The availability of water in the landscape significantly impacts the number of beneficials present to assist in pest management.
- Native vegetation near water sources such as rivers, creeks, water storages or channels have much higher populations of beneficials than vegetation that is not near water.
- Many beneficials need water to survive.
> Restore and or maintain riparian vegetation along creeks and streams.
> Consider positioning revegetation areas near artificial water sources, e.g. channels, storages, head and tail ditches or table drains.
> Allow floodwaters to inundate areas of native vegetation, such as river red gum, coolibah or black box woodland to maintain vegetation condition.
> Be extra considerate of beneficials during a dry spell. Beneficials need to drink water or their populations will decline.
> Keep open water sources clean and healthy.
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Beneficials mostly get their water from rain drops or dew, but these sources are often unavailable during periods of drought. Reduced water availability means smaller populations of beneficials. Photo: Namoi CMA |
| Restore riparian vegetation along creeks and streams. These areas, if healthy, tend to have high populations of beneficial insects, birds and bats. Photo: M. Hobson |
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See Natural resource publications and
on-line bird ID and
weed ID tools can be referenced at
www.cottoncrc.org.au
