Objective 3 . Encourage spatially connected properties to adopt successful techniques - on up to five additional properties .
Targeted actions included :
• Fencing 60ha in total of gullies and controlling stock access ( project total of 160ha ).
• Undertaking gully and landscape restoration based on successful techniques being undertaken on co-operator properties and other relevant sites , including management of riparian areas .
• Revegetation of perennial grasses across 180ha of the gully contributing sub-catchments , including the use of planned grazing practices for improved botanical composition and ground cover of pastures ( project total of 480ha ).
• Managing road and fence line drainage ( project total of 5km ), installing runoff diversion banks or contour ripping and fencing ( project total of 50ha ), as suitable for specific sites .
Objective 4 . Monitor , document and communicate .
In collaboration with DAF , a biophysical monitoring program was implemented to better understand the impacts of initial trial site treatments ( Tabletop x two sites and Strathalbyn x one site ).
Objective 5 . Provide training opportunities for graziers
To provide a legacy of land management practice change and habitual management of gullies by a close network of participating graziers .. Grazing strategies to improve financial viability , at the same time reducing sediment loss , to encourage adoption of new practices . Training and extension activities to encourage other graziers to better understand the economic , productive and environmental advantages of specific management actions to remediate gullies and improve landscape resilience , and co-opt graziers to undertake practical implementation activities to address erosion features in the landscape .
Provide technical and training support to a network of participating graziers through mentoring from other graziers who have successfully remediated gullies , and through consultants Brian Wehlburg ( Inside Outside Management ) and Dick Richardson ( Grazing Naturally ), who are experienced in the use of cattle impact in the restoration of gullies and degraded grazing lands . DAF was also contracted to provide additional grazing and land management support to graziers .
There were 16 workshops delivered as part of the extension program . Some of the extension and training budget to be reallocated to on-ground implementation to ensure that adequate resources are available to complete project plans .
EXPECTED LANDSCAPE OUTCOMES FROM INNOVATIVE LIVESTOCK TREATMENTS
The Stomping out Sediment project investigated whether applied livestock treatments offered erosion management opportunities equal to , or better than , stock exclusion , potentially providing another option for graziers .
The project premise was that planned livestock impact at ultra high density ( UHD ) on degraded landscapes , followed by long pasture recovery periods , results in :
• improved pasture composition , increased vegetation biomass , and improved soil health of treated areas , with resultant improvement in rainfall infiltration , less runoff and improved land condition ; and
• improved profile of gullies and reestablishment of suitable vegetation cover on the reprofiled gullies .
The achievement of these outcomes will reduce sediment loss and therefore improved water quality outcomes from degraded sites .
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