FBA book helps unleash the potential of your land

Posted on May 10th, 2021

Over two years in the making, FBA has developed a 140-page photo compilation book for standardising the condition of land based on its capacity to respond to rain and produce useful pasture in the Fitzroy Basin.

The Land Condition Photo Standards in Central Queensland book is a comprehensive photographic guide assembled to assist land managers in their self-assessment of land condition across the Fitzroy region.

Land condition is a term used to best describe the current state of the soil, and/or the diversity and cover of vegetation as a relative measure (i.e., good, poor).

By helping land managers understand the trends in land condition, they can use this book to assist in making management decisions in regard to cattle, crops and produce.

The Land Condition Photo Standards in Central Queensland book provides an in-depth pictorial resource to compare land conditions across A, B, C or D types that is specific to central Queensland. Thirty major land types are found in the Fitzroy region and were captured in photos in the four different conditions.

The book describes a land condition rating of A represented by very high pasture density and ground cover, with a distinct absence of erosion, introduced weeds and unpalatable pasture species.

Conversely, it illustrates a land condition rating of D represented by low pasture density and ground cover, with a presence of introduced weeds and unpalatable pasture species, and poor soil condition including visible signs of erosion.

Users of the book can also make assessments of four distinct categories of land condition: pasture condition, soil condition, woodland condition, and ground cover in each paddock. By instructing land managers how to keep photographic records, it describes methods to help explain land features, introduces long term digital record keeping options for future reference, and fosters consistency in decision making.

The Land Condition Photo Standards in Central Queensland reference book is an invaluable resource durable enough for use out in the paddock and an essential tool for the office. All photos were taken by grazing consultant Col Paton in the region so that they are representative of known local vegetation and land conditions.

As the first edition of its kind specific to Central Queensland, it has been printed in limited numbers and is only available to clients of FBA.

This project is supported by Fitzroy Basin Association through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.