Soils

Healthy soils are essential for productive pastures and crops. Soil must be physically, chemically and biologically balanced to be productive and stable.

Australian soils have developed over millions of years. By world standards, they are very old and careful management of their health is now the only way to maintain this valuable resource for the future.

Common soil-related problems include soil structure decline, soil acidity and acidification, salinity, sodicity and erosion.

Soil compaction, acidity, sodicity and salinity have the potential to severely restrict pasture growth and, in extreme cases, can render land useless for production.

Erosion can result in the loss of large amounts of soil, reducing soil fertility and pasture productivity, as well as contributing to eutrophication, sedimentation and turbidity within waterways.

What you gain and what it costs

Do any of these look familiar?

What you need to know (Victoria only)

1. Catchment & Land Protection Act 1994, incorporating amendments from August 2004 and September 2007, is administered by Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs), the Victorian Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE). Farmers must take all reasonable steps to conserve soil. They must also avoid doing  anything that would cause or contribute to the degradation of someone else’s land. The Act puts an emphasis on the partnership approach by the CMAs, DPI, DSE and the farmer. That means there is a focus on education, awareness and collaborative solutions.
2. Environment Protection Act 1970, incorporating amendments from July 2005 and May 2008, is administered by the Environment Protection Authority. The policy encourages the implementation of effective agricultural practices to minimise the run-off of pollutants such as sediments. Farmers need to develop What you need to know and implement effective management practices aimed at:
   1. utilising land sustainably and within its capability; and
   2. minimising sediment run-off through the implementation of soil conservation and erosion control measures, including the control of stock access to surface waters and run-off from areas of high stock concentrations.

Disclaimer: The following is only a guide to the law affecting farmers in the environmental field. The general area is quite complex and affected by numerous Acts and Regulations, some of which are very detailed. In addition, changes are made on a regular basis to the legislation. The precise effect in a given situation will require expert advice and this should be sought from an appropriate professional or the relevant government agency.

Additional information

These resources can help you develop your Action Plan (Organisations, their contact details and website information were correct at the time of publication. Information may change without notice).