The various land types across the Namoi Catchment have been classified into 22 Land Management Units, based on soils, topography and hydrogeology.

The purpose of classifying land this way is to identify particular characteristics as well as an understanding of common management difficulties in each area.

With this knowledge landowners can develop management programs that enhance the natural attributes of their land, whilst reducing any negative effects on the health of land and water at local, catchment and basin-wide scales.

We are all working towards a healthy catchment and great rivers

HWelcome to our

Best Management Practice guide for the Basaltic Slopes and Hills of the Namoi Catchment

Legend

NAMOI RIVERS & MAJOR STREAMS

BASALTIC SLOPES AND HILLS

WATER STORAGES

Map Created by: Leith Hawkins - Namoi CMA -January 2010Projected: GDA 94Map created for BMP guides produced by Sefton & Associates.Base information courtesy of Land and Property Information,Department of Lands, Bathurst NSW, DECCW, Parramatta NSW

Disclaimer: Data has been extracted from digitised field information. The State of NSW and Namoi Catchment Management Authority and its employees,officers, agents or servants accepts no responsibility for the result of any actions taken or the decisions made on the basis of the information, or for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies contained in this map.

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This series of guides is another way that Namoi CMA is working with landholders to develop management practices consistent with improving the health of land and water systems in this part of the Murray Darling Basin.

The series is designed so that you only need to select the guide(s) relevant to your land.

For each Land Management Unit (LMU), there is an overview of landscape features, soils, water systems and management challenges followed by recommended management practices suitable for the conditions typically associated with that area.

Down this page you will see four key themes and some overarching goals for the catchment.

On the last page of each guide there is a planning tool for you so that your management goals and time frames can be developed. By developing management goals, and committing to particular actions, you can, in future years, assess the outcomes of your management choices against community standards.

We recognise that each property has unique features requiring particular management choices, and encourage you to use this guide in conjunction with other management tools. Namoi CMA staff are always happy to help individual landholders or groups to develop suitable practices for their own area.

Let us know if there is any information or guidance you would like, to help you work towards the community goals of long term environmental, economic and social health for our catchment.

Healthy and diverse native flora and fauna Feral pests and weeds controlledThreatened species identified and protected

Waterways managed to prevent damageHealthy and diverse native vegetation and aquatic lifeWater protected against pollution and overuse

Soil not lost due to erosionHealthy soil structure and fertilitySoils managed to prevent damage

Adopting best practicesSeeking and applying skills and knowledgeParticipating and engaged

How to use this guide

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Land descriptionThe Basaltic Slopes and Hills Land Management Unit (LMU) encompasses the Basalt Slopes (8-20% slope) which occur flanking the southern edge of the Liverpool Plains with some occurrences associated with the Garrawilla, Warrumbungle and Nandewar basalt areas. This LMU occupies 3.7% of the Namoi Catchment.

Red, Brown and Black Vertosols (red and brown clays with Black Earths) are most common with soil depth decreasing on steeper slopes.

Vegetation is usually scattered trees consisting of White and Yellow Box, Myall and Rough-barked Apple with some Red Gum in the watercourses and Stringybark in higher areas. Most of the grassy woodlands on the lower slopes have been cleared for grazing whereas the denser woodlands on the upper slopes have mostly been retained.

Land usesGrazing of native pastures is the dominant land use but there are some areas of sown exotic pastures on the lower slopes associated with deeper soils. Native forest and dense woodlands are found on the upper slopes.

Factors to considerMajor source of recharge into groundwater systemsShallow water-tables and salinity are a problem in some areasSoils are average in depth with high fertilityModerate water infiltration ratesSoils have very high water holding capacitySoils tend to crack open and are self mulchingSoils can be difficult to manage when wetSoils are highly erodibleThe long slope areas are subject to severe erosion by runoff from aboveSoils can be quite stonySteep slopes and stony soils can make management difficult

Why manage this landGood land management practices throughout the Namoi Catchment contribute to fertile soils, clean air and water that support a productive and healthy catchment.

This LMU is a critically important recharge zone for the catchment and therefore, land and water management are particularly important. Management that supports full groundcover and excellent water cycling will have significant benefits to the broader community.

Key contributions at the catchment scale of the Basaltic Slopes and Hills are the value of grazing production, recharge to aquifers, water and climate regulation, soil formation, nutrient cycling, regional corridors and biodiversity values.

Common problems within this Land Management Unit are erosion, salinity and biodiversity loss, all which adversely affect soil and water quality. Managing to eliminate or reduce all of these will have positive effects on water quality and catchment health.

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What you are aiming forMany positive land management practices address numerous problems simultaneously. Following are some things to aim for that will benefit biodiversity, soil health and water quality that may be relevant to this type of land.

On your native forest and woodland areas aim for:Maximum possible groundcover, particularly perennial native grasses, herbs, forbs, rocks and litter Dead fallen and standing trees left in placeA mix of native trees, shrubs and perennial ground cover speciesVariable aged trees with abundant regrowthA rich mix of native creatures including insects, reptiles, birds and mammalsNo erosion Localised gully erosion areas which are grassy and stableRainfall is used where it falls – rainfall captured and allowed to infiltrate the soil rather than run-offSoil that is more friable with increased organic matter and soil organismsDedicated areas managed for biodiversity conservation which are all inter connectedNo weedsNo pest animals

On your grassland and grazing areas aim for:Maximum possible groundcover, particularly perennial grasses, herbs,forbs and litter Open woodlands of native trees, shrubs and perennial ground cover speciesVariable aged trees with regrowth presentDead, fallen and standing trees left in placeNo erosionNo salinity outbreaksLocalised gully erosion areas which are grassy and stableRainfall is used where it falls – rainfall is captured and allowed to infiltrate the soil rather than runoffA grazing management system that is sustainable in the long term with minimal environmental impact and positive economic and social benefitsSoil that is more friable with increased organic matter and soil organisms Dedicated areas managed for biodiversity conservation which are all inter connectedNo weedsNo pest animals

In the next 12 months: Continue to read about and discuss different approaches to managing your landAttend a training course exploring land management issues that you haven’t already doneGo to a field day at another landholder’s property, or hold one at your placeSpeak to people whose opinion you trust about how your management can benefit the broader community and catchmentDevelop or review a plan for your enterprise that seeks to improve the functioning of the land

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ErosionBare earth leaves soil vulnerable to erosion. Cover it up!Perennial plants will hold the soil in place.

A healthy mix of live and dead plants both in and on top of the soil will prevent erosion as water will either infiltrate the soil, or run off gently.

If gullies have begun to form, act immediately to prevent further damage. A small gully can turn into a major gully in one big storm.

If major gullies have already formed, it is possible that remediation work will need to be done. The depth and extent of the gullies will determine the remediation that is required.

Positive movesWith many land management issues, prevention is easier and cheaper than cure. The best prevention of erosion within this LMU is to maximise groundcover of native perennial plants in both woodlands and grazing areas.

On grazing country, adopt rotational grazing practices where possible, focusing on pastures and to a lesser degree on livestock.

On woodland country, where possible leave alive and dead vegetation in place (grasses, sticks, twigs and logs) to create a ‘rough’ surface.

If major gullies have already formed, you may need structures in strategic locations to slow and/or divert water flow (Namoi CMA can assist you with information about approaches to consider).

Positive progress indicatorsIncreasing groundcover - less bare soilLess or no soil lost from rainfall and windy conditionsGullies that are stabilisingLess sedimentationMore infiltration and less runoffLess damage from floodsLess weedsHigh proportion of perennial plants on grazing countryGreater plant diversity on grazing countryIncreased production

SalinitySalinity outbreaks can be hard to manage, so getting assistance to make a salinity reduction plan can be helpful.

Salinity within this LMU is typified by scalded areas that generally seep especially during the winter months. Salt crystals can also be present along with grasses and herbs that are salt tolerant. Salinity in this LMU is driven by excess water in the soil profile which picks up soil salts and moves them downhill until the watertable reaches a geological barrier which drives the watertable up to the soil surface.

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Management challenges in this area

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Positive movesSalinity outbreaks and hydrogeology can be difficult concepts to understand. If you believe you have a saline outbreak you are advised to seek expert advice from Namoi CMA. At the same time as seeking expert advice, it may be possible to do some local investigations to determine whether salinity has been a problem in the area in the past and whether there have been some recent activities which may have exacerbated the salinity problems.

As salinity is the result of excess water moving through the landscape, management of water recharge into the soil can assist in reducing the impacts.

Positive progress indicatorsReduced free water on the saline scaldReduced salt crystalsIncreased vegetative coverIncreased plant species and change of plant speciesReduced erosion and off site sedimentation

Loss of biodiversityWhile it is possible and beneficial to target particular areas on your property that are actively managed for biodiversity, the best strategy is to manage so that your whole property is as rich a source of biodiversity as possible. Not only is this realistic and possible, there is much current research suggesting strong links between management practices that support high levels of biodiversity and high levels of productivity.

Remember to prioritise biodiversity conservation in waterways and wetlands.

Positive movesIn addition to adopting conservation grazing management strategies, the following practices can be introduced to increase biodiversity on your property:

Identify existing and potential refuge zones on your property and exclude or limit stock access to those areas by fencing them offLink up refuge zones with corridors or buffer zones so they are all connectedLeave any standing and fallen dead timber in placeManage to eliminate weed species and feral animalsIdentify and protect local threatened species, populations and communities

It is important to note that any proposed clearing of native vegetation must be approved and must comply with NSW native vegetation management laws.

Positive progress indicatorsIncreasing groundcover - less bare soilHealthy trees, shrubs and perennial native grassesGreater plant species diversityRegeneration of trees and shrubsNative grasses that are setting seedPresence of desirable bird and animal speciesLess weeds

Benefits from erosion and salinity control, and biodiversity managementImproved productivity from cropping enterprisesIncreased carbon levels in the soilImproved water and nutrient retention on your propertyImproved soil structureHigher levels of soil organic matterImproved water quality in linked systemsIncreased biodiversity of grasses, woody vegetation and native animalsDecreased need for chemical inputs, as soil fertility and health buildsImproved potential for profitabilityImproved land valueImproved aesthetics and landscape values

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Management practices suited to this land management unit

Land management practices for this LMU need to take into account the values and limitations of the available land. In order that benefits are gained at the local, catchment and basin-wide scale, the following practices can be beneficial:

Managing areas of native forest and woodlandsRefer to NSW Native Vegetation laws and State Government authorities before removing or clearing any native vegetation Maintain ground cover of perennial native grasses, herbs, forbs, litter and rocks Leave dead timber in place, standing and fallen – avoid the ‘tidying-up’ urgeRemove stockControl erosion with soil conservation worksPrevent bushfires with fire breaks and maintaining access

Managing grazing areasAdopt rotational grazing management practices and match stocking rates to carrying capacityMaximise ground cover of perennial native grasses, herbs, forbs, litter and rocksManage stock away from waterways and creeks through fencing and/or watering point locationManage for the plant species you want, not the species you don’t wantControl erosion with soil conservation worksAllow plants adequate rest between grazing periods and avoid grazing native plants during flowering and seed setLeave dead timber in place, standing and fallen – avoid the ‘tidying-up’ urgePrevent bushfires with fire breaks and maintain accessIdentify the native plants in grazed areas and manage to protect and enhance the most vulnerable species (these will often be the most palatable species to stock)Set up protection zones for any identified threatened or vulnerable species and manage for biodiversityCheck NSW Native Vegetation regulations before undertaking any clearingConsider special event management processes, such as during and after drought

Managing saline areasRecharge Areas

Engage experts to undertake investigations including electromagnetic surveys, geological drilling, vegetation surveysPlant trees and deep rooted perennials to intercept subsurface water flowsMaintain ground cover of perennial native grasses, herbs, forbs, litter and rocks

Discharge areasEngage experts to undertake investigations including electromagnetic surveys, geological drilling, vegetation surveysFence the saline outbreak to manage grazing livestockMaintain ground cover of perennial native grasses, herbs, forbs, litter and rocksControl erosion with soil conservation worksSow salt tolerant species including salt bushSet up piezometers to monitor water table depths and flows

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For more informationNamoi Catchment Management Authority35-37 Abbott Street Gunnedah NSW 2380PO Box 546 Gunnedah NSW 2380www.namoi.cma.nsw.gov.au

Gunnedah: 02 6742 9201Quirindi: 02 6746 1344Narrabri: 02 6799 2417

Tamworth: 02 6764 5907Walgett: 02 6828 0120

Managing biodiversity areasDo not remove or clear any native vegetationMaintain ground cover of perennial native grasses, herbs, forbs, litter and rocks Leave dead timber in place, standing and fallen – avoid the ‘tidying-up’ urgeAllow tree and shrub regenerationPlant additional trees and shrubsRemove grazing livestock through fencing or destockingControl erosion with soil conservation worksPrevent bushfires with fire breaks and maintaining access

Management applicable to all the above areasDevelop a long term integrated strategy for weed and pest animal control and put it into actionIdentify land that looks the way you would like your land to look, then find out how that land is managedGet involved in a local land management groupMake a commitment to attend field days or courses where you will learn more about the management issues affecting your landDiscuss possible land management training opportunities with experts that you trustIdentify the plant, bird and animal species on your land, and check over time to see what changes are occurringLearn about the native species that would have been on your land originally, then work toward creating the conditions that will encourage them to returnEstablish photo points within the woodland, grazing, saline and biodiversity areas and take photos at each point at least once a year to monitor improvements. Think about what you find looking back at the area over timeShare your learnings and find out more about different approaches to managing your land with your neighbours, other landholders, Namoi CMA and other agencies

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Your Name: ...................................................................Property Name: ...........................................

Land Management Unit: .......................................................................Date: ....................................

What you are aiming for/Issue

Management Action

Expected Outcome

Review Date or Outcomes

Landscape

Planning Tool