The Australian Government’s Building Landcare Community Capacity Program will provide $5.93 million for a project that aims to boost farm productivity and potentially increase biodiversity through better managed dams and shelterbelts.
“It’s a watershed for Australia’s sustainable farming future,” it says in a statement from the Australian National University (ANU).
The four-year project will include field days and workshops on better designed and managed farm dams. Led by ANU’s Professor David Lindenmayer from the university’s Fenner School of Environment and Society, the researchers will also examine across Australian farms how improved dams benefit stock and biodiversity.
“Simple improvements to the design and management of farm dams, such as fencing and installing watering points enhance production, drought resilience, animal welfare and biodiversity,” Lindenmayer says.
For example, native vegetation around the dams will act as filters for runoffs from paddocks that contain sediments or faecal matter, and this reduces the risk for animals to contract water-borne parasites.
Trees planted around the dam lower water surface temperatures resulting in less water evaporation and thus increased water security in times of draught. Cooler water is also more palatable for animals, and as they drink more clean water they absorb more minerals and nutrients.
According to Lindenmayer, access to cleaner water can increase the weight of animals by around a quarter.
“Good dams also provide a place where farmers can recharge the mind while going about their daily work”.