IntroductionMost farms contain a range of land classes. It is useful to identify the different land classes and use them to optimise productive and ecological efficiency across the whole farm.
A land class is a unit of rural land with a relatively uniform set of characteristics (geology, soil type, slope, aspect etc) which allow it to support a distinctive type and intensity of use. A land class requires a specific set of management practices to sustain those uses without damage to the land.
Land classes
Arable lands
Class 1 - Land with little risk of degradation and able to support a wide range of uses. Suitable for cropping on a permanent basis.
Class 2 - Land with some risk of degradation but still able to support a wide range of uses. Some conservation practices required if used for cropping (e.g. broad rotations and/or some special cultivation practices).
Class 3 - Land with moderate risk of degradation. Special conservation practices are required if used for cropping.
Class 4 - Land with a moderately severe risk of degradation where regular cropping would constitute an unacceptable risk.
Suitable (with conservation practices) for occasional cropping.
Non-arable lands
Class 5 - Land with little risk of degradation but unsuitable for cropping because of soil, topography, wetness or salt. Suitable for grazing. Suitable for cultivation associated with pasture development.
Class 6 - Land with severe risk of degradation. Suitable for grazing but good management is needed to preserve the vegetative cover. Specialised equipment is necessary for reestablishment of improved pasture.
Class 7 - Land with very severe risk of degradation. Suitable for controlled grazing. A good vegetative cover is essential for protection of the land.
Class 8 - Land incapable of sustaining agricultural production. Suitable for water supply, wildlife, extensive recreation and aesthetic purposes.
Source: Department of Natural Resources and Environment, 1999c - Contact the NRE for more information.
Soils in the Geelong region
The region&s soils reflect the diverse geological history of south-western Victoria. They range from recently deposited wind-blown sands to heavy clays derived from highly weathered volcanic parent material. Structure of the red volcanic soils is renowned for ease of management, whereas the soils of the Central Highlands, the Basalt Plains and coastal plains are notorious for winter waterlogging. The wet environment coupled with unstable soil or land conditions leads to severe tunnel erosion, gullying and landslips in many of the soils, while cropping of the sandier soils encourages wind erosion in summer. Soil fertility is widely variable and local fertiliser use is high (Corangamite Catchment and Land Protection Board, 1996).
Some questions to ask
- What type of soils do I have on my property?
- Are they well drained or poorly drained?
- Is erosion going to be a problem?
- How fertile is the soil?
- Does the soil vary on my property?
- What activities can I undertake that will not degrade the land?
- Are the land classes or soil types separated into individual paddocks?
- Contact the CCMA or NRE for advice regarding these questions.
