7.3.3.Management of soils on a livestock block

For blocks where livestock are grazed, the planting and maintenance of pastures will be influenced by, or may even create, soil issues.
Regular soil tests and observations of dominant plant species (or a lack of vegetation) will indicate potential problems such as soil salinity, acidity or sodicity. Any bare areas may also be prone to erosion, especially where livestock congregate to drink, shelter or regularly walk and make tracks.
There are three basic strategies for managing acid soils:
• encourage perennial native pastures to reduce nitrate leaching and slow the rates of acidification (See the ‘Managing your Pastures’ section on pages XX-YY for examples of appropriate species)
• use lime to raise soil pH
• use plants that are tolerant of acid soil conditions.
In practice a combination of all three strategies may be used on any property, with advice from a local agronomist. The incorporation of manure from the livestock can also help to ameliorate soil acidity.
The identification and management of sodic areas is important and again may require the services of an agronomist. Sodicity can be treated by applying gypsum to the affected soil. However, large quantities of gypsum may be needed to have anything more than a short-term effect.
Salinity issues may need addressing on a catchment scale, as a recharge area on your property may in fact be the result of vegetation clearing on the higher slopes of a neighbouring property. However, using deep-rooted perennial pasture species such as lucerne, phalaris and chicory rather than annual legumes, will also help.
To prevent soil erosion, use a rotational grazing strategy and do not overstock or overgraze pastures. Aim to maintain groundcover above 70% and restrict stock access to marshy land or flow lines.
If constructing stockyards or shelter buildings, locate them on high ground. More information about pasture management and grazing strategies to maintain groundcover is available in ‘Managing Pastures’ on page XX.