Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms. It includes all living animals, plants, bacteria, fungi and micro-organisms, the habitats where they occur and the genetic information stored in each individual living thing. It also includes the interactions and interdependence between all these organisms and places – the “web of life”.
 |
Cotton is grown across a range of geographic locations from Central Queensland to Southern NSW (see map). This covers a number of Australia’s different bioregions including the Darling Riverine Plain and the Brigalow Belt.
The Landscapes of these bioregions are characterised by fertile floodplains, big rivers lined with magnificent red gum communities, and diverse open woodlands on lighter soils. Generally nearly a quarter of cotton farms are naturall riparian and woodland communities which cottongrowers commmonly either selectively graze or leave undisturbed - an important step in conserving biodiversity in these landscapes. |
• Many cotton farms are located along riparian corridors which host a range of species
• A recent survey indicated that many cotton growers are already managing for biodiversity by fencing off areas of native vegetation, removing weeds and controlling feral animals
• The Australian cotton industry has developed a Best Management Practices (BMP) program which helps growers to adopt practices to minimise impact on the environment
• The Cotton Catchment Community CRC has allocated $20 million over seven years to biodiversity and natural resource management research.
Biodiversity directly sustains cotton production - it is our natural workforce.
The natural environment performs many tasks including: • Soil organisms are responsible for productive soils; they decompose organic matter, cycle nutrients, break down wastes and pesticide residues, suppress pathogens, aerate soil and maintain its permeability
• Beneficial invertebrates, bats and birds, naturally control pests and can significantly improve cotton gross margins
• Naturally occurring viruses, bacteria and fungi are being employed in new generation, ‘soft’ biopesticides
• Remnant and planted vegetation surrounding fields reduce pesticide drift and dust blown from fields, and provide habitat for beneficial species
• healthy ecosystems, at much broader scales, buffer the whole environment from major impacts of drought, fire and climate change. These are called ecosystem services.
Fact sheets associated with each of the monthly themes in the calendar will be available from this web site or by contacting a member of the Cotton catchment Communities CRC Environment Team..
Greening Australia has a comprehensive website (www.greeningaustralia.org.au) plus they also have the ‘Exchange: National Vegetation Knowledge Service’: (1300 886 589 /
exchange@greeningaustralia.org.au) where you can access more information on managing your vegetation for biodiversity.
Contact your Regional NRM body or CMA or visit their website for more details on biodiversity initiatives in your area 
