2.3 Water erosion Key messages Condition and trend Water erosion hazard across the south-west of WA during the growing season • – – has diminished because of declining winter rains, increased stubble retention and adoption of reduced tillage practices. Water erosion events are mainly caused by intense, localised summer storms. • There appears to be a trend towards more frequent, potentially erosive summer • storms in the eastern wheatbelt and south-eastern coastal areas, and relatively little change in other areas. Management implications The average annual opportunity cost of lost agricultural production in the south-west • of WA from water erosion is estimated at $10.1 million. This loss is cumulative because of the irreversible nature of soil erosion. The requirement to retain a cover of 70% or greater of plant material anchored by • intact roots, means that total prevention of water erosion is difficult, particularly with livestock grazing systems. Figure 2.3.1 Resource hazard summary for water erosion.
2.3 Water erosion Key messages Condition and trend • Water erosion hazard across the south-west of WA – during the growing season – has diminished because of declining winter rains, increased stubble retention and adoption of reduced tillage practices. • Water erosion events are mainly caused by intense, localised summer storms. • There appears to be a trend towards more frequent, potentially erosive summer storms in the eastern wheatbelt and south-eastern coastal areas, and relatively little change in other areas. Management implications • The average annual opportunity cost of lost agricultural production in the south-west of WA from water erosion is estimated at $10.1 million. This loss is cumulative because of the irreversible nature of soil erosion. • The requirement to retain a cover of 70% or greater of plant material anchored by intact roots, means that total prevention of water erosion is difficult, particularly with livestock grazing systems. Figure 2.3.1 Resource hazard summary for water erosion.
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