Another good reason to bury those old knickers.
Cat Holloway /
I try to keep my Facebook activity to watching Graham Norton Show highlights, and increasingly choose e-newsletters for daily inspiration or aggravation.
Government bulletins don't typically hold my attention, but the Local Land Services South East Circular is a ripper and this month's edition unearthed a few gems I couldn't resist sharing.
Even if you are not a farmer or large landowner, the LLS newsletter is often illuminating on issues of sustainability, biosecurity and productivity on whatever plot of dirt - and the flora and fauna living there - is near and dear to you.
Dirty undies have a story to tell
August 5 was National Underwear Day.
Yep, I'm not that fascinated by knickers either. But it's a thing in the USA, and on the same day is National Dashcam Day, which is even sillier.
However, Local Land Services officer, Anne Johnston, celebrated the occasion, with advice that a good (or, better, a worn out) pair of cotton undies can be great indicators of soil health.
"By planting a pair of cotton undies in your paddock or garden for 2 months, you can determine whether you have active soil biology or not," writes Johnston.
"If your soil is healthy with microbes, then the undies will virtually disappear! That is because biodegradable materials, like cotton, can be broken down by soil microbes. There are more microbes in a teaspoon of healthy soil than people on earth and microbes are always hungry!"
"Bury a set of 100% cotton undies, mark the location, and in 60 days return and dig them up. If the underwear is gone, then you have good microbial activity. However, if they are still intact, it is a sign that your soil needs some attention."
What's so important about soil microbes?
- Critical for cycling nutrients and boosting pastures and crops.
- Give soil structure and stability as well as resilience after extreme climatic events and disturbances.
- Start of many important food chains in and above the soil.
To learn more information about soil microbes, read:
Bad to the Boneseed
With Spring approaching, LLS Senior Natural Resource Management Advisor, Alicia Kaylock, provides an excellent comparison, in the LLS newsletter, of two weed threats that are easily mixed up, Bitou Bush and Boneseed.
But the really cool tool Kaylock points out for identifying weeds is the interactive 3D modelling that allows you to see the weeds from every angle, up close, far away and scaled accurately. (Test out the examples below.)
Bitou and Boneseed can hybridise, making identification more challenging even knowing key differences such as:
Bitou bush
- sprawling, rounded shrub (1.5-2 m)
- glossy, rounded leaves with smooth or slightly toothed edges
- yellow, daisy-like flowers, 11-13 petals from late autumn to winter
- egg-shaped, ribbed, dark-coloured seeds
- preferred habitat: coastal areas with summer rainfall.
Boneseed
- upright, woody shrub (2-3 m)
- dull green, elliptic leaves with irregular serrations
- yellow, daisy-like flowers 5-8 petals from late winter to mid-spring
- round, smooth seeds that are bone-coloured when dry
- preferred habitat: inland and coastal areas with winter rainfall.
"If you are lucky to live in one of our stunning coastal areas and your local beach is affected by bitou bush or boneseed, consider making a difference by joining your local Landcare, Bushcare or Dunecare group. Some local councils support volunteer programs - contact yours to find out more, or join one of the many South East Landcare groups."
"Learn how to identify boneseed by visiting the WeedWise website and exploring the interactive 3D model. If you see it either on your property or while you are out and about, call your local council biosecurity weeds officer or the NSW DPI Biosecurity Helpline 1800 680 244."
Ever wonder what the wildlife does when you're not watching?
by Louise MacDonald, LLS Senior Natural Resource Management Advisor
From shy daytime birds to small mammals and owls that emerge under cover of darkness, Australia’s native wildlife is often elusive but closer than you think.
If you’re curious to see who’s passing through your patch, learn how to monitor wildlife without disturbing them or their habitats using:
- motion-activated cameras for animals active in the night
- bird baths in specific positions to attract all types of birds
- spotlighting through trees at night for possums, gliders and owls
- identifying tracks and scats (poo) unique to each species
- listening and recording calls of birds, frogs and owls
- planning walks when certain species are known to be active.
August also marks Platypus Month and it's the perfect opportunity to head outdoors and look for these fascinating creatures along your waterways - especially since they tend to be more active during daylight hours this time of year. But dusk and dawn are usually your best bet.
Want to learn more?
We are establishing groups of like-minded landholders to participate in wildlife monitoring activities and learn how to contribute to citizen science.
- effective wildlife camera techniques
- how to identify habitat features and signs of animal presence
- which species might you expect to encounter
- how your property fits into the broader ecological landscape
- how to manage wildlife habitat on your property.
Workshop dates: (exact location on registration via links below)
Sign up to build your skills in protecting diverse wildlife at your doorstep.
