Abstract: |
The Marginal to Mainstream project was designed to demonstrate ways of rejuvenating degraded pastures in the Murraylands and improving their productive capacity by bringing innovative and tested methods of grazing and grassy understorey management to an area where there was little or no adoption of these practices.
OUTCOMES:
The outcomes of the project, as stated in the Funding Deed were to:
1. Increase the number and area of farming entities that have trialled innovative practices for improved natural resource management;
2. Increase the percentage and area of farming entities using sustainable land management practises to increase productivity and improve the quality of ecosystem services to the broader community from their land, while building their resilience to climate change;
3. Increase the percentage of farming entities and land managers with the knowledge and skills to manage our natural resources and deliver ecosystem services;
4. Increase the capacity and confidence of regional community leaders, including women, young people, indigenous Australians and people from culturally diverse communities involved in agriculture and the protection of natural resources;
5. Increase engagement and participation by regional communities and groups, including Landcare, professional farming system groups, industry, other community groups or individuals in natural resource management activities;
6. Increase community awareness and understanding of the status of Australia's natural resources.
OBJECTIVES:
These outcomes were addressed through the establishment of eight demonstration sites with the following objectives:
1. Demonstrate practical methods of grazing and grassy understorey management;
2. Provide land managers with tools/information to improve pasture productivity;
3. Improve productivity and natural resource base;
4. Increase soil stability, pastoral resilience and biodiversity.
The sites were established to demonstrate various grassland management scenarios and allow for monitoring of the impact of the changed management on the health and biodiversity of the grasslands.
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