soil-conservation-people-religion-and-land.pdf - South West NRM

For those roads that are parallel to the contour, the
downstream side of the road to the paddock should have a low
gradient (1 in 6 to 1 in 8) and be grassed to prevent
scouring. Lowering of the crown height will be beneficial.
(b) Fencing
Fence lines can cause the same problems as roads. Where
possible all boundary and internal fencing should be removed.
Care should be taken to retain the identity of major portion
fences. Where it is essential for the management of the
property that fences be retained, sufficient space should be
left under the bottom wire to enable the clearing out of silt
accumulations, etc.
(c) Crop Lines
Crop lines not perpendicular to the direction of flow will
also cause concentration and diversion of flows. Strip
cropping, with strip widths along the contour will prevent the
concentration of water flows. It is essential to maintain
vegetative cover in alternate strips at all times. Strip
widths vary according to the depth of flow, slope of the land,
and extent of water concentration. Strip cropping layouts
should be coordinated between landholders.
(2) The Uplands
(a) Runoff disposal system
Waterways should be located in natural drainage lines. If
this is not possible, artificial waterways should be located
to allow for the best workability of the farm (eg on the
boundary fences). Waterways should empty into existing cross
road drainage points. Each drainage unit on the farm should
be of a uniform soil.
(b) Internal fences
Fences should separate land classes when the grazing
management of one class differs from that of an adjoining
class,
(c) Access tracks
Access tracks should be located along ridge lines and should
not cross contour banks at their outlet. Stock should not
cross contour banks, especially at the outlet ends, and should
not use waterways as a track.
(d) Farm enterprise
Dairy farm - concerned with small paddocks.
Grain farm - requires large paddocks and long contour bank
lengths for ease of machinery operation."