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A research team from CSIRO and the NSW Department of Land and Water Conservation are investigating the impact that forestry activities have on soil erosion.
The experiments, being conducted in the Murrah state forest near Bega, involve the use of a massive 'rainfall simulator' that pumps water from tanks and sprays it over 300 sq. metres of forest. The scientists measure how much soil is carried away in the runoff, and they repeat the exercise from immediately after logging takes place to several years later.
On December 13 the media are invited to a field day to see the experiments in action and to discuss the preliminary results with the scientists. Also in attendance will be representatives from NSW State Forests, NSW Environment Protection Authority, and the NSW Department of Land and Water Conservation.
Leaders of the research project are Dr Jacky Croke from the CSIRO Division of Water Resources, Dr Peter Hairsine from the CSIRO Division of Soils, and Mr Peter Fogarty from the NSW Department of Land and Water Conservation.
Results so far indicate that it's the large, infrequent storms (the ones that occur less frequently than once in every 10 years) that make the difference.
"If big storms occur soon after logging, soil erosion can occur," says Dr Hairsine. "But vegetation soon repairs forestry coups and snig tracks, and 5 years after logging we see very low soil erosion rates."
The data generated by this research project will help guide management on logging and conservation values in the south-east forests.
If you would like to attend the field day, assemble at Quaama on the Princes Highway at 12:30 pm on Wednesday 13 December. You can contact the researchers in the field on (015) 484550.
The rainfall simulator in action offers good photo opportunities.
More information from:
Andrew Bell
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