One of the most difficult problems found in many parts of Australia is the presence of excess salt in the soil. Soil salinity is an indication of the level of soluble chemical compounds present. Salts are released naturally when rocks break down, the most predominant being sodium chloride or common salt. Other salts include compounds of magnesium, potassium and calcium. The Creeping Menace When salt levels become elevated soils are damaged and crop production is diminished. Salt problems occur naturally in the landscape, but many areas become saline due to excess clearing of vegetation, over cultivation and poor irrigation practices. The end result is that plants find it more difficult to absorb water from the soil; plants wilt more readily, produce less growth and in severe cases tissues are damaged. Eventually sensitive plants will die and salt affected areas show a greatly reduced variety of plant growth. Salt Crystals...
My Hobby Farm
Water Harvesting
Drought conditions during the past few years have brought home the importance of conservation and the careful application of water on the farm. The restricted availability of town water during dry periods means one has to come up with other solutions regarding water. Metal, concrete and now the more popular plastic rainwater tanks are now a standard feature on most farms. Water Harvesting On Hobby Farm Farms that have access to a permanent source of water such as a large dam, spring or river frontages are in a good position to survive extended droughts. Farmers with access to good quality bore water are generally able to utilize some of the available underground water. In my case I have developed a small scale water harvesting system using graded earth mounds that have been covered with a layer of plastic. The mounds meet at the lowest point from which drainage pipes...
My Hobby Farm Challenges
Spring time in Victoria is certainly the most beautiful season. Unfortunately the weather is often windy and changeable. Without windbreaks plants will quickly be damaged and young plantings are literally torn out of the ground in very exposed situations. Boundary Windbreaks My most urgent task is to develop and plant effective windbreaks. I have chosen some of the hardiest of natives such as Myoporum, Melaleuca and Eucalyptus species for boundary windbreaks. Within this windbreak will be a row of Carob trees (Ceratonia siliqua).The carob is an extremely hardy tree which can tolerate extended drought, also producing an edible pod. It is often mentioned as St. John’s bread or the Locust bean. The foliage is an edible animal feed, and the deep-rooted tree brings up valuable nutrients that are recycled when leaves decompose. Some new varieties now available have in excess of 50% sugar within the long dark bean pods....
My Hobby Farm Venture
When the wind is blowing up a dust storm, without a sign of rain, I can’t help but wonder why I bought this hobby farm. However, on waking to a bright day, full of promise, an optimistic mood soon arises. My Hobby Coming from the land always helps when deciding to buy a plot of land, and a love of nature is essential. Not having a good knowledge of farming means much more homework is needed, but these obstacles can be overcome. Having lots of friends and a practical nature will enable you to deal with the everyday problems that will certainly arise on the farm. A Lifelong Passion I bought my hobby farm in order to enjoy my lifelong passion for growing plants, especially fruit and vegetables. There is also the health aspect resulting from lots of exercise and of course a chance to get out and enjoy...