Essential lessons from an outdoor laboratory

FINDINGS FROM 50 YEARS OF RESEARCH

The Brigalow Catchment Study (BCS) is one of the longest and most important paired-catchment studies in Australia.

Established in 1965 the study proves the impact of land development for agriculture on water quality, land productivity, and resource conditions.

In 1982, two of the three selected catchments were cleared, with one developed for cropping and the other sown to improved pasture.

The third catchment was used as an uncleared comparison.

The tour conducted by Brigalow Catchment Study Senior Scientist Craig Thornton will reveal the outcomes of decades of on-site comparisons and what they mean for the future of cropping and grazing enterprises.

Some discussion points include:
– Water quality sampling from cleared grazing and cropping land compared to uncleared land – water infiltration and run-off.
– Can cropping and grazing enterprises on cleared land remain productive, economically viable and sustainable in the long term?
– The interactions between climate, soils, water, land use, and management.

A bus departs FBA Rockhampton office at 80 East Street at 6.30am or you can travel by your own means.

Numbers are strictly limited so RSVP to book your spot is essential

Vicki Horstman
Ag Services Coordinator
07 4999 2842
0419 160 537
vicki.horstman@fba.org.au