Maintain ground cover

Maintaining ground cover of at least 70% through appropriate pasture species and tactical grazing minimises rainfall loss through evaporation and surface run-off, and helps moderate deep drainage.

Monitor ground cover

20% ground cover Run-off water loss = 160mm/year Soil loss = 8.5mm/year Poor plant production and sustainability Low green leaf and plant vigour Low water infiltration Plants exposed to temperature extremes Low litter levels Low microbial activity Poor organic matter content Poor soil structure and surface sealing of soil
40% ground cover Still too low Run-off water loss = 90mm/year Soil loss = 4.0mm/year Poor pasture and soil loss
70% ground cover Run-off water loss = 10mm/year Soil loss = 0.3 mm/year Good plant production and sustainability High green leaf and plant vigour High water infiltration Plants’ bases protected from temperature extremes High litter levels Good microbial activity High organic matter content Good soil structure and soft soil surface
90% ground cover 90% ground cover further reduces run-off, soil loss and evaporation losses Paddocks with ground cover of 90% or more provide rotational grazing opportunities and rest for paddocks with poor ground cover

Manage surface run-off

Reducing surface run-off minimises the risk of erosion, however, some run-off is essential to fill farm dams and to provide stream-flows for downstream use and to maintain healthy rivers and aquatic ecosystems. 

Maintain ground cover of at least 70% with a high perennial component on low slopes, and up to 100% on steep areas, where erosion potential is higher. This will reduce the soil damage due to run-off, particularly under high-intensity storm rain, and improve water quality.

Fence off any wet areas and exclude stock from these sections when waterlogged. This protects the pasture roots from trampling damage and soil from compaction and pugging, both of which cause a long-term decline in pasture productivity, as well as contributing sediment and nutrients to run-off water.

Fence off and revegetate any gullies or sites where erosion is active.  In some cases, earthworks may be needed as part of a restoration process.

Avoid making permanent wheel tracks on slopes, down which water might flow and start the erosion process.

Install engineering options (such as interceptor drains, absorption banks, grassed waterways) in landscape situations where surface run-off and/or erosion are likely.

Manuals and guides

• More Beef from Pastures - Map grazing land
• Making More From Sheep - Healthy soils
• Making More From Sheep - Protect your farm assets
• Grazing Best Practice Management
• Tips&Tools: Managing ground cover to reduce run-off and water loss
• Pasture health kit
• Measuring ground cover