Bushfire Report

STEP 5. TAKE MEASURES TO PREVENT SOIL EROSION
While the removal of fuel is necessary to reduce a bush fire hazard, you also
need to consider soil stability, particularly on sloping areas.

Soil erosion can greatly reduce the quality of your land through:
• loss of top soil, nutrients, vegetation and seeds
• reduced soil structure, stability and quality
• blocking and polluting water courses and drainage lines

A small amount of ground cover can greatly improve soil stability and does not
constitute a significant bush fire hazard. Ground cover includes any material
which directly covers the soil surface such as vegetation, twigs, leaf litter,
clippings or rocks. A permanent ground cover should be established (for example,
short grass). This will provide an area that is easy to maintain and prevent soil
erosion.

When using mechanical hazard reduction methods, you should retain a ground
cover of at least 75% to prevent soil erosion. However, if your area is particularly
susceptible to soil erosion, your Hazard Reduction Certificate may require that
90% ground cover be retained.




                                                                                          9




            50%                            75%                                     100%

                                  Ground Cover
To reduce the incidence of soil erosion caused by the use of heavy machinery
such as ploughs, dozers and graders, machinery must be used parallel to the
contours. Vegetation should be allowed to regenerate, but be managed to
maintain a low fuel load.
                                  Use machinery with contour




               Fire direction


                                                          Not across the contour




   Machinery must be used
   parallel to the contours