ‘Grazing Days’ (or GD) was calculated by adding the daily head of sheep on the paddock, this separately for ewes and weaned lambs. To better understand the feed demand on the paddocks while accounting for the year round lambing cycle, GD was converted to ‘DSE Grazing Days’ (DSE GD) taking account of Dry Sheep Equivalent ratings (DPI, 1997). This necessitated the attribution of a DSE factor during the lambing cycle, this factor attributed on a


monthly basis as indicated in Table 3.1. This reflects that, on average, ewes were joined in mid-autumn with lambs born in late winter. Lambs were generally weaned in the 2nd half of September.

Table 2.1: Monthly DSE attribution

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Ewes 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.8 1.8 13.0 13.0 13.0/2.0 1.5 1.5 1.5

Lambs 1.0 21.2 21.2 - - - - - 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0

1 Ewes with lambs at foot

2 Ewe lambs

From GD DSE the calculation of equivalent CO2-e emissions was undertaken by applying a standard emission factor (141 kg CO2-e per DSE).

3.1.2 Management of biodiversity paddocks

Three of the trial paddocks are protected for their biodiversity value. They are fully fenced to exclude stock or to manage stock if they were to be strategically grazed. During the course of the project the general characteristics of their management were:

All were managed for their weed burden (spot and boom spraying depending upon the nature of the infestation)

FOSC7 being a paddock with a BushBroker covenant was under a formal site management plan. In essence this specifies site access conditions (restricted) as well as a requirement to identify and manage weeds

FPAG10 was the only biodiversity paddock subject to any revegetation activity. This activity occurred several years prior to the project

3.2 Paddock Observation

Aside from grazing records there were various means of paddock observation undertaken during the course of the project. Descriptive observations off the grazier are documented in Appendix 1.

3.2.1 Photo record

All trial paddocks were visually captured with 6 monthly repeated photography over the duration of the project. This was from designated photopoints, or common points of capture. Many of the points selected are part of the ongoing FFL landscape monitoring program. Photopoints were reshot each November and May during the project, and presented below for each trial paddock.

3.2.2 Vegetation assessment

A baseline vegetation cover and diversity assessment was undertaken across all the trial sites, this was completed in Nov-13 and again in Nov-14 to obtain a sense of variability (same time of year was kept to maximise comparability).


The vegetation of each paddock was sampled using between three and five semi-randomly located 10 x 10m quadrats (these sited to reflect the range of vegetation assemblage). Within each quadrat all vascular plant species were recorded and each lifeform (general vegetation form) assigned a cover value. Cover values were also assigned to bare ground, litter and soil crust. Each quadrat was qualitatively scored on a 1-5 scale on ‘pre-1750 vegetation intactness’ (the Frood Score). Reference photos were taken.

General comments on vegetation and change

Most paddocks were dominated by a high cover (vegetation and litter), they exhibit limited diversity of exotic annual grasses and herbs with scattered chenopod shrubs and occasional Black Box trees. Indigenous ground flora is typically sparse and restricted to species that have managed to re-colonize since the cessation of irrigation or that have been revegetated through direct-seeding. Some paddocks were observed to contain small isolated patches with higher coverage of native grasses and herbs. All paddocks were observed to be in a stage of recovery following a prior history of flood irrigation whereby many of the original indigenous species would have been cleared. Using the Frood Vegetation Condition Score all quadrats in all paddocks excluding one scored Poor (4) or Very Poor (5).

Overall cover of vegetation in each paddock was generally between 50-70%, although some areas of paddocks are as low as 40%. Litter, which also contributes to the carbon cycle by increasing the overall cover of plant material present typically provided around 20-40% of cover (greater in 2014).

There was considerable variation in the diversity of species within lifeforms, with the exotic herb and exotic tussock-grass lifeforms generally supporting the highest diversity of species (up to 5-10 per quadrat). The diversity of native lifeforms was highly variable, with the shrub, tussock-grass, prostrate shrub and herb lifeforms either being absent or supporting from one to five species. The exotic shrub, exotic geophyte, geophyte, scrambler/climber and sedge/rush lifeforms were absent from large parts of the study area, with only one to several species occurring in some sites.

The vegetation biomass is likely to vary throughout the year across the study area due to the dominance of exotic annuals. The paddocks would have the highest biomass during the peak growth stage in winter-early-spring, followed by a rapid drying and desiccation of vegetation over the summer period. Biomass is also likely to vary seasonally due to differing rainfall patterns and grazing regimes. The paddocks would likely have a more even biomass level throughout the seasons if they supported a higher cover of both winter active (C3) and summer active (C4) native perennials.

The cover and diversity of most lifeforms was generally lower in 2014 than 2013, put down to low rainfall in the preceding months. Many species would also have produced low amounts of seed in 2013 due to the below average rainfall throughout some of the winter and spring months. It is difficult to detect patterns in the species that appeared or disappeared within quadrats across the two years, however it was the annual herbs and grasses which tended to show the greatest transience. A notable exception to this pattern was the increase in exotic grass cover at all of the FOSC sites, which could possibly be explained by a positive response of this lifeform to high autumn rains in 2014. At several sites there was a marked increase in litter cover and corresponding decrease in bare ground. This is likely attributable to the vigorous growth of exotic annual grasses in 2013 and the exclusion of stock since that time, allowing grass to break down into litter.


3.2 Paddock FOSC2.1

Paddock FOSC2.1 is a 38ha grazing cell that is at the northern extremity of the 1200ha ‘5-on-7’ biodiversity-grazing block, some 6.5km SE of Lake Boga. FOSC2.1 was one of 24 cells rotationally grazed on the block during the course of the project, managed to encourage the return of local native grasses and low shrubs (chiefly salt tolerant chenopods). This paddock is mostly dominated by annual grasses and herbs with scattered Black Box trees and indigenous chenopod shrubs, grasses and herbs. In its natural state the site would likely have supported vegetation associated with Riverine Chenopod Woodland (EVC 103), possibly with localised areas of Chenopod Grassland (EVC 829). Following a half decade of inactivity in the paddock sheep were finally introduced in Oct-12.

Figure 3.2.1: Trial paddock FOSC2.1

Grazing management

As indicated in the Table below Merino wool-lambs were first grazed on FOSC2.1 in Oct12 (6,750 DSE GD). Pregnant ewes were briefly introduced in May13 (6,480 DSE GD) and then again following weaning in Oct-Nov13 (3,381 DSE GD). There was no grazing in 2014 (refer 3.1.1). The final period of concentrated grazing was in early 2015 (9,419 DSE GD). This paddock has carried less load than others on 5-on-7 owing to its sparser vegetative load.


Table 3.2.1: Grazing records on FOSC2.1 May12 - Jun15

Days grazed

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Ann

2012 5 5

2013 8 2 9 19

2014 0

2015 8 28 3 39

Total 8 28 3 0 8 0 0 0 0 7 9 0 63

Grazing Days Ewes Lambs


2012 4500 4500

2013 3600 410 1845 5855

2014 0

2015 1288 4508 483 6279

Total 1288 4508 483 0 3600 0 0 0 0 4910 1845 0 16634

DSE Grazing Days


2012 6750 6750

2013 6480 613 2768 9861

2014 0

2015 1932 6762 725 9419

Total 1932 6762 725 0 6480 0 0 0 0 7363 2768 0 26030

Vegetation and change

In Nov-14 a total of 28 vascular plant species were recorded in a series of 10x10 vegetation survey quadrats in the paddock. Of these there were 21 indigenous and 18 exotic taxa. The quadrats were mostly dominated by exotic grasses and herbs with a sparse cover of native shrubs, grasses and herbs. The diversity of species within each lifeform was either lower or similar to Nov-13. There was a general increase in the cover of exotic grasses and geophytes but a reduction in the cover of native and exotic herbs. There was a noticeable reduction in the cover of bare ground and soil crust but a significant increase in the cover of litter. The Frood Score (level of pre-1750 vegetation intactness) for the quadrats rated as ‘Poor’ over both years.

Photo history

A visual record of the paddock history is provided in Fig. 3.2.2 below.


Figure 3.2.2: FOSC2.1 photo history 2012-15 Photopoint ID: FOSC_P17

October 2012 November 2013 October 2014

May 2013 May 2014 May 2015


3.3 Paddock FOSC3.2

Paddock FOSC3.2 is a 48ha grazing cell that is at the northern extremity of the 1200ha ‘5-on-7’ biodiversity-grazing block, some 8km SE of Lake Boga. FOSC3.1 was one of 24 cells rotationally grazed on the block during the course of the project, managed to encourage the return of local native grasses and low shrubs (chiefly salt tolerant chenopods). The paddock is now mostly dominated by annual grasses and herbs with scattered Black Box trees and indigenous chenopod shrubs, grasses and herbs. In its natural state the site would likely have supported vegetation associated with Riverine Chenopod Woodland (EVC 103). Following a half decade of inactivity in the paddock sheep were finally introduced in May-12.


Grazing management

As indicated in the table below Merino wool-lambs were first grazed on FOSC3.2 in May12 (15,663 DSE GD in the form of pregnant ewes). Ewes with lambs were re-introduced in Aug12 (16,500 DSE GD). The paddock was similarly stocked in 2013 with pregnant ewes in Apr13 (6,570) and ewes with lambs in Sep13 (9,450 DSE GD). There was no grazing in 2014 (refer 3.1.1). The final period of concentrated grazing was in Mar15 (11,625 DSE GD).



Days grazed


2012 7 11 18

2013 3 7 10

2014 0

2015 10 10

Total 0 0 10 3 7 0 0 11 7 0 0 0 38



2012 6265 5500 11765

2013 4380 3150 7530

2014 0

2015 7750 7750

Total 0 0 7750 4380 6265 0 0 5500 3150 0 0 0 27045

DSE Grazing Days


2012 15663 16500 32163

2013 6570 9450 16020

2014 0

2015 11625 11625

Total 0 0 11625 6570 15633 0 0 16500 9450 0 0 0 59808


In Nov-14 a total of 26 vascular plant species were recorded in a series of 10x10 vegetation survey quadrats in the paddock. Of these there were 13 indigenous and 13 exotic taxa. The quadrats were mostly dominated by exotic grasses and herbs with scattered small to large native shrubs. Compared to Nov-13 there was a substantial reduction in the diversity of native and exotic herbs. There was a significant increase in the cover of exotic grasses and litter cover but a decrease in the cover of exotic herbs and bare ground. The Frood Score (level of pre-1750 vegetation intactness) for the quadrats rated as ‘Poor’ over both years.

Photo history




November 2012 November 2013 October 2014

May 2013 May 2014 May 2015


3.4 Paddock FOSC4.2

Paddock FOSC4.2 is a 33ha grazing cell that is at the northern extremity of the 1200ha ‘5-on-7’ biodiversity-grazing block, some 9.58km SE of Lake Boga. FOSC3.1 was one of 24 cells rotationally grazed on the block during the course of the project, managed to encourage the return of local native grasses and low shrubs (chiefly salt tolerant chenopods). The paddock is currently dominated by annual grasses and herbs with scattered indigenous chenopod shrubs, grasses and herbs. In its natural state the site would likely have supported vegetation associated with Riverine Chenopod Woodland (EVC 103). Following a half decade of inactivity in the paddock sheep were finally introduced in late May-12.


Grazing management

As indicated in the table below Merino wool-lambs were first grazed on FOSC3.2 in Jul12 (6,000 DSE GD in the form of pregnant ewes). Ewes following weaning were re-introduced in Oct12 (8,100 DSE GD). The paddock was stocked in 2013 with pregnant ewes in Jun13 (9,234) and in again in Sep14 but with lambs at foot (2,700 DSE GD). In Nov13 there was the introduction of lambs (2,240 DSE GD). For 12 months there was no further grazing until Nov14 (refer 3.1.1) then a final period of grazing (ewes) between Nov14-Mar15 (9,780 DSE GD).



Days grazed


2012 8 6 14

2013 20 2 8 30

2014 28 31 59

2015 31 28 3 62

Total 31 28 3 0 0 20 8 0 2 6 36 31 165



2012 2000 5400 7400

2013 5130 900 2800 8830

2014 1120 1240 2360

2015 1240 2632 288 4160

Total 1240 2632 288 0 0 5130 2000 0 900 5400 3920 1240 22750

DSE Grazing Days


2012 6000 8100 14100

2013 9234 2700 2240 14174

2014 1680 1860 3540

2015 1860 3948 432 6240

Total 1860 3948 432 0 0 9234 6000 0 2700 8100 3920 1860 38054


In Nov-14 a total of 24 vascular plant species were recorded in a series of 10x10 vegetation survey quadrats in the paddock. Of these there were 15 indigenous and 9 exotic taxa. The quadrats were mostly dominated by swards of exotic annual grasses and herbs. Compared to Nov-13 there was a decrease in the diversity of 4 of 11 lifeforms (esp. exotic herbs). The cover of exotic herbs also significantly decreased while the cover of exotic grasses significantly increased. The Frood Score (level of pre-1750 vegetation intactness) for the quadrats rated as ‘Poor’ over both years.

Photo history





May 2013 May 2014 May 2015


3.5 Paddock FOSC7

FOSC7 is a 34ha passively restored biodiversity paddock that lies centrally on the 5-on-7 block, some 8km SE of Lake Boga. FOSC7 is part of a 140ha horseshoe shaped bio-link in the core of the block. The paddock is currently dominated by annual grasses and herbs with scattered Black Box trees and indigenous chenopod shrubs, grasses and herbs. Prior to clearance, the site would likely have supported Riverine Chenopod Woodland (EVC 103), possibly with localised areas of Chenopod Grassland (EVC 829).

Figure 3.5.1: Trial paddock FOSC7

Vegetation change and management

FOSC7 was fully protected during the course of the project with stock completely excluded. Management was in line with the Bush Tender agreement with which this paddock is subject. Spot control of boxthorn, thistles and herbaceous weeds was undertaken. Rabbit control through bait laying and shooting also regularly occurred. In Nov-14 a total of 24 vascular plant species were recorded in a series of 10x10 vegetation survey quadrats in the paddock. Of these there were 13 indigenous and 11 exotic taxa. The quadrats were dominated by exotic grasses and herbs with a sparse cover of native shrubs, grasses and herbs. Compared to Nov-13 there was a reduction in diversity of all dominant lifeforms (5 of 11), with the most significant reduction being a halving in the diversity of the herb and exotic herb lifeforms. There was a marginal increase in the diversity of native shrubs lifeform. There was a noticeable decrease in the cover of exotic herbs, a slight increase in the cover of exotic tussock grasses, and, significantly, an increase in litter cover. The Frood Score (level of pre-1750 vegetation intactness) for the quadrats rated as ‘Poor’ over both years.

Photo history



Figure 3.5.2: FOSC7 photo history 2012-15 Photopoint ID: FOSC_P21


May 2013 May 2014 May 2015


3.6 Paddock FPAG10

FPAG10 occupies a small 2.3ha pocket of actively restored biodiversity at the head of a former flood irrigated meander on the Little Murray River at Fish Point, adjacent a deep meander of the Little Murray River (an anabranch of the Murray River). In April 2010 this meander including FPAG10 was subject to ‘air seeding’ with a grass seed mix including Stipa, Danthonia (Wallaby Grass) and a combination mix of OMS/Brevifolia/Pyramidata. The paddock is currently treeless (except for a treed boundary line) with an understorey dominated by exotic and indigenous grasses, herbs and chenopod shrubs.

Figure 3.6.1: Trial paddock FPAG10


FPAG10 was fully protected from stock during the course of the project. Opportunistic spot spraying of weeds occurred within the broader riparian zone that encompassed this site. In and prior to 2013 it carried a healthy scattering of Wallaby Grass that at least in part had germinated from the 2010 seeding. However during the Nov-13 vegetation assessment this grass had significantly retreated and in fact many dead tussocks were observed. It is hypothesized that this dieback was caused by inadvertent herbicide drift from the adjacent irrigation block (summer cropped) immediately abutting to the west.

In Nov-14 a total of 30 vascular plant species were recorded in a series of 10x10 vegetation survey quadrats on the area. Of these there were 15 indigenous and 15 exotic taxa. The quadrats were dominated by exotic grasses and herbs with scattered native shrubs and grasses and a mostly sparse cover of native herbs. Compared to Nov-13 there was a decrease in the diversity of native and exotic herbs but all other lifeforms remained even. There was a reduction in the cover of lifeforms including exotic herbs and native/exotic tussock grasses. However litter cover increased significantly. The Frood Score for the quadrats rated as ‘Poor’ to ‘Moderate’ over both years.

Photo history



Figure 3.6.2: FPAG10 photo history 2012-15 Photopoint ID: GPUM_P13


May 2013 May 2014 May 2015


3.7 Paddock GMCO7

GMCO7 is a 60ha actively restored grazing paddock near Fish Point, approximately 6.5km NE of Lake Boga and 2.5km from the Little Murray River. The paddock is rotationally grazed as part of the FFL grazing enterprise. The paddock is dominated by annual grasses and herbs with scattered indigenous chenopod shrubs, grasses and herbs. In its natural state the site would likely have supported Riverine Chenopod Woodland (EVC 103) in mosaic with areas of Chenopod Grassland (EVC 829).

About 20ha of GMCO7 (the western side) was ‘air seeded’ with grass-chenopod seed mix (Stipa, Wallaby Grass, OMS/Brevifolia/Pyramidata and various saltbush) in 2010.

Figure 3.7.1: Trial paddock GMCO7

Grazing management

The first grazing post-renovation occurred in the period Nov12-Feb13 with opportunistic agistment. Unfortunately this period was one of unintended over-stocking with a load of 13,135 DSE GD (especially given the exceptionally dry conditions through this period). To allow for recovery the paddock was not grazed until mid-way through 2014. The paddock was subsequently brought into


the FFL rotational grazing regime, stocked with lamb bearing ewes in Aug-Oct 2014 (51,750 DSE GD).

Table 3.8.1: Grazing records on GMCO7 May12 - Jun15

Days grazed Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Ann

2012 29 31 60

2013 31 17 48

2014 20 30 25 75

2015 0

Total 31 17 0 0 0 0 0 20 30 25 29 31 183



2012 4340 4805 9145

2013 2630 1360 3990

2014 6000 9000 7500 22500

2015 0

Total 2630 1360 0 0 0 0 0 600 9000 7500 4340 4805 35635

DSE Grazing Days


2012 4340 4805 9145

2013 2630 1632 4262

2014 18000 22500 11250 51750

2015 0

Total 2630 1632 0 0 0 0 0 1800 22500 11250 4340 4805 65157


In Nov-14 a total of 36 vascular plant species were recorded in a series of 10x10 vegetation survey quadrats in GMCO7. Of these there were 23 indigenous and 13 exotic taxa. The quadrats were mostly dominated by exotic herbs and grasses with a sparse cover of native shrubs, grasses and herbs. Compared to Nov-13 there was a significant reduction in diversity for all major lifeforms except for exotic and prostrate shrubs. Bare ground also reduced with a corresponding increase in litter cover. One quadrat with a significant reduction in the cover of native shrubs and grasses was interpreted to be a response to the over-stocking in 2013. The Frood Score (level of pre-1750 vegetation intactness) for was quadrat dependent but rated between ‘Poor’ and ‘Good’ over both years.

Photo history



Figure 3.7.2: GMCO7 photo history 2012-15 Photopoint ID: GMCO_P5

November 2012 December 2013 October 2014

May 2013 May 2014 May 2015


3.8 Paddock GMGP2.1

GMGP2 is a 42ha actively restored grazing paddock near Fish Point, approximately 7.0km NE of Lake Boga and 2.0km from the Little Murray River. The paddock is rotationally grazed as part of the FFL grazing enterprise. The paddock is treeless and dominated by a dryland Lucerne cover, on its margins more dominated by annual grasses and herbs with scattered indigenous chenopod shrubs, grasses and herbs. In its natural state the site would likely have supported Riverine Chenopod Woodland (EVC 103).

In late autumn 2010 the block was sown down to a mix of native grass and lucerne seed then oversown with an initial barley cover crop. Lucerne emerged with the record heavy rains of summer 2011. However there was no sign on native grass emergence.

Figure 3.8.1: Trial paddock GMGP2

Grazing management

Merino wool-lambs were first grazed on GMGP2.1 in Jul-Aug12 (26,760 DSE GD) as pregnant ewes. Dry ewes were returned to the paddock for a 2 month period from mid-Dec12 (5,313 DSE GD). There was no further grazing of the paddock owing to seasonal feed (stubble) opportunities on neighboring paddocks and also because of deteriorating fencing (fencing repair was not deemed a priority in a commercial farming viewpoint).


Table 3.8.1: Grazing records on GMGP2 May12 - Jun15

Days grazed


2012 31 31 14 76

2013 31 17 48

2014 0

2015 0

Total 31 17 0 0 0 0 31 31 0 0 0 14 124



2012 4030 4370 1040 9440

2013 1754 748 2502

2014 0

2015 0

Total 1754 748 0 0 0 0 4030 4370 0 0 0 1040 11942

DSE Grazing Days


2012 12090 13110 1560 26760

2013 2631 1122 3753

2014 0

2015 0

Total 2631 1122 0 0 0 0 12090 13110 0 0 0 1560 30513


In Nov-14 a total of 23 vascular plant species were recorded in a series of 10x10 vegetation survey quadrats in GMGP2.1. Of these there were 14 indigenous and 9 exotic taxa the quadrats were mostly dominated by exotic grasses and herbs. Compared to 2013 there was a measureable increase in the diversity of native shrubs (3 additional species identified) though a reduction in the diversity of exotic herbs. There was a significant reduction in the cover of bare ground and a corresponding increase in litter cover. The Frood Score (level of pre-1750 vegetation intactness) for the quadrats rated as ‘Very Poor’ over both years.

Photo history



Figure 3.8.2: GMGP2 photo history 2012-15 Photopoint ID: GMGP_P20


May 2013 May 2014 May 2015


3.9 Paddock JCRO2

JCRO7 is a 40ha actively restored grazing paddock at Winlaton, approximately 9.5km E of Lake Boga and 2.5km due north of Lake Tutchewop. The paddock is currently dominated by annual grasses and herbs with scattered indigenous chenopod shrubs, grasses and herbs. In its natural state the site would likely have supported Riverine Chenopod Woodland (EVC 103).

In autumn 2010 around 12ha of the western section of the paddock was ‘air seeded’ with a grass seed mix comprising Stipa and Wallaby Grass.

Figure 3.9.1: Trial paddock JCRO2

Grazing management

First grazing post-renovation of JCRO2 occurred in the period Aug-Sep12 with the introduction of pregnant ewes (17,998 DSE GD). Following were short grazing spells in May-13 (pregnant ewes, 7,560 DSE GD and Dec-13 (lambs, 2,160 DSE GD). There was no further grazing of the paddock in 2014-15 owing to good quality seasonal feed (stubble) opportunities on neighboring paddocks.

In Nov-14 a total of 30 vascular plant species were recorded in a series of 10x10 vegetation survey quadrats in GMCO7. Of these there were 15 indigenous and 15 exotic taxa. The diversity was similar to the previous year with the quadrats mostly dominated by exotic grasses and herbs with a sparse cover of native shrubs, grasses and herbs. However there was a significant reduction in bare ground and a corresponding increase in litter cover. The Frood Score (level of pre-1750 vegetation intactness) for the quadrats rated ‘Very Poor’ to ‘Poor’ over both years.


Table 3.9.1: Grazing records on JCRO2 May12 - Jun15

Days grazed


2012 10 9 19

2013 14 9 23

2014 0

2015 0

Total 0 0 0 0 14 0 0 10 9 0 0 9 42



2012 3800 3294 7094

2013 4200 2160 6360

2014 0

2015 0

Total 0 0 0 0 4200 0 0 3800 3294 0 0 2160 13454

DSE Grazing Days


2012 11400 6588 17988

2013 7560 2160 9720

2014

2015

Total 27708


In Nov-14 a total of 30 vascular plant species were recorded in a series of 10x10 vegetation survey quadrats in GMCO7. Of these there were 15 indigenous and 15 exotic taxa. The diversity was similar to the previous year with the quadrats mostly dominated by exotic grasses and herbs with a sparse cover of native shrubs, grasses and herbs. However there was a significant reduction in bare ground and a corresponding increase in litter cover. The Frood Score (level of pre-1750 vegetation intactness) for the quadrats rated ‘Very Poor’ to ‘Poor’ over both years.

Photo history



Figure 3.9.2: JCRO2 photo history 2012-15 Photopoint ID: JCRO_P1

November 2012 December 2013 October 2014

May 2013 May 2014 May 2015


3.10 Paddock KCLO3

KCLO3 is 28ha passively restored biodiversity paddock 6km NE of Lake Charm. The paddock is currently characterised by scattered large-old Black Box (Eucalyptus largiflorens) with a variable understorey. Large areas are dominated by exotic grasses and herbs while scattered sections are dominated by native grass with sparse herb cover. Prior to clearance, the site would likely have supported Riverine Chenopod Woodland (EVC 103), possibly with localised areas of Chenopod Grassland (EVC 829). Prior to this project this paddock was inundated for an extended period during the Lower Loddon floods of Jan-11, exacerbating the growth of exotic annuals and weed species at the expense of the extent and quality of native cover.

Figure 3.10.1: Trial paddock KCLO3


KCLO3 was fully protected during the course of the project with stock excluded. Spot control of boxthorn, thistles and various herbaceous and broadleaf weeds was regularly undertaken. Small rye grass patches were also progressively sprayed in order to encourage regeneration of native flora.

In Nov-14 a total of 35 vascular plant species were recorded in a series of 10x10 vegetation survey quadrats in the paddock. Of these there were 18 indigenous and 17 exotic taxa. The quadrats were mostly dominated by exotic grasses and herbs with a sparse cover of native shrubs, grasses and herbs. Compared to Nov-13. There was a notable increase in the diversity of exotic grasses, herbs and a significant decrease in the diversity of native herbs and shrubs. There was a significant decrease in the cover of exotic grasses (in part a consequence of spraying program, though these generally being replaced with colonising exotic herbs). The Frood Score (level of pre-1750 vegetation intactness) for the quadrats rated ‘Very Poor’ to ‘Poor’ over both years.

Photo history



Figure 3.10.2: KCLO3 photo history 2012-15 Photopoint ID: JCRO_P1

October 2012 December 2013 October 2014

May 2013 May 2014 May 2015


4. Grazing emissions

A further aspect explored by this project was the quantity of CO2-e emissions attached to the grazing operations that, in the case of the generation of carbon credits, would offset the carbon actually sequestered in soil.

The table and chart below indicate the grazing loads (and emissions) for each grazed paddock between the first and last soil samplings. Grazing loads are expressed, over the period between samplings, as:

(i) The number of days the paddock was grazed (ii) ‘Grazing Days’ or GD (cumulative daily head of stock in the paddock) (iii) ‘DSE Grazing Days’ or DSE GD (GD calibrated to dry sheep equivalent rating) (iv) DSE per paddock hectare

Sheep CO2-e emissions (per paddock hectare) were calculated assuming an emissions factor of 141 kg CO2-e/ha (taken from White & van Rees, 2011) for each DSE. This is converted to kg C/ha (dividing by 3.6, the CO2:C molecular weight ratio) in order to compare directly to with the quantum of carbon sequestered in the soil.

Table 4.1: Sheep activity and estimated emissions by paddock (for period Nov12-Jul15)

FOSC2.1 FOSC3.2 FOSC4.1 GMCO7 GMGP2 JCRO2

Area 38 48 33 60 42 40

Actual days grazed 58 20 151 183 62 23

Grazing Days (GD) 12,134 15,280 15,350 35,635 3,542 6,360

DSE GD 19,280 27,645 29,954 65,157 5,313 9,720

DSE GD/ha 507 576 908 1,085 127 243

Cumulative DSE/ha 1.39 1.58 2.49 2.98 0.35 0.67

tC02-e emissions/ha 0.20 0.22 0.28 0.42 0.05 0.09

Equiv. tC/ha 0.05 0.06 0.06 0.12 0.01 0.03

Notes: 1 DSE/yr = 141 kg CO2-e/yr


Tri

Figure 4.1: Paddock grazing activity reflected as ‘Grazing Days’ and CO2-e emissions

This analysis shows that emissions for the paddocks only varied between 0.01 and 0.12 Mg C/ha during the course of the project, this an order of magnitude less than the proposition in the project for a sequestration rate of 2.0 Mg C/ha/yr in the top 30cm of soil. This analysis shows that emissions from a low intensity grazing enterprise (ie. that is in sympathy with carrying capacity and pasture regeneration needs) should not outweigh a conservative sequestration goal. Of course over this project we have not seen a statistically significant soil carbon increase, and that the actual rates of soil carbon sequestration remain to be proven.


References

DPI, 1997. Dry Sheep Equivalents for comparing different classes of livestock. Agriculture Notes. Victorian Department of Primary Industries

ENRC, 2010. Inquiry into Soil Carbon Sequestration in Victoria. Parliament of Victoria. Paper No. 362, Session 2006-10.

White B. & van Rees H., 2011. Greenhouse gas emissions from farms in the Victorian Wimmera‐Mallee. Report for the Birchip Cropping Group.

http://www.agronomy.com.au/download/dseratings.pdf

http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/images/stories/committees/enrc/20100902.enrc.scsv.FINREP.pdf


Appendix 1: Grazier observations

This appendix captures annual observations of grazing trial paddocks from project grazier Jo Bear (Bright Futures P/L). These observations are as provided, only qualified or adjusted for clarification purposes.

As a preface, this excerpt from FS3 describes Jo’s approach to grazing.

Bright Futures’ holistic approach to grazing on Victoria’s northern plains

Jo Bear from Bright Futures Livestock P/L has a particular philosophy to grazing that

is of intrinsic value to this project as well as being of broader relevance to northern

Victoria. Jo shares:

“Our grazing philosophy is part of a holistic approach - that all facets of our

business including the people, our sheep, the environment, financial return and our

local communities are all as important as each other. We believe that a flourishing

and healthy environment brings about happy people, healthy stock, a positive

bank balance and strong communities.

In collaboration with Kilter Rural we are using sheep and time controlled grazing to try and

regenerate some of the endemic chenopod grasslands of the region. In undertaking this share

farming venture our farming business was also able to create an opportunity for me to work within

the family business as Manager of Bright Futures Livestock P/L and so fulfil my aspirations and skills in

agriculture"

Observations reported for period to Aug-13

General

With minimal rainfall occurring over the summer and autumn the challenge with grazing during this period especially Autumn was to "crash" down as much of the standing dry swards as possible to create good litter on the ground but minimize the risk of creating bare ground. One of the main intents during grazing is to create good litter-soil contact and so encourage strong microbial activity. Both undergrazing (too much dry standing litter) and overgrazing (bare ground created) will reduce this activity. A second intent is to provide variability in grazing to encourage germination of different species. By maintaining grazing records of paddocks each year the grazing patterns will not be repeated. The 3rd challenge this previous season was to match carrying capacity to feed available in the paddocks. Stock were not moved to a paddock earlier than required and thus all paddocks had sufficient rest period to allow plant recovery.

FOSC2.1

5 day grazing in October - well grazed in October with plenty of ryegrass and other annuals present after grazing complete to provide organic matter. Possibly not enough stock on to "crash" all the grass on to soil to allow soil-grass contact and so to provide excellent microbial activity at soil level. Also concerned that the remaining annuals may provide competition for germination of C4 plants over summer period.

Grazed in May. I believe it was grazed 1 day too long with areas near the trough that had little organic matter between bushes. Closer to the west aspect of paddock still litter on the surface. Part of the paddock has a large population of Maireana and so is my belief that these need some thinning to encourage growth of grasses in between.


Plan ahead - due to being grazed heavy this paddock will be only lightly grazed until next Autumn.

FOSC3.2

6 day grazing in May - lightly grazed

10 day grazing in late August - due to lower numbers of sheep there was selective grazing occurring in this paddock. North aspect not grazed enough - with still lots of ox-tongue and weeds present but grass very short in middle section and near trough.

Grazed in April. Moderately grazed with some areas grazed harder than others due to the difference in vegetation and soil types.

Plan – A short 2-3 day graze in Spring to encourage the knock down of organic matter and increased litter-soil contact which in turn will create good microbial activity and the better utilisation of dry material rather than leaving it as a standing clump of grass which will just be oxidised.

FOSC4.2

7 day grazing in late July - light grazing with minimal impact due to good amount of annuals present. Wallaby grass and Spear grass grazed well.

8 day grazing in late October - moderate grazing impact. Still a lot of pasture not crashed down and so lot of ryegrass still present that will go to seed and so concern that may not have created an ideal seed bed for C4s to germinate over Summer.

21 day grazing in June during lambing period - sheep were set stocked over this period due to lambing and so paddock heavily grazed. Expect paddock will respond to good rains over Winter.

Plan - may have a short graze in late Spring to "crash down" annuals and other green swards and so encourage germination of C4s. Also record that lambing will not occur in this paddock in 2014.

JCRO2

10 day grazing in August - well grazed and pleased with the amount of litter and grass still present.

9 day grazing in September - well grazed for Spring and anticipate good regrowth occurring.

14 day grazing in May - heavy grazing with good knockdown of standing swards and dry matter and so encouragement of plant-soil contact. Expect to see good germination of Winter active species.

Plan - Graze in Spring and then another in Autumn.


Observations reported for period to Feb-15

General

All ewes were running east of the Murray Valley Highway. This was predominantly due to the availability of paddocks that had been earmarked for development or paddocks that have just become available.

Up until May there were no sheep running on FOSC (both Oxley’s and over the railway line). With minimal grazing of the FOSC cells in 2014 the majority of paddocks were rested – some for the whole 12 months.

Thus I did not study the paddocks on FOSC as much as in the past due to not being present. Nevertheless my observations – there appeared to be an increase in the amount of chenopods that have grown in the paddocks especially in the northern areas of Oxley’s. I believe that there does appear to be an increased chenopod germination in all of the paddocks on FOSC.

The bare ground in Oxley’s near the shearing shed has also reduced.

I also believe the Barley Grass wasn’t as prevalent in 2014 as in previous years – this may have been due to the drier conditions in spring.

Challenges

The good rainfall occurring from autumn onwards provided abundant feed in the dryland paddocks. However with the majority of the ewes running on the lucerne paddocks and corn stubbles we found ourselves understocked on dryland paddocks. The grazing of lucerne paddocks and corn stubbles is a priority and a small window of opportunity, this circumstance continued until September.

Ewe numbers are determined when feed supply is at its lowest (March/April) thus this understocking may continue in the coming years.

Observations reported for period to Oct-15

General

Over the past 2 years there has been a change of focus within the sheep enterprise of Bright Futures Livestock P/L. At present, sheep predominantly graze opportunistically within the cropping landscape. As such the yearly management calendar sees sheep being run on irrigated lucerne paddocks from April-August. They then move to dryland paddocks in spring before grazing crop stubbles from December – April. Most of this grazing has continued to be east of the Murray Valley Highway. Due to the change of grazing focus there has been minimal opportunity to monitor and observe the changes in the landscape of the paddocks within the Carbon Project.

By mid-2015 paddocks FOSC2.1 and 4.2 within the Carbon Project have merged together into larger areas. Grazing infrastructure has been removed and cell grazing ceased owing to changed future for these paddocks. These paddocks were both sprayed in September.

The rainfall of 2015 continues to be below average with little rainfall in summer and autumn. Thus we have seen little growth of native perennials such as Wallaby and Spear grass. The chenopods have continued to grow.

FOSC2.1

A mob of dry ewes grazed this area from January to start of March 2015. There was an abundance of dry feed in this area; predominantly dry ryegrass and barley grass but also burr medic. This illustrated the good growth in spring 2014. There were some chenopods present.

This area was sprayed in September. It is planned to graze sheep on this paddock in November 2015 to reduce litter.


FOSC3.2

11 day grazing in March 2015, which was the first grazing after the 2014 growing season. Well grazed at this time with the majority of the dry annuals “crashed down” to provide good litter cover for germination of species in autumn.

1 week grazing with ewes and lambs in September 2015 – perfect grazing of annuals just prior to seed set. Paddock has good cover in most areas. Satisfied that there has been sufficient grazing to provide good litter for the germination of C4 plants in summer period if sufficient moisture becomes available.

This paddock is indicative of the past 2 dry summers with reduced quantity and diversity of native perennials noted in the paddock.

FOSC4.2

Grazing occurred November – March 2015, the aim of this graze was to reduce the amount of standing dry feed. This was achieved with a remarkably even graze over the whole paddock. It is interesting to note the reduction of “Bead” Bush in the north-west corner of Oxley’s compared to that in the Shearing Shed paddock which has not been grazed.This reduction has seen a corresponding increase in ground cover of that area.

Oxley Nth 3 is now included in 1 large area of approximately 320 ha with 2 troughs available for the stock. With the reduced amount of troughs/ha of land there is the risk of overgrazing paddocks near the troughs.

JCRO2

No water available for stock in this paddock so there has been no grazing

trial paddock management - nccma.vic.gov.au · tech rpt no. 6 for aotgr1-167. ... fact sheet no. 3....

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