Soil erosion simulation

Raindrops that hit bare earth break the soil into small mobile particles. These small particles get carried away in run-off and turn our rivers brown. Any nutrients in the topsoil goes along for the rid. Groundcover protects the soil from raindrop impact so the soil doesn't get washed away. Rivers and wetlands remain healthy and nutrients stay in the topsoil to feed crops and native vegetation.

For a demonstration of the importance of groundcover, watch this video taken at the Katherine Show where we use a soil erosion simulator to entertain the kids. Expert commentary from Fergal O'Gara!

TCA funding helps production and the environment

Flying Fox Swamp received funding to protect water quality and habitat

Water quality for stock is important to Garry Riggs, a pastoralist from Lakefield Station on the Sturt Plateau.

“From day one here we have had it in our mind that we need clean accessible drinking water. By accessible I mean dams that don’t have boggy edges. A cow that drinks too much water won’t get out of boggy waterholes. If she falls down she’s never going to get up. So she will only drink what she can to get out of the waterhole. And if it’s filthy water, they’ll only drink what they need to survive.

“With access to clean drinkable water they can drink the right amount of water needed to absorb all this dry grass. You can extend the life of your cow, they will put on weight faster and maintain condition because they can eat more dry grass.”