164
2. Keep the Soil Covered Bare soil is vulnerable soil. Keep it protected with native pasture, cover crops, stubble, or organic mulches. This “armor” moderates soil temperature, reduces evaporation, and protects against erosion by allowing increased water infiltration. It also mini- mises soil loss during runoff, suppresses weeds, and feeds soil microbes. Aim to maintain living roots in the soil year-round—continuous root presence sup- ports soil biology, improves structure, and enhances nutrient cycling. 3. Promote Diversity Implement a diverse mix of plant species through diverse pastures, inter-row cropping, multi species cover crops and shelterbelts. These approaches build more resilient systems and attract beneficial insects and microbes. Integrate animals through managed grazing to support nutrient cycling, stimu- late plant growth, and build soil organic matter. Diversity strengthens ecosystem resilience and sup- ports a thriving soil food web. 4. Graze with Purpose Use short, high-intensity grazing periods followed by long rest phases. This mimics natural herd move- ment, giving pastures time to recover, promotes forage diversity, improving ground cover, and stimu- lating root and soil biology. It builds soil health, in- creases water retention, and supports both animal and land productivity over time. 5. Observe, Measure, Adapt Use a combination of soil tests and monitoring tools to track changes over time. Just as importantly, trust your own observations: look for changes in plant health, soil structure, water infiltration, and bio- diversity. Even a shovel, a phone camera, and notes in your diary can be powerful monitoring tools. Ad- just inputs, grazing pressure, or crop rotation based on observations. Evolve your system as seasonal conditions, markets, and soil health change. Managing for the Long Haul As times get tougher, these practices become more valuable. They’re about managing risk, reducing costs, and ensuring continuity and long term viability.
Regeneratively grazed cattle at Kachana Station, WA.
Rain falling just over the regeneratively grazed Parritas Ranch, Chihuahua Desert.
The 5 Practices that Build Resilience If you’re looking to build resilience into your land, here are 5 tried-and-tested strategies already being used across Australia: 1. Minimise Disturbance to Deep Soil Structure Reduce mechanical tillage and reduce chemical in- puts such as synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. This approach helps preserve soil struc- ture and maintains the integrity of the soil microbi- ome. Healthy soil structure supports deep roots and water retention.
Struggling with birds damaging your crops? See p 63 to read Michelle's story.
Powered by FlippingBook