Groundcover is vital for soil water retention

By Bob Freebairn
Updated January 11 2021 - 10:15am, first published 5:00am
Stubble retention in cropping rotations is important for efficient capture of rainfall to build sub soil moisture, generally worth an extra 1.0 t/ha grain in following crops, even on lighter soils.
Stubble retention in cropping rotations is important for efficient capture of rainfall to build sub soil moisture, generally worth an extra 1.0 t/ha grain in following crops, even on lighter soils.
No groundcover retained on grazing country during 2019 drought. Recovery is far slower due to poor ability to capture rainfall and depleted root reserves.
No groundcover retained on grazing country during 2019 drought. Recovery is far slower due to poor ability to capture rainfall and depleted root reserves.
Rapid pasture recovery (10.2.20) of tropical grass pasture following summer storm rains. Even minimal groundcover retention dramatically helps rainfall capture.
Rapid pasture recovery (10.2.20) of tropical grass pasture following summer storm rains. Even minimal groundcover retention dramatically helps rainfall capture.

WHILE the past drought and recovery since its breaking has demonstrated the critical importance of maintaining groundcover for both cropping and pastures, its importance is also commonly seen in a more normal seasonal situation.

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