A useful new tool for farmers wanting to monitor and correct land degradation problems on their own land was launched today by Agriculture Minister Ernie Bridge.
The Farm Monitoring Handbook - written by University of Western Australia academics Natalie Hunt and Bob Gilkes - looks at all the major degradation problems, giving detailed advice on how each can be monitored and corrected.
The handbook was prepared for the Land Management Society, and can be obtained from the Society by calling 450 6862.
Written in down-to-earth language, but still providing correct treatment of scientific principles, the handbook devotes whole chapters to each of the major degradation problems, including water repellent soils, water erosion, waterlogging, wind erosion, salinity, acidity and alkalinity.
It gives a step-by-step guide to identifying specific types of degradation, scientifically monitoring cause and effect, and initiating corrective measures suitable for particular tracts of land.
As well, a wealth of information on soil types, textures and drainage is provided, along with chapters on everything from earthworms, birds and other animals, to trees, nutrient deficiencies and plant diseases.
Mr Bridge said the handbook was special in that it not only provided a huge amount of crucial information, but did so in a way which was interesting for the reader.
"I doubt there would be many farmers who would read this handbook and come away feeling they still had questions left unanswered," he said.
