Impact of soil conditions on hydrology and water quality for a brown clay in the north-eastern cereal zone of Australia

D. M. Freebairn; G. H. Wockner; N. A. Hamilton; P. Rowland

doi:10.1071/SR07054

RESEARCH ARTICLE (Open Access)

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Impact of soil conditions on hydrology and water quality for a brown clay in the north-eastern cereal zone of Australia

D. M. Freebairn ^A ^B ^D , G. H. Wockner ^B , N. A. Hamilton ^B and P. Rowland ^B ^C

+ Author Affiliations

- Author Affiliations

^A Natural Solutions Environmental Consultants, PO Box 1156, Fortitude Valley, Qld 4007, Australia.

^B Previously Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Water and Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Toowoomba and Roma, Qld, Australia.

^C Queensland Environment Protection Agency, 160 Ann Street, Brisbane, Qld 4012, Australia.

^D Corresponding author. Email: david.freebairn@gmail.com

Australian Journal of Soil Research 47(4) 389-402 https://doi.org/10.1071/SR07054
Submitted: 11 May 2007 Accepted: 6 March 2009 Published: 30 June 2009

Abstract

Hydrology and water quality impacts of alternative land management practices are poorly quantified for semi-arid environments in the northern Australia cropping zone, yet wide-scale changes in tillage practices and land use were being recommended based on experience from other environments.

The objective of this study was to explore changes in soil profile and catchment hydrology and water quality associated with different soil surface conditions created by different tillage and grazing practices. Soil water, runoff, and suspended sediment concentrations were monitored on 4 contour bay catchments over an 18-year period. Soil conditions were described by soil moisture, soil cover, and surface roughness in order to explore functional relationships between management, hydrology, and water quality. The site was chosen to represent the drier margins of cropping in southern Queensland where clay soils with high water-holding capacity, in conjunction with fallowing to store water for later crop growth, are an essential risk management tool.

Accumulation of soil water in fallows was inefficient, with fallow efficiencies ranging from –7 to 40% due to high evaporation and runoff losses. Runoff amount was determined by soil water content, which was strongly influenced by antecedent rainfall, water use, and evaporation patterns. Surface cover and roughness had subtle influences on runoff, and a greater effect on suspended sediment concentration. Runoff and suspended sediment losses were considerably lower under pasture than cropping.

A participative approach between farmers and scientists was demonstrated to be an efficient method to carry out an extensive and long-term catchment study at a remote location. This study provides benchmark data for future hydrologic and water quality investigations.

Acknowledgments

This study was a collaborative activity between a group of scientists and a farm family. We are indebted to Viv and Barbara Taylor, and their sons Rohan and Michael, who provided physical and moral support over the duration of the study. Their hospitality and continued enthusiasm made this study an enjoyable experience which now provides a valuable legacy for the region. The senior author is grateful to Land and Water Australia, through its provision of a Senior Research Fellowship which has allowed this study to be reinvigorated, analysed, and data made available. We also acknowledge input from Mark Silburn who had an overview of the study for 3 years while the senior author was on study leave.

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