The Pasture Diversity
For Drought Defence Nature Project
This nature project was supported by the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund
The Objective
Second Nature worked with farmers across Australia and agricultural-dependent communities and businesses, to become better prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought.
This project employed the simple and well supported principle that species diverse pastures, growing throughout the year create healthy and biologically active soils. This in turn supports climate resilience and adaptability when rain is unevenly distributed across the growing season or in drought.
Farmers were supported to incorporate a diverse mix of summer (c4) and winter (c3) active pasture species into existing pastures to boost soil health and resilience to drought.
Farmers were supported to improve grazing management practices to ensure optimal plant recovery, healthy soil function, and water cycling in pastures, through all seasons.
Demonstration sites were established with diverse species of pasture in both low and medium rainfall areas.
The project provided a local pasture species diversity guide for SA Murray Mallee and Eastern Mount Lofty Ranges, facilitated 2 workshops, and enabled access to presentations and learning material via an online network of farmers across Australia
Further Details…
Key activities to achieve project outcomes included;
Demonstration Sites
Sites were established in the SA Murray Mallee (low rainfall) and a second in the Eastern Mount lofty area (medium rainfall). Summer and winter active pasture species have been established and grazing management during the early years will be demonstrated.
Proven establishment options (including direct seeding, seed production zones and seedlings), were used at these sites to allow for farmers to choose most cost effective for their needs.
Workshops
Pasture establishment and grazing management workshops at demonstration sites were held to provide livestock farmers with tools to manage pastures to maintain plant and soil health that builds resilience to drought.
Video Recordings
Recordings of workshops are available to share with farmers across Australia, via our online farmer group and via the Second Nature YouTube Channel.
A Pasture Species Guides
A pasture species guides for SA Murray Mallee Region and Eastern Mount Lofty Region was created to share with farmers in these regions. Download it below…
The Farmer’s Facebook Group
A dedicated online (social media) farmer group is accessible to farmers Australia-wide. The program and its resources are available for access by the public and create space for online networking and support in group.
This nature project is supported by the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund
Nature Project Activity
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Take a look at a selection of our recent projects, crafted with care and designed to make an impact. Each one tells a story of creativity, collaboration, and results.
Biodiversity Starts in Your Paddock - Explore the Pasture Guide…