Wet Areas on Farms

During wet times there will always be some run-off and the development of saturated areas around the property is likely to occur. Some parts of the landscape are generally wetter than others. There are number of options for wet areas on the farm: If you want to graze, options include: temporarily fencing and grazing only when dry, and sub-surface or surface drainage. If the area is unproductive consider wetlands, revegetation or permanently fencing. Consider benefits of each and what suits your situation. Consider temporarily fencing off wet areas with portable electric fences during particularly wet times. Doing so protects the pasture roots and reduces the likelihood of soil compaction and pugging, both of which will cause a long term decline in pasture productivity, and is also likely to improve the amount of run-off and water quality. Graze again in dry times.

• Identify the main drainage lines on your farm as a separate land class in which vegetation needs to be retained and soil protected. Avoid cultivating these areas.

• Avoid straightening of drainage lines (through cleaning out). A straight channel has a higher velocity as it picks up speed down the slope. This will increase the potential for gully erosion and decrease infiltration to surrounding vegetation. Maintain vegetation in drainage lines – consider pasture or native trees/shrubs/understorey.

A wet area developed into a farm dam. Note the islands which provide wildlife habitat.

Wetlands can provide additional benefits to farms such as: erosion control; farm water supply; shelter (pasture stock); reducing nutrient/sediments; providing habitat for beneficial birds/insects; recreation (fishing etc) and aesthetic value. Divert surface water and water from soaks away from slip prone slopes to well vegetated areas using diversion banks or drains. Where soil is easily eroded, agricultural or polythene pipes may be needed to safely transport water from the site.

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