7.Rural land health
The intention of this target is to increase the viability of sustainable land management in the ACT. Soils cycle nutrients, hold moisture and are rich in biological diversity. Healthy soils are a fundamental part of the landscape. Key indicators of soil health include soil pH, soil carbon and hydrological connectedness. Inappropriate landuse practices pose the major threat to our soils. Long-term improvement in soil health will depend on matching land capability to land use through a systematic approach.
The measurable target
Inadequate data means a quantitative baseline cannot be established yet for this target. The proposed actions include developing and applying the required measures of rural land health. Improvements in rural land health will be driven by education, incentives and regulation through land management agreements.
| OUTCOMES | OUTPUTS | ACTIONS |
|---|---|---|
|
Intermediate 80% of rural land meets the top standard for land health in relation to land capability (2015) Long-term 95% of rural land consistently meets the top standard for land health in relation to land capability (2030) |
Robust method for determining land health in relation to land capability Related plans New and revised land management agreements negotiated with individual leaseholders |
Foundation Develop a robust methodology for determining and reporting soil health in relation to land capability Carry out a soil and land capability survey and classification Quantify the current proportion of rural land that meets the top standard for land health in relation to land capability On-ground Incorporate measures of land health and targets for its improvement into land management agreements Promote options for land managers to restore eroded land Promote LANDSCAN, PROGRAZE and other perennial pasture management programs Evaluate the potential for the increased storage of carbon in ACT soils |
