Black Swamp

Formed in 1997

Incorporating landholders in the Black Swamp region, approximately 15km east of Tenterfield.

Controlling invasive grass species, promoting more effective and adaptable pasture species suited to the Tenterfield region, as well as encouraging the growth of shade lines and corridors threatened by dieback.

Main Activities: Revegetation; Matrush control; Acid soil action program; sub-tropical pasture trials.

Revegetation
The Black Swamp Landcare Group have established more than 1700 native tree and shrub species in corridors and shade lines to provide shelter for livestock, protect pastures and encourage the return of natural wildlife.

Matrush Control
Matrush is an increasing problem on the Northern Tablelands of NSW, particularly on granite and `trap’ soils. The species that is infesting significant areas of pastoral land is L. filiformis otherwise known as Wattle Matrush, which is a native plant. In conjunction with NSW Agriculture, members of the Black Swamp Group have established a matrush control demonstration site, trialing the effectiveness of several different herbicides. Not much is known about non-chemical control, however the tussock is unpalatable for grazing control, cultivation is suspected of spreading the tussock, and burning is suspected of germinating new seedlings. Matrush field days centred on the demonstration site have attracted over 60 landholders in the area.

Acid Soil Action
African Lovegrass and Carpetgrass are two perennial grasses causing landholders in the Tenterfield district much concern. These plants are rapidly invading their pastures, and chemical control is no longer an option.

Members of the Tenterfield and Black Swamp Landcare Groups came together to look at the influence of soil acidity on pasture composition, livestock production and weed invasion. Four sites have been established in the area, two focusing on Lovegrass, two on Carpetgrass. Existing paddocks had been split into two, one half limed and the other half left as a control.

Group members have been involved in monitoring botanical composition and livestock weight gains between the limed and un-limed paddocks. Preliminary results from weighing of cattle, over five years have shown a live weight gain response to the application of lime. As yet no significant changes in botanical composition have been measured, but pasture monitoring will continue.

Pasture Trials
The Black Swamp Landcare Group is also investigating sub-tropical pasture species that may be suitable in the Tenterfield region. Currently, traditional pastures aren’t persisting and clovers aren’t returning. Landholders need a species that will grow under low moisture and high heat conditions, and will compete with invasive grass species such as Lovegrass. The Group has travelled to properties in the area trialing species such as Digitaria (pictured).

Contact – Scott Koch, 44 Riley Street, Tenterfield NSW 2372 phone 0267 365 887 email scottandbert@bigpond.com