Trees For Earth

As all Landcarers know if you want to get some tree planting done there is no better group to call upon than an enthusiastic group of school children. With the willows removed from the first section of Kiamma Creek the Landcare group, Council and Catchment Authority were keen to see the revegetation happen as quickly as possible. Fortunately the very willing and capable students from St Mary’s Primary school were quick to volunteer to get the job done.

The 19 yr 4 students from St Mary’s were assisted by Margaret Carr and John Hanley from the Upper Lachlan Shire Council, Gen Reardon from the Lachlan CMA, Kiamma Creek Landcarers Cllr. Malcom Barlow and Barry Murphy, and Upper Lachlan Landcare’s, John O’Brien, Nerida Croker and Mary Bonet.

 

The students very quickly picked up the tree planting technique and with many hands making light work the job was done before lunch.

Margaret Carr selected a combination of Eucalypts and Casuarinas and the site was well prepared by Matt Kilby from Trees For Earth incorporating soil health principles utilising mineral and microbe balancing into the tree planting process. With a specially designed corkscrew auger on his  BobCat to dig the individual holes which strips the grass away, elimating  the need for weed control, it deep rips the hole and cones it out without leaving polished edges. Matt also supplied the group with a special tree fertiliser and Tree-Mycorrhiza inoculant, ( as our recent soil biology students would recall, a fungi that live in a beneficial relationship with roots) to increase the tree roots access to water and nutrients.

 

And the most visible of the aids to assist with the growth of the trees is the very pink tree guards which look quite striking along the creekside. Why Pink? “Visible light can be split into a spectrum of colours. Green leaves absorb light from the red fraction to drive photosynthesis. Research has demonstrated that the colour pink reflects and focuses the red fraction, concentrating this photosynthetic energy to enhance plant growth.”Mr Kilby said

And the pink not only helps the trees; money from the sale of the Pink Tree Guards are donated to the McGrath Foundation to help fund Breast care nurses for regional, rural and remote centres across Australia.

For more information about Trees For Earth and their Tree planting services visit http://www.treesforearth.com.au/

 

Misha Emily and Kiara with Barry Murphy. Misha was excited to plant a tree for the first time and by the end of the day had planted 5 trees and she can’t wait to bring her father to the creek to show him.

 

Harry Haze and Liam Croke putting the finishing touches on the newly planted eucalpt. Harry said his favourite part of the day was banging in the stakes on the tree guards.

 

 

Meg, Alex and Georgia, had the tree planting technique mastered in minutes and with careful hands treating the trees with love and care.

 

The students efforts were highly praised by all involved in the day, and a very enjoyable time was had by all.  Now lets hope the careful preparation, the loving planting and this beautiful rain will give these trees a great start to a long and healthy life along the Kiamma Creek.

Soil compaction is clearly a physical process, but did you know that it also has biological aspects?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Soybean seedlings struggling to emerge through a crusted soil. Photo from USDA.
The usual explanation for soil compaction is excessive traffic, such as tractors and livestock. It stands to reason that if you press down on a soil, it will become compacted. This, after all, is the basis for road building.

But the causes go further. In the agricultural setting, the chief offender is ploughing. The reason goes to the basis of soil structure.

Soil structure

Healthy soils have a complex structure. Not only do they have layers (most, anyway). Within any layer, you can see small lumps. These are called peds. Peds are composed of smaller particles, called macroaggregates (considered to be >250 µm across). The macroaggregates are composed of smaller particles, called microaggregates (considered to be <250 µm across).

The microaggregates are composed of clay particles, organic matter and fungal hyphae (threads). They are bound by fine roots and microbes into macroaggregates. The macroaggregates are linked more loosely by fungal hyphae, roots and polysaccharides (sugar polymers exuded by roots).

The net result of this hierarchy of soil particles is a complex network of channels for air and water, through which roots can grow, soil invertebrates such as worms can dig, and microorganisms can decompose plant litter. This hierarchy depends for its existence on living organisms in the soil.

Clearly, then, tilling the soil will break apart the loose bonds. The first casualties are plant roots and fungal hyphae. Breaking them cuts off their food supply. (This is, of course, what we want to happen to weeds.) But because plant roots continuously exude polysaccharides, and fungal hyphae similarly exude a glycoprotein (sugar protein) called glomalin, which act as soil glue, killing the organisms that produce them cuts off the supply of soil glue. This glue is called “active carbon”, in that it is actively used by soil microbes on account of its ease of breakdown. Bacteria, being much smaller than fungi and so being unfazed by tilling, then build up in numbers, consuming soil carbon and nutrients and converting soil nitrogen into gaseous forms that are then lost. The introduction of extra oxygen into the soil by tilling further benefits the bacteria.

The physical action of tilling breaks down the soil aggregates in smaller pieces, which can fit into a smaller space, and the loss of the glue producers prevents the aggregates from reforming. So the soil compacts, reducing the movement of water and oxygen into the soil and thus reducing yields and profits.

Deep ripping is a short-term solution that can restore yields, but only until the next time you drive over the field or till the soil again. The only effective long-term solution is to mimic the natural conditions that created the soil in the first place:

• Leave plant residues on the soil surface. This provides a cushion against equipment and stock movement, and leaves a supply of organic matter for soil organisms to digest instead of the soil glue. In addition, it reduces soil erosion due to rain and wind.
• Minimise your tilling so as to leave plant roots intact. A legume cover crop will compete with weeds and supply nitrogen. The roots will allow water and air to penetrate the soil, and will supply a constant stream of organic material to support soil fungi.

Further reading

Hoorman JJ, de Maraes Sá JC, Reeder R. 2009. The biology of soil compaction. Fact Sheet SAG-10-09, AEX-543-09. Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.

Primary Industries and Fisheries, Queensland. Soil compaction.

 

From: http://www.sesl.com.au/fertileminds/201202/Soil_compaction.php

Introduction:
The Field Day was facilitated largely by Trees For Earth, represented by Matt Kilby – an active self-educated, ‘learner through observation’, who grew up on an organic dairy farm and who undertook military service before committing to his admitted passion – returning trees and biodiversity to both the landscape and farm scape, successfully; and Nicholas Huggins, a Permaculture consultant and designer.
The presentation provided by Matt Kilby centred on the real cost of losing and regaining biodiversity, planting trees, what trees require for healthy and successful establishment, and the physical process of bringing life and viability back to the land.

Nicholas Huggins’ presentation focused in greater detail on the integral elements within the project, identifying the Permaculture, water harvesting, Keyline farming design principles and functions that are being enlisted or developed.
Other speakers included Gerhard Grasser, Managing Director of AgriSolutions, who spoke about the link between soil biology and sustainable regenerative agricultural, quantifying and utilising total nutrient reserves, and a discussion around carbon, phosphorus and nitrogen; and Ben Falloon, co-manager of Fusion Farms, an education enterprise located on Taranaki Farm and home of the Australian Polyface Project. Ben spoke enthusiastically about the management and role of animals in facilitating regeneration and prosperity (moving beyond design into economics).
The project, farm walk and focus of the Field Day consisted of a 100 acre previously utilised bull paddock suffering from 30 years of drought and hard times, now undergoing regeneration under the guidance of Trees For Earth. The land in form was undulating, running from a mild ridge down onto lower country , significantly of sandy – gravel nature, and representing a little over 3% of the total property land holding.

The project was discussed in principle as a ‘demonstration’ that components and methodology from could be utilised by land managers, and as an undertaking that could be moderated to individuals financial and physical restraints, over an extended period of time. Not necessarily as a realistic undertaking in entirety (cost weighted – result effective).
Most of the degradation of earth, land, water and air can be repaired by trees, our mission is to instigate and inspire the planting of as many trees as possible on planet earth as quickly as possible with the maximum survival, growth rates and simplicity of care.

Trees For Earth products have many uses including forestry, orchards, small crops, civil and domestic applications as well as
landscaping and regeneration projects.”

Project Development:
In a matter of minutes of ’viewing’ the potential project site, and with the convenience of a contour map provided by the land owners, Matt Kilby generated his concept of the project. This was them developed and expanded in design by Nick Huggins. The details toward which were then reviewed and rediscussed with the landowners over an initial period until a common agreement was gained.

Project Heart:
The project balances significantly on the process of installing ‘swales’ into the landscape that then provide a vehicle for regeneration – facilitating tree planting and establishment, acting as a carbon, moisture and nutrient trap and wick. The trees themselves engaged to act as ‘living edges’, habitat, fertility & shade providers, wind elevators, food and potential income opportunities, stabilisers, lungs, and in part, to serve as pioneers

The Project in Greater Detail:
The project is being initiated and managed in successive stages. The first physical step being the deep ripping of the entire area with a Yeoman’s plough utilising the Keyline principle. A process repeated and again under review. The first pass gaining a depth of approx. 300mm, significantly reduced at the locations where old cattle tracks were intercepted. The second ripping generating a depth of approx. 400mm. The point made being that the initial ripping to help activate biology was in place six months prior to the arrival of the first trees – not at that time.
The ’swales’, as defined within the project, are earth constructions created with three grader passes, forming a loose earth embankment on the lower side of a depression with a metre or more wide level based that functions on a continuing level contour within the landscape, displaying no gradient or Keyline characteristic.
The swales have been strategically positioned to tie into potential dam sites, existing reservoirs and other natural features within the environment, and at regular intervals of approximately one hundred metres – as the form of the land suggests. In this case, additional water storages other than the existing dam at the bottom of the landscape have not to date been introduced. The potential for which continuing to be diminished under new water storage policy. Header tanks instead being left as a consideration as the project is further developed.

In construction, the swales were accurately surveyed, pegged out and graded to create an ‘as close to level’ flowing form as practical, with some natural settling and variation expected. The embankment was then reworked to create openness and consistency of structure, before being seeded with active grass species and heavily mulched with rolls of conserved hay or fodder, ensuring that it established as a living entity As a feature, the swale and plantings to either side have been designed and dedicated to never be exposed to or impacted by livestock, other than possibly in a closely managed way. Allowing pigs access to acorns being one principle discussed, however even then with reservation as to how that might impact the ability of the feature to function in the landscape once exposed to that compaction and disturbance.
A critical component within each swale, at designated locations, were 250mm height level spillways, the combined width and number of which was calculated mathematically from catchment area and potential rainfall. The spillways are designed to initially protect the swale from breaching uncontrollably and being damaged under heavy rain fall, however also enable excess water to be distributed to drier or more desirable points in the landscape.
As the one dam within the project site was located very low in the paddock, not high up as would be ideal, the existing lower areas of the dam wall were built up, and a swale was introduced to intercept at the new overflow level on the top side, allowing the swale to both backfill as the dam overflows, while additionally transferring the overflow water to a drier zone well away from the dam and associated gully.
In continuity with that process, the barren dam bank has been similarly seeded and mulched, as well as being planted with clumping bamboo so as to very quickly establish a tall screen to reduce wind initiated evaporation

 

The Bamboo was also discussed in terms of a stabiliser in locations like spillways, and additionally as a fodder source, acknowledging though the potential to trigger abortions in livestock.

Planting out:
A specific point within the project is the care that goes toward planting each individual plant. Each approached ‘as if a pet or child’, generating additional initial inputs, expense and labour.
Something potentially offset through minimal losses, limited ongoing care, and high growth rates. The site demonstrating trees of a uniform 1.5 metre growth within six months of being planted out, and losses placed at around 4 or 5%, (allowing it was a kind season).
Considered integral to the planting and establishment process are a number of treatments or inputs that have been developed or refined by Trees For Earth – integrated as the plants are planted out into holes prepared by a similarly self-developed
auger that is designed to crumble the dirt in the hole with little displacement, and without generating glazed sides in clay soils.

The general planting process involves adding a naturally based rock dust tree starter that is worked well into the hole dirt, adding a moisture retaining gel, and then dusting the plant roots with a Mycorrhizal blend.

 

Trees are generally planted in a distinct depression even if a larger raised mound is also employed when planting into a wet area – performed so that general rainfall and initial watering are fully retained.
If planting on steep terrain a ’Bull horn’ gutter is created to channel additional rainfall to the plant, where required. A recycled paper eco mat is then placed around the tree, the funnel shape depression allowing the join in the mat to overlap . A single timber stake is utilised to hold a triangular corrugated plastic ‘Pink tree guard’ in place. Several other tree tonics and boosters have also been developed for use during the growing process, each product largely natural and linked to and guided by leading international research. The light refracted by the pink guards tested to provide the highest plant growth rates.

In preparation, each plant location is sprayed with herbicide combined with a neutralising agent to help combat the bacterial rich grass domain, supporting the transition to a primarily fungal environment under trees.

Only one days’ planting in hole numbers are generated, preventing the soil from drying and clodding excessively, and each tree is watered in actively with seaweed and fish emulsion infused water to support hardiness and frost resistance.

A generous amount of compost mulch is then heaped around the sides of each individual tree guard .
A component of the initial planting is made up of pioneering or nutrient retaining species, utilised across the first eight years or more to jump start and underpin the greater planting and establishment process.

Integration:
Although traditional fence line or perimeter plantings represent part of the project plantings, the point was made that as project scale increases, their requirement is negated, allowing the wind and shade attributes of the contoured plantings instead to achieve their full potential. An additional benefit of the swale design being that if, or as adjoining areas are developed, the swales are simply continued, maintaining and enhancing their function.
The species planted along the swales is left largely undefined, utilising primarily endemic natives, nitrogen fixing, and insect and habitat species on the outer edge, with the balance potentially a mix of exotic deciduous species as well as eucalypts and other native plants. A proportion of which is desired to perform in a harvestable or resource – permaculture context, introduced species generally already endemic. The deciduous leaf fall in itself intended to add to any manures and nutrients that are captured by the swales, generating a humic bloom that then filters back into the soil, providing continuing, controlled, self-developing fertility and biological function.

Although the contour plantings are currently unfenced, electric fencing is designated to bring the now parallel aligned pasture back into increasing utilisation. Ben Falloon discussed how after an initial revival, the system will potentially regress without the inclusion of livestock. The pivotal point being how the livestock are incorporated and managed, with a strong emphasis on creating short term ‘herd effect’. ’One cow grazing over 100 days creating greater compaction and species pressure, than 100 cows present for one day’. ‘Without any of the regeneration or nutrient distribution benefits’.

As well as being designed as the cornerstone to allow carbon to again return to the environment, capture water and nutrients, rehydrate and re-mineralising the landscape, the swales and plantings are also intended to trigger both biology and biodiversity, bringing with it again additional nutrients, recycling and ecological balance, as a whole, acting as a significant buffer, limiting ’Boom & Bust Cycles’, generating ongoing long term use of the land in a sustainable, multi-generational progression.
Rather than in a limited, degrading, unsustainable drive.
In addition to potentially integrating crops and variability, both within and between swales, the swales were also identified as a
way of achieving other strategic outcomes – like providing a vessel to move water around the property to desirable locations. Or more simply, as a passage way to align infrastructure, like running piping for troughs.

Costs and Maintenance:
Although detailed costing’s were not provided, it was suggested that $3500 or $1.65 per lineal metre was spent toward the grader over two days, that thirty plus hours had gone toward each ripping process, and that in entirety, each tree planting involved expenses of $15 or greater.
The Pink guards were said to be able to be reused up to four times before being recycled, the timber stakes also capable of use more than once.

Fencing off each swale and associated planting was integral to the systems success, instigating that cost plus ongoing maintenance costs in some part, it could be assumed. Electric fencing predominantly to be used.
Weeding and additional waterings were not highlighted as an ongoing item beyond the point of planting, the system design
generally left to provide the ongoing shelter, nutrient, water and biological requirements of the plants, with additional plants potentially being added as the primary vegetation becomes established and succession takes place.

As a key feature, it was suggested that the level spillways were an element that did require ongoing observation and maintenance as a safe guard across time.

Outcomes & Observations:
It was quoted that of the items – speed, quality, and price, only two were attainable at any one time. The hovering potential, already noticeable change in environment, and establishment success of the project, appearing to respect a significant aspect of the time and resources that have to date been committed. No less if undertaken as described, ‘where broader outcomes are achieved over future generations and not within just one lifetime’.

In principle the swales appeared to be already functioning strongly, planting holes on the lower side displaying consistent levels of moisture, moisture appearing evenly captured across the landscape with easily observable changes in ecological and biological make up.
Equally the care in planting each plant, and the use of a Mycorrhizal blend in combination with the environmental effect of the swale, requiring little if any follow up work after the initial planting process, does easily contest future thought.
As do many of the other included elements within the project.

Whether individually, combined, or in principle for other designated goals or projects.

Gerhard Grasser spoke both about developing access to total nutrient reserves, not just currently available ones, and also the use
of tools like the microscope and penetrometer to guide and monitor your actions and results. With best practice highlighting the
benefits of controlled grazing and holistic animal management, the project did display good potential to align to and provide both
change and opportunity, unlocking both reserves and regeneration, while yes also requiring, support, inputs, monitoring and
management commitment, from day one, to privilege any or all of that potential.
© Stephen Cross – Personal Nambrok Field Day Notes

All photos: Stephen Cross

 

 

By Kath SullivanTuesday, 6 December 2011

Matt Kilby says the swale helps to collect water and nutrients, which can then be spread across the paddock. (Kath Sullivan)

When he first arrived at Nambrok, the McGauran family property between Sale and Rosedale, Matt Kilby found says the farm was barren.

“I found about 1 per cent of this 3,000-acre (120-hectare) property had tree cover. The land was dry and scalded. There was no grass. Erosion was happening where the bulls had been walking to and fro the watering holes. And I thought wow, what an opportunity to show the public what we can actually do!”.

Part arborist/part farm consultant, Mr Kilby has spent the last 18 months working with the McGauran family to restore part of the farm, by planting trees and introducing swales.

He says the fact that former federal agriculture minister Peter McGauran comes from a property with almost no trees is indicative of the way many Australian farmers view the land.

It’s attitude he’s determined to change.

When Matt Kilby first arrived at Nambrok, just one per cent of the 3000 acre/ 120 hectare property was under trees. He’s trying to change that by planting hundreds of seedlings like this one. | Photographer: | Kath Sullivan

“The first thing we did was put in a swale. A swale is a ditch which runs dead level to contour. The idea of the swale is more or a tree planting system.” he said.

“We plant all our trees on the top side of the swale. We plant fertility building trees and all the leaf mulch falls into the swale or ditch, and turns into humic acid when it fills up with water. So all the nutrients are then spread back onto the surface and spread completely around the landscape.” he said, describing the swale as a natural way to irrigate.

Mr Kilby, who works along the east coast of Australia, and in the middle east to restore soil and farm productivity.

He says he’s ideas have had a mixed feedback from farmers.

Consultant Matt Kilby stands before one of the swales he has put in at Gippsland farm, Nambrok. | Photographer: | Kath Sullivan

“Farmers are a very conservative bunch. and talk is cheap and so what we’re doing is getting out there and doing the work.

“It might take me 10 years to convince people, but we’ve got to have a go. We’ve got to show farmers that there is a more sustainable way of farming… building our soils back, building profitability and building nutrition in our food.”

Audio
Matt Kilby talks about restoring Nambrok – Click the play button below.
 
Original article http://www.abc.net.au/rural/content/2011/s3384788.htm

November 7, 2011. Cricketing star Glenn McGrath planted the final two of sixty-eight Bunya trees at the National Arboretum which will be protected by pink tree guards that raise money for the McGrath Foundation breast cancer nurses. (AAP/Grace Keyworth) In order of appearance: Beverly Hand- Bunya Dreaming Festival organiser; Matt Kilby- Trees For Earth; Glenn McGrath- McGrath Foundation Chairman.

Australian cricket legend Glenn McGrath receiving a donation to the McGrath Foundation from Matt Kilby
from Trees For Earth at the National Arboretum Canberra this morning.

ACT Minister for Women Joy Burch today joined Australian cricket legend Glenn McGrath, Matt Kilby from Trees For Earth (GLR), Aboriginal Elders Beverly Hand and Agnes Shea and breast care nurse Kerryn Ernst, in planting two Bunya trees at the National Arboretum.

“The planting of these trees marks the creation of Plant Pink Friendship, a partnership between the McGrath Foundation and Trees For Earth which will raise funds for specialist breast cancer nurses to support women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer,” Ms Burch said.

GLR is a Bungendore based company whose products include pink tree guards which feature the McGrath Foundation logo and GLR will be donating funds from the sale of the tree guards to the McGrath Foundation.

“Most of us know someone who has been diagnosed with this disease and the partnership between the McGrath Foundation and GLR is a great initiative aimed at increasing the level of support for these women by providing more specialty nurses.
“The two Bunya trees planted here today represent the last two breast care nurses placed around Australia.”

The funds that will be raised by the contributions being made by GLR will go directly to funding even more nurses.
The cheque that was presented today to Glenn McGrath by Matt Kilby from GLR will be a great boost to the work of the McGrath Foundation.

“I congratulate Matt for making a real practical difference for woman and their families at this time of great need and I encourage other companies to consider how they may assist the McGrath Foundation in their work,” Ms Burch said.

http://www.nationalarboretum.act.gov.au/
Published: http://www.capitalmagazine.com.au/DC/DailyCAPITAL.htm

GOVERNMENT, GLOBAL LAND REPAIR AND NATIONAL ARBORETUM CANBERRA DIG DEEP TO LAY FOUNDATION AND PLANT 68 PINK-GUARDED TREES TO REPRESENT MCGRATH BREAST CARE NURSES

McGrath Foundation Chairman and Co-Founder, Glenn McGrath, with Corporate Friend and Trees For Earth Founder, Matt Kilby.

Chairman and Co-Founder of the McGrath Foundation, Glenn McGrath was today joined by ACT Minister for Women, Joy Burch MLA, atthe National Arboretum Canberra for a special ceremony to plant the final two Australian Bunya pine trees in an area specially dedicated to the McGrath Foundation.

A total of 68 trees, each representing a funded McGrath Breast Care Nurse position, have been planted in the Arboretum donning Plant Pink hot pink tree guards. Collectively, the McGrath Breast Care Nurses have helped support more than 10,000 Australian families through a breast cancer experience in the past three years. Of the 68 McGrath Breast Care Nurses positions in Australia, 44 are funded thanks to a $12 million grant from the Federal Government in June 2008.

Chairman and Co-Founder of the McGrath Foundation, Glenn McGrath, believes the special event was a unique way to bring to life how the McGrath Foundation’s generous Corporate Friendships and ongoing support from the Federal Government will enable the Foundation to grow and support the next 10,000 Australian families.

“These pink-guarded McGrath Foundation trees make up our Foundation family tree, a visual representation of the role our McGrath Breast Care Nurses play in the community, and one we couldn’t be more proud of.

“Without the support of the Federal Government, our generous Corporate Friends and of course the Australian public, we couldn’t do what we do, so this is a fitting tribute to everyone who has contributed to our success in supporting Australian families through a breast cancer experience,” Mr McGrath said.

The ceremonial tree-planting is a testament to the friendship between the McGrath Foundation and Trees For Earth, makers of the tree guards, and also the Federal Government.

ACT Minister for Women, Joy Burch MLA, was happy to be on hand today to help plant the last Bunya pine tree in the McGrath Foundation plot.

“I’m proud to be here today to celebrate the work of the McGrath Foundation and their network of McGrath Breast Care Nurses. The work they do in the community is so important and we’re proud to be helping support Australian families, particularly those in rural and regional areas, by providing them access to this free service.”

Long-term Corporate Friend of the McGrath Foundation, Trees For Earth, has been working with the National Arboretum Canberra to rejuvenate the 250 hectare space through its 100 Forests, 100 Gardens project and presented a $7,500 cheque to the Foundation today to help fund additional McGrath Breast Care Nurses in the community.

Trees For Earth Founder, Matt Kilby, was pleased the friendship with the McGrath Foundation speaks to the wider Australian community.

“The majestic dome-shaped Bunya pine is the logo for Trees For Earth because the native Australian food tree symbolises the Australian spirit of perseverance and rejuvenation. Thanks to our friends at the McGrath Foundation and the National Arboretum Canberra, we’ve been able to come together and spread a message hope and resilience.”

ABOUT THE MCGRATH FOUNDATION
The McGrath Foundation was co-founded by Jane and Glenn McGrath after Jane’s initial recovery from breast cancer. The McGrath Foundation raises money to fund McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities right across Australia and to increase breast awareness in young women. To find out more about the McGrath Foundation and how you can make a difference, please visit www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au.

ABOUT GLOBAL LAND REPAIR
To find out more about Trees For Earth, please visit www.treesforearth.com.au.

Emma Field | November 2, 2011

Article from: Weekly Times

Down to business: Matt Kilby demonstrates his tree-planting technique on the McGauran family farm.

WHEN Matt Kilby first saw the McGauran family’s property, near Sale, he saw a lot of work ahead.
But 11 months later, the old bull paddock on the farm near Nambrok has been transformed.

There are 2km of contours, a dam wall covered in bamboo and 1700 trees all protected with guards.

Matt’s company Trees For Earth was enlisted by the McGauran family last year to run a 40ha demonstration site on their 1200ha cattle property to improve fertility and plant trees.

He said the farm was typical of the farming that had gone on for the past 150 years in Australia.

“It has been over-farmed,” Matt told a recent field day on the property.

He said the family – Alexa, John, Peter, Julian, Rachel and Daria – asked for a plan for one paddock as a demonstration of what could be done and for others to be able check the progress.

Permaculture principles were used by site project manager Nick Huggins.

There are six stages aimed at bringing water back into the paddock using swales, or water harvesting ditches, built on contour banks planted with trees.

Nick’s design addressed the problems of compaction, harsh summer and winter winds plus irregular rainfall on the East Gippsland property, which also suffered from 12 years of drought.

In January, the contours were deep ripped using a Yeomans plough and 600 trees were planted in a shelter belt.

Nick tested compaction levels and the first rip had a penetrometer reading of 200mm and the second six months later went to 400mm.

Contour lines were installed to be formed into swales, a key element of the site.

There are eight swales in the paddock varying in length from 100m to 800m, 2.2km in total.

“The swales are tree planting lines – you can’t have successful tree establishment unless you give them a watering system,” Matt said.

He said the swales were designed to capture water and move it across the farm from the hills to the pastures.

The swales were mulched using hay and planted with cover crops such as barley grass and oats to hold the banks together and encourage moisture retention.

Last month, 840 trees were planted on the swales including oaks, acacias, melaleucas and shrubs.

Nick said the tree plantings were not exclusively native.

The first plantings of “pioneer” trees on the swales would be followed by trees such as oaks, hazelnuts and chestnuts, which could also offer an alternative income and more importantly build and retain soil fertility.

“We start with fast nitrogen fixing trees and then try to create a forest canopy, so after three to four years start planting out our successional plants,” Nick said.

Matt claims to have a 95 per cent tree planting success rate from a system he has developed.

This includes preparing the hole with rock dust to stimulate microbes and root growth and protecting them with a pink tree guards.

He said the pink tree guards were developed in Israel and they stimulated photosynthesis by allowing the plant to absorb more red light.

The tree planting process also included a weed mat made of recycled paper, mulch on top and watering with a special mix of sea minerals and tonics.

The wall of the dam in the paddock had remedial work done to fix erosion and was mulched and planted with cover crops and bamboo, plants with fibrous root systems that wouldn’t damage the dam wall and which would provide future stock feed.

Nick said the mulch helped to hold the dam wall together and stopped leaching.

“We have seen the water clean up over the past eight months,” he said.

The final stages of the project, designed to run for two to three years, will see compost tea fertiliser spread across the whole site and the swales fenced to allow livestock back on the paddock.

“We will be back in April and I am hoping to get 300 cattle grazed on a timed basis using temporary fencing,” Nick said.

Matt said the McGauran farm was the first he had worked on in Victoria. “After many years of farming the landscape won’t be repaired quickly,” he said.

 

PDF version here.

Read at Weekly Times http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/article/2011/11/02/400711_on-farm.html

Cotter Xanthorrhoea grass trees was planted at the Canberra National Arboretum by ACTEW managing director Mark Sullivan, Arboretum chair John Mackay and Aboretum curator Adam Burgess. The Xanthorrhoeas were removed from the Enlarged Cotter Dam site as part of the environmental works during construction.