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CONSTRUCTION INSTRUCTIONS No. 1 SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

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Page 1: SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

CONSTRUCTION INSTRUCTIONS

No. 1

SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

Page 2: SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

GRASSED CHUTE CONSTRUCTION

/-----. I ( topsoil

\ "-.. /

- -::-----i ------si de batter :1

upper cut off trench

lower cut off trench

g lJ l l y

sighting pegs ~

PLAN OF TYPICAL GRASSED CHUTE

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A grassed chute is a vegetative means of disposing of excess. water from the natural surface to the floor of a gu-lly or stream. It IS less cost ly

than a concrete or other form of structure and is most suitable for flows of relatively short duration.

\ ~

\ " . ' ' \ 'I

' I :-'

~ .,

PERSPECTIVE SKETCH OF GRASSED CHUTE UNDER CONSTRUCTION

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INSTRUCTIONS

The pos1 ti on~ of perll • ~nent ~"ingbam:o. dtld ternpordr, piOte•tl hl · and t he out li ne o f tne chute dre pegged Peqs are pl1ceo-J ~> • llrd 1 t 1:::

chute will be built on so lid ground and no t on loose f lilmg S1uhtmy . pegs are prov1ded to show li nes of edges of mo1n batter or flour of t•1e chute A bul lcJo zer ,,,1H1 i:t stra1ght blade, and preferat)l'y "'ith a 11 10 ntf··· ripper, is the m ost su itab le mach ine for mak ing t he excavdtion 1I th J_,J', fro11t-encJ loaders or var ious farm machines m av be usee!

2. Assemble at the si te the following materials--Enough sheep or other animal manure for a 2·5-cen tt me t re dressing over the chute faces. Alternatively, a dressing of blood and bone or market-garden fertilizers may be used. Sufficient old hay or straw to cover the excavation to a depth of approximately 5 centimet res, superphosphate, pasture seed, sufficient wire netting to cove1 th e work, old heavy galvanized fencing wire, netting clips, and hand tools. I f new wire netting is bei ng purchased, the recommended size is 180 x 5 x 1, in 50-metre rolls.

3. Break the surface along the lines of the permanent wingbanks for a width of. about 2 metres, commencing 30 centimetres on the gully side of the pegs. Tl1is is to provide a good bond between the banks and the underlying soil.

It is important that the entrance bay below the temporary protective bank should be disturbed as little as possible. Do not rip the ground .under the tempora~y bank.

4. Push all of the topsoil from the site of the chute to one side for later use.

5. Excavate chute to the shape shown in the sketch, using the soil to build the al l-fill permanent wingbanks and the temporary protective bank . The f loor of the chute must be truly level from side to side to ensure an even flow of water. If available material is insufficient permanent wingbanks may be constructed from so il pushed up fro rn behind them.

6. Check surveys should be made during construction Trim by hand 1f necessary to complete excavation to proper shape

7. L ightly cultivate the chute face, and spread the saved torsoil over th e excavation and up the sides for about 60 centimetres, to Qi ve u r1i form cover over the main batters.

Page 5: SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

8 Diq narrow cut-off trench es about 30 centimetres deep across the top and bottom of the excavation and extend them into thP w1nqban 1· s for about 45 ce ntimetres on each side These are to anchor the nettmg which IS

to be placed over the face of the chute

9. If animal manure is being used, spread it over the face of the chute and work it into the spread topsoil.

10. Broadcast a seeds mixture and superphosphate (or other fertilizers) on this seed bed. Recommended spec ies-

11 . Evenly spread a I ayer of from 5- 7· 5 centimetres thick of well teased old hay or straw over the who le face of the chute and for about 45 cent i­metres up the sides, including the inner ends of the w ingbanks.

12. Lay strips of wire netting over the chute face, commenc ing at the bottom of the top cut-off trench, and terminating at the bottom of the lower trench. Strips should over lap about 15 centimetres, and the outside str ips should extend at least 45 centimetres up the sid e batters.

13. Fi ll top and bottom cut-off trenches to hold wire netting firmly, and hold the strips together by using clips at intervals of about 1 metre.

14. Cut lengths of old fencing wire and bend them to form "hair-pin" shapes. These should then be hammered into the ground at about 90-centimetre centres over the whole face of the work. The length of these staples will depend upon the hardness of the ground, but should be as long as can be driven satisfactorily, and shou ld not be shorter than 30 centimetres, when doubled. If desired, pins of Q. 75 centimetre to 1 centimetre mild steel hooked over at the upper end may be used.

15. Control led grazing of tne chute face and entrance bay is essentia l to establish and maintain a close-growing and vigorous cover of vegetation . Thi s may be achieved by building an enclosing fence around the chute, p rovid ing a panel for entry of stock when desired. Regular and heavy ferti I izer applications are necessary.

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No. 2

how to construct diversion banlcs and trainer banlcs

SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

Page 7: SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

DIVERSION BANKS TRAINER BANKS

CONSTRUCTIO N

Both may be either "all-fil l " or "cut-and-fill " or combinations of both forms, and the princip les of construction are simi lar in each case.

Cross Section of All-fill Diversion Ban k

--------- --T-height

shallow excavation for bank

bui I ding material to be so:-vn down following construct /On

Cross Section of Cut-and -f i II Diversion Bank

------------T peg height

channel

pe!! .. h"'·-'' .. ..,. ''""'"''""'" ,; ;;-ndisturbed / I

V natural surface

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INSTRUCTIONS 1. Pegs have been provided at m intervals. These represent

the upper edge of the bank in each case. Constructed bank heights requ ired are-

Bank N o. M ethod Bank No . Height Method

1.

2 . 5.

3. 6.

These he ights include all owances f or sett lement of banks.

2. Survey lines should be marked with a plough or ripper immediately following survey in case pegs are removed by stock.

3. A small to medium-sized bulldozer with a straight blade, and preferab ly a mounted multi-tyned ripper, is a satisfactory machine for this work. Alternatively, on flatter land, a power-grader may be used.

4. Do not disturb ground below spill section . Break the surface from 0.3 m below the line of pegs for the base width of the bank, i.e. at least three times as wide as the specified bank height.

ALL-FILL BANKS 5. Rip a further width of the surface below the bank if the so il is hard,

but do not disturb the ground above the pegs. From below, push up soil towards the pegs, all owing material to fall from the blade so th at it wi ll come to its natural angle of rest at the pegged line.

Plan of Outlet End of All -fill Diversion Bank

protective 'toe' to prevent

water entering 'borrow pit'

\ ----------\ \

---

protective ridge ~

--------__\---------

Page 9: SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

6. Repeat as necessary until required bank height is obtained. The number and sequence of '"dozer pushes" w ill vary with bank height and corn ­paction method used . Compac t ion is essential for sound ba nk construc­tion, and the method adopted w ill depend upon the type of p lant ava ilab le. Part icular care is needed to al low for additional settl ement where banks cross rninor depress ions or filled gu lli es.

7. Smoo th o f f str ipped borrow-p it below ban k leaving sma ll r idges of so il at interva ls, and also at out let end t o prevent water flow ing along the shal low excavation .

8 . Work the str ipped area lightl y to provide a seed-bed, and sow both it and the bank with a l ibera l seed and fertilizer app li cati on.

-- ---- --- --- ---· ----- -- ---·- ----__ ______ ____ kg ------- -------- -------------· --- ·---kg ------- ---- ------ -------- --- ------- -

---- ------ ----- -- ------- ----- ---- ·------- ---kg------ -- ----- ---------- ---- ---- -----kg---- ----------- --- --. -- ----- ---- ----

----- -- --·-·- ---------- --------- ------ ------ kg ---- -- -- ----- --- ------ ------- -. --__ _ kg---- -- .. ----- ----·------ ..... .. .. -------

--- ---------------------------- --- ----------kg ---- ----- -- ------ ---------------- ___ kg ------·- --- ------------- ---- ---- --- -

CUT -AND -FILL BANKS

9. Rip ground above line of pegs for a width of m. To prepare for a flat-bottomed channel, ripping should be mm deep immediately above the pegs, and increasing in depth for at least the width of the 'dozer blade, then at decreasing depth.

10. With 'dozer blade, excavate spill sect ion, commencing at the outer end, depositing spoi l along line of bank above pegs for a convenient distance. Spill section must be perfectly level along the lower edge, not less than

mm deep along this edge, and should have a flat bottom.

11 . Face bulldozer downhill towards line of pegs, and commencing from the spill section, cut the channel and .deposit the spoil immediately below the line of pegs to form the bank .

12. Repeat as necessary until the required bank height is obtained, maintain­ing a constant depth of cut of mm nex t to toe of bank. The number and sequence of "'dozer pushes" wi ll vary with bank height required and compaction method used . Compaction is essential for sound bank construction, and the method adopted will depend upon the type of plant avai lab le. Particu lar care is needed to allow for addit ional settlement where banks cross minor depressions or filled gullies.

Page 10: SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

13. On steep slopes, difficulty may be found in lifting the 'dozer b lade high enough to obtain the desired bank height . In such cases the channel must be made wide enough to enab le the mach ine to remain leve l while push ing up the ban k .

14. Complete work by 'doz ing light ly along cha nnel to level off minor irregu larities; t he uphill cut batter should be sca rifi ed to ass ist revegeta­tion.

15. Trim the lower edge of the spill secti on w ith a spade, and remove any loose clods thrown up by the bull dozer .

16. Sow dow n the ban k and upper edge of cut batter w ith a l iberal seed and fert ilizer appl ication.

----. --- .--- --- -.- -... ... --- .. -- --·-- -------kg -------.------ --- ··--- ---- -----------kg -------- -. ---- --. ----------- -- ---- --

-- --- --------- -- ------ ----- ----- ----- -------kg- ---- ------- -------- -------- ----____ kg---- ----- ·-- -- -- ---- ·---- -- ---------

___ ---- -.--- --- --------- --- ----- -- ------ ----kg ---.-- ------- --- ---- --- ---·--- --- ---kg --- ----.. ------- -----·-- -------- ---.

Pian Showing Bank With Transit ion and Sp ill Sections

natural surface h~

outfall area or bank building material

section

maximuL cut zero cut natural surface

TRANSITION SECTIONS

17 . These are used t o JOin all -f ill t o cut -a nd -fill portions of banks. T heir positions are indicated by pa irs of do uble pegs. If des ired the con ­st ru cti on of t hese may be left ·until last . Th e ri pp ing be low the line of pegs w ill have been carri ed through the whole diversion bank (except for th e sp ill section) . Commence above the bank at the end of the cut­and-f il l sect ion, continue the same method of constructi on , but pro-

Page 11: SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

wessively reduce the depth of cut from mm to zero where the all-fill section commences. If needed, push up additional material from below the bank to maintain uniform bank height. This technique is also used when constructing cut spill sections if these are required at the ends of "all-fi II " banks.

PROTECTION AND MAINTENANCE

18. Erect a row of steel posts and mesh fencing across the spillway, and if necessary, along the top of the bank to prevent stock wa lk ing along or across it .

19. Remember that new earthworks are most att ractive to rabb its, and constan t attent ion is essential. Regular and adequate topdress ing is also important, part icular ly on outfa ll areas.

OVERALL PLAN OF BANKS

7466 /7 5 - PL C. H . Rixon, Govern ment Printer, Mel bou r ne

Page 12: SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

· SOIL CONSERVATiON AUTHORITY . .

Page 13: SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

STRUCTURE FAULT FINDING DIAGRAM

CONCRETE

OF TOE

The Soil Conservation Authority is ready at any time to give you advice on your maintenance problems.

Page 14: SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

MAINTENANCE CHECK LIST

You r concrete structu re is a vital part of the erosion control works on your property. You w ill find t hat regu lar inspection and prompt attention to any m inor maintenance requ irement w ill ensure t hat it w ill rema in in good order indefinitely.

Th e foll owing check l ist will help you in you r maintenance t ask. The numbers on the diagram ind icate where these problems may ar ise.

PROBLEM

1. Ponding of Entrance Bay

2. Tunnelling

3. Rabbit Damage

4. Overgrown Forebay

5. Flood Bypass Blocked

6. Stock Traffic Damage

7. Undercutting of Toe

8. Cracked Concrete

9. Overtopping

ACTION

Pack depression with topsoil. Consolidate. Sow or sod with grass. Net if necessary.

Dig out tunnel fully. Repack with well ­t amped clay. The cutoff walls may need to be deepened. If this is so, or the tunnel is large, contact the S.C.A. for advice.

Dig out burrow, repack with clay . Maintain effective rabbit control.

Graze heavily for short period. Regular top­dressing of forebay and wingbanks is recom­mended.

Keep flood bypass clear of debris.

Maintain fences. Keep gate closed. When stock have regular access, provide steel post­and-mesh fence along top of wi ngbanks.

If a pool more than 30 mm deep develops contact S.C.A. for advice.

If cracks develop, and open wider than 2 mm or serious deterioration of sections of con­crete occurs contact the S.C.A.

If repeated overtopping of the structure occurs check items 4 and 5. Contact the S.C.A. for advice. If wingbanks have over­topped close to structure raise level at least 15 mm over level of concrete wingwalls.

See back of this folder for the phone number and address of your local Conservation Officer.

Page 15: SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

..... - '

How to Maintain

Your Grassed Chute

• .. • .;.r' ~

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GRASSED CHUTE FAULT-FINDING DIAGRAM

- ··-

Adequate regular fertiliser applications essential.

The Soil Conservation Authority is ready at any time to give you advice on your maintenance problem.

Page 17: SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

MAINTENANCE CHECK LIST

Regular inspection of your grassed chute, and early attention to minor points wi l l avoid the need for major repairs. The regular app lication of adequate ferti I iser is essential.

1 0

2.

3 ..

4.

5.

6 .

7.

8 .

The following check list wi ll help you in your maintenance task.

The numbers shown on the diagram indicate where these prob lems arise.

PROBLEM

Rilling

Ponding of Forebay

Overgrown Forebay

Stock Traffic Damage

Undercutting at toe of Chute

Rabbit Damage

Flood By-pass Blocked

Overtopping of Wingbanks

REMEDY

Lift the netting. Pack rill with top soi l. Consolidate. Sow or sod with grass. Re-lay the netting and fertilise.

Pack depression with topsoil. Consolidate. Sow or sod with grass. Net if necessary.

Graze heavily for short period.

Exclude stock when chute is vulnerable to damage.

If a pool more than 12 inches deep develops, contact the Soil Conservation Authority.

Dig out burrow, repack with clay, maintain effective rabbit control.

Keep flood by-pass clear of debris, tall grass.

If repeated overtopping of the wingbanks occurs check items 3 and 7. Contact the S.C.A. for advice.

See back of this folder for phone number and address of your local Conservation Officer.

Page 18: SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

BOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

How to

SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

Page 19: SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

FARM DA M FAU L T -F I NDI NG DIAGRAM

WAVE -

The Soil Conservation Authority is ready at any time to give you advice on your maintenance problem.

Page 20: SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

MAINTENANCE CHECK LIST

The dam on your property will require regular inspection and maintenance to keep it in good order. If you neglect these points , extensive repair work may be required to avoid its failure.

The following check list will help you in your maintenance task. The numbers on the diagram opposite indicate where these problems may arise.

PROBLEM

1. Rilling of Bank

2. Stock Traffic Damage

3. Spillway Erosion

4. Spillway Blockage

5. Seepage

6. Settlement

7. Wave Action

8. Rabbit Damage

REMEDY

Pack grass sods complete with soil into the rills. Maintain good grass cover on embank­ment. Bank may even require covering with topsoil.

If stock trafficking is causing damage, erect light fence across spillway.

Minor gullying can be filled with grass sods and pinned down under netting. If major damage, seek S C A advice.

Keep by-wash clear of debris, tall grass etc.

Maintain good grass cover on embankment especially upstream face. If seepage severe seek S C A advice.

Check freeboard as dam fills and top-up where necessary, or lower spillway. Cracking through bank may indicate uneven settle­ment. Cracking along the length of the bank may indicate slumping.

Stone pitch upstream face or establish runner grasses such as kikuyu aided by hay and netting.

Dig out burrow, repack with clay, maintain effective rabbit control.

Page 21: SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

MAINTENANCE AIDS No.4

SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

Page 22: SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

DIVERSION BA NK FAULT-FINDING DIAGRAM

-----,.--- - ~;f~ ---·-

The Soil Conservation Authority is ready at any time to give you advice on your maintenance problem.

Page 23: SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

MAINTENANCE CHECK LIST

Regular inspecti on of your d iversion banks and early attent ion to m inor po ints will avoid t he need f or major repairs. The foll owing check list wi ll help you w it h your maint enance task . The numbers shown on th e diagram indicate w here these problems may arise .

PROBLEM

1. Pend ing of Channel

2. Silting of Channel

3. Stock Traffic Damage

4. Low Spot

5. Spillway Erosion

6. Rabbit Damage

7. Tunnelling

8. Overgrown Channel

9. Overtopping

REMEDY

Level inequalities by cutting and filling where required.

Remove silt, placing it clear of channel. Check source of silt. Contact S.C.A . if catchment erosion control required.

The most effective control is the erection of a light fence along the top of the bank and across the spillway.

Top up to required level. Check item 3.

Fill rills with grass sods, held in place with netting where necessary.

Dig out burrow, repack with clay, maintain effective rabbit control.

Excavate tunnel fully . Reconstruct section of bank, consolidating well. Check 1, 2 and 6.

Clear debris. Clear rank growth by heavy grazing for short period.

Check items 2, 4 and 8. If persistent contact S.C.A . for advice.

See back of this folder for the phone number and address of your local Conservation Officer.

Page 24: SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

MAINTENANCE AIDS No. 5

SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

Page 25: SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

GRASSED WATERWAY FAULT-FINDING DIAGRAM

Di versio n or graded ban k leads ru n-off water to grassed water way . . --;.-_:

•',

. - ~-~:;:::;..:·:/: ..... :.. · .;£~· :'" ..

--

:_.,-""- · -~i ng is essential .

......,._~ - ~~ ~-,- ~~-

--=;g~"'-~:-- __ Inspect your grassed waterway regularly.

The Soil Conservation Authority is ready at any time to give advice on your maintenance problems.

Page 26: SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

MAINTENANCE CHECK LIST

A grassed waterway provides safe, erosion-free disposal of runoff water wh ich probably formerly ran down several separate eroded depressions.

Waterways are carefu ll y designed and constructed to adequatel y cope w it h normal f lood condit ions and w ill do so providing they are ma intained by the farmer .

Fa ilu re of the wate rway can mea n fa ilu re of the whol e erosio n control prevention scheme.

PREVENT FAILURE BY REGULAR ATTENTION

Fertilizer Application: When soil conditions are hard and dry in February apply 180 lb . of superphosphate per acre per year preferably through a combine or drop spreader.

Grazing : Aim to mainta in a four -inch-high dense sward of slightly grass­dominant pasture.

Undergrazing will produce rank growth which is undesirable because it reduces the flow rate of water and will probably cause water to be forced over side banks. Also rank growth leads to bare areas between pasture plants and thus to erosion problems. Rank growth can contribute to debris problems on fences lower down the catchment.

Controlled grazing is essential. Don't leave gates open to permit haphaza rd grazing .

Drive say 100 sheep per acre of waterway through the gate and shut it until the desired pasture height of approx imately 4 inches is obtained. Drive sheep out and shut the gate again.

Grazing with too few sheep means they have to be left in for too long resulting in stock tracks which can develop into erosion gullies and a fa iled waterway.

Avoid grazing when the waterway is wet to prevent formation of stock tracks or pugging of the soil.

Graze winter/ spring growing pasture until mid-spring, making sure there is sufficient pasture left so that when it dries off in the summer, storm runoff can be carried without risk of erosion occurring.

Page 27: SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

An alternative to grazing heavy spring growth is to cut it for hay. Make sure soil conditions are firm to avoid wheel tracks. Don't cut waterways for hay every year.

Bare areas and pasture imbalance: Contact the S.C.A., if you have diffi­culty maintaining a grass/clover balance, or bare areas or holes deve lop in the waterway pasture.

An area without pasture cover can quickly develop into a small gully and present a difficult and costly mai ntenance problem.

The following check list may help you in your maintenance task. The numbers on the diagram indicate where problems may arise.

PROBLEM

1. Water overtopping diversion bank near entrance to water­way

2. Stock Tracks

3. Bare Areas

ACTION

Remove rank growth from waterway or entry point. Remove debris caught on fence.

Caused by stock grazing waterway for too long. Graze with large numbers for short period-say overnight. Shut stock in and out-grazing must be controlled by YOU. Make sure fences are stock-proof.

Contact your local District Officer for advice. Quick action is essential.

4. Water Banks

Over-topping Side Remove rank growth in waterway by grazing. If side banks have settled, topping up may be necessary.

MAINTENANCE IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE FARMER. INSPECT YOUR WATERWAY REGULARLY. NOTIFY THE S.C.A. IF YOU HAVE ANY MAINTENANCE PROBLEMS.

Page 28: SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

MAINTENANCE AIDS No.6 . ·

SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

Page 29: SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

GULLY BATTERING FAULT-FINDING DIAGRAM

,,,.~·

Page 30: SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

MAINTENANCE CHECK LIST

Gully battering offers many advantages as a means of controll ing gu ll y erosion. It improves cap ital value, restores the appearance of the farm, he lps access, removes rabbit harbour and eliminates a source of dust in wool.

Over the first two years, wh il e a grass cover is being estab lish ed, regular checking and maintenance is essential. Adequate and regu lar fertilizer app lica­tions are also essential.

The following maintenance check list will help. Th e numbered diagram indicates where these problems arise, and relates to th e remedy I ist below.

PROBLEM

1. Rill Erosion

2. Bare Areas

3. Diversion Bank Damage

4. Stock Tracks

5. Rabbit Damage

REMEDY

Use cultivator or blade on tracto r to reshape rilled section. Cover with topsoil, con­solidate, sow, fertilise and mulch with hay . Selection of suitable fertilisers is important. If rill erosion is severe, contact S.C.A. for advice.

Possibly due to uneven spreading of topsoil during construction. Spread topsoil, sow and tertii ise with superphosphate and nitrogenous fertiliser. Mulch with hay or sheep manure.

See Maintenance Aids No. 4.

Check temporary fence. If not fenced, erect small fences or other barriers at intervals across battering to prevent stock making tracks up and down the depression.

Dig or rip out burrow, repack with soil. Use tractor wheels to reconsolidate. Maintain effective rabbit control.

See back of this folder for phone number and address of your local District Conservation Officer.

Page 31: SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

MAINTENANCE AIDS No. 7

SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

Page 32: SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

"A STITCH IN TIME. ,

Regular attent ion is the secret to successful graded banks. Keeping suffic ient height.

along the who le length of the banks is most important and this can be easi ly carried out as a

norma l part of cultivat ion.

Bank height may be maintained by either of two methods:

METHOD 1

Disc plough along the downhill side of the bank, throwing the soil uphill to increase the bank

height. Occasionally disc the batter on the uphill side of the channel , also throwing uphill,

to prevent a plough mound forming. Do not work the channel itself, except for the final scarifying and sowing.

METHOD 2

Commencing from the top of the bank, disc along each side, throwing the soil up towards the crest. On the channel side of the bank continue working in the same direction along the

full width of the channel and repeat until the channel capacity has been restored .

The first method is suitable for most banks in reasonable order . The second method is suitable for sweeping banks on gentle slopes and is ideal for cleaning out banks which have

an uneven channel and reduced capacity.

On steeper slopes, discs should only be used for essential renovation of banks. Normal

workings should be done with a scarifier or the bank and the channel should be left untouched.

Ploughing through a graded bank is the quickest way to destroy it.

CULTIVATION

Cultivation above banks should be on the contour and workings should be kept to the

minimum needed for weed control, leaving the soil in a cloddy state.

Poorly structured soil breaks down and washes easily. A build up in fertility by using

a longer pasture phase in the rotation, with regular topdressing and undersowing of sub-clover,

will help combat the problem.

Avoid excessive cultivation in dry conditions. In light country use a scarifier, rather

than discs, to avoid pulverising the soil.

Page 33: SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

GRADED BANK FAULT-FINDING DIAGRAM

Sloplog '"" •bo"' book' *~ -.flt'::! shou ld be cultivated on the contour ·"tfJ· .. ~ ~- -· _;. ,· ':'

--~ rC~.. --~ ,...,..-~ ... ,~~ __...--.... ::~:----:- . c:-----. I ~----:: / ,r _,.. ~--------, .r- ..- --~· . -1'--.:::· ·. ~

STOCK TRA FF IC - ·_- , .. _ .. . ---......_ . '_ . ... - ,:;:-.. , ~ .....

MAINTENANCE IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE FARMER BUT IF YOU CAN'T HANDLE IT, CALL S.C.A. FOR ADVICE.

Page 34: SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

MAINTENAN CE CHECK LIST

This check list corresponds to the numbers on the diagra m

PROBLEM REMED Y

1. Bank Ploughed Through Build up low area with discs. Avoid ploughing

through by working on contour along bank line.

2. Rilling (Small Gutters) If shallow, level by cultivation . If deep pack with

in Channel or Batter clay then topsoil. Straw and pin with netting if necessary.

3. Ponding of Channel If serious contact S.C.A .

4. Silting of Channel Remove silt, placing it clear of channel. Usually results from rill ing of cultivation above the banks, mostly caused by incorrect cultivation or poor soil structure.

5. Blockage of Channel Usually occurs at fences. Remove debris and rank growth regularly .

6. Waterway Entry Problems Check for blockage and rills. If serious contact

S.C.A .

7. Rabbit Damage Dig out burrow completely, repack w ith clay .

Maintain effective rabbit control.

8. Stock Traffic Damage Build up low spot. If persistent , erect a light

fence along top of bank.

Page 35: SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORI TY

Head Office

378 Cotham Road, Kew, 3101 . Phone 80 1381

Distr ict Offices -

Alexandra - 16 Downey Street, 3714 Phone 721 433, 721 599 Ararat - Vincent Street, 3377 Phone 2 2288 Bacchus Marsh - 172 Main Street, 3340 Phone 67 2701 Bairnsdale - 32 Pyke Street, 3875 Phone 51 4775 Benalla - 22 Bridge Street, 3672 Phone 62 2466 Bendigo - 31 McKenzie Street , 3550 Phone 43 8911, 43 8734 Box Hill- Su it e 6, Box Hill Plaza , Whitehorse Road, Box Hill, 3128 Phone 89 0711 Broadford - Post Office Place, 3658 Phone 226 Charlton - High Street, 3525 Phone 52 Colac - 24 Murray Street, 3250 Phone 31 5173 Coleraine - 50 Whyte Street, 3315 Phone 75 2134 Hamilton - State Public Offices, 3300 Phone 72 2280 Heathcote - Hospital Street , 3606 Phone 248 Horsham - State Public Offices, 3400 Phone 82 3133, 82 3134 Maryborough - Tullaroop Shire Offices, 3465 Phone 61 2021 Mildura - 15-17 Orange Avenue, 3500 Phone 23 2906 Ouyen - 17 Pickering Street, 3490 Phone 156 Swan Hill - State Public Offices, McCallum Street, 3585 Phone 22 984 Tallangat ta - 71 Towong Street, 3700 Phone 72 Wangaratta - State Public Offices, Faithful! Street, 3677 Phone 21 5022 Warragul - State Public Offices , Smith Street, 3820 Phone 3 1589