Waterlogged pastures can be a common problem in wet years on many dairy farms in southern Victoria.
The most suited drainage system is influenced by soil type, topography, rainfall and outfall type and location.
Subsurface pipe drainage systems are designed to drain excess water from the profiles of wet soils. There are major design factors that must be considered.
Different soil types and characteristics require different drainage methods. There are some practical on-farm tests to help choose the most appropriate system.
Surface drainage is useful in removing excess water from land to a drain or natural watercourse in a controlled manner and as quickly as possible.
Feedpads and stand-off areas are used to get cows off wet paddocks as part of an on-off grazing strategy or off-pasture strategy to reduce soil damage from pugging.
Mole drainage, on the right soil type and when installed correctly, can help reduce waterlogging problems substantially.
Grazing methods to help reduce pasture and soil damage caused by pugging during wet periods.
On-off grazing is a method that can reduce damage caused by grazing during wet periods.
Some form of soil and pasture renovation is usually required to reduce soil surface roughness, increase plant density, repair soils.
Pastures can be damaged by cows tearing up the paddock's soil structure — this is called 'pugging'.
We acknowledge the traditional Aboriginal Owners of Country throughout Victoria, their ongoing connection to this land and we pay our respects to their culture and their Elders past, present and future.
