Site Preparation - A Vital Step Towards Ecological Restoration
Site preparation is a vital step towards a successful ecological restoration. Our clients can access services from Field’s Environmental Solutions for land management and native rehabilitation projects. Some situations where preparation is critical include mine site rehabilitation, government and civil developments.
We offer site preparation services for both self-planned and contracted tree planting. Field’s Environmental Solutions assists with the consultation and equipment to achieve a successful outcome on your project. Please contact FES 12 months prior to planting to have your project tailored to suit your site.
Understanding the Need for Site Preparation
Before commencing land rehabilitation, it is essential to assess the site’s condition, including soil quality, vegetation cover, and potential contaminants. Site preparation enables environmental professionals to develop a tailored plan that addresses specific challenges and ensures the success of rehabilitation efforts.
By understanding the unique characteristics of the land, appropriate strategies can be implemented to restore the ecosystem.
Ground Preparation and Soil Preparation
Ground preparation and soil preparation include several factors. The most notable one is ripping or deep soil cultivation. This is like plowing in agricultural fields. Ripping softens the ground for the seedlings roots to establish themselves into the ground.
Below in the images you can see how these implements prepare the ground for successful planting. The Deep Ripper creates the first soil profile 800mm deep to accept moisture. The 500mm “Go Devils” plough discs mounds the soil. Afterwards, a rotary hoe creates broad acre planting beds.
Ground preparation factors include:
Soil Analysis and Remediation – Soil quality is critical for successful land rehabilitation. In Australia, diverse soil types exist, and understanding their composition and fertility is crucial. Analysis helps determine nutrient deficiencies, pH levels, and potential contaminants that may hinder the growth of desired plant species.
Remediation techniques, such as soil conditioning, nutrient supplementation, and erosion control are used to improve soil quality.
Weed Control – Weed control is a crucial part of the revegetation plan and can take months to be achieved. Implementing weed control as part of soil preparation helps ensure unwanted weeds do not overtake the seedlings. An ongoing weed control plan after the planting period is also a service we can provide.
Erosion Control & Water Flow – Erosion control also needs to be addressed as part of ground preparation. For instance, planting done on hillsides may need contour plowing, or terracing to minimise erosion during rains. Incorporated into this is the control of water flow patterns and drainage.
Techniques such as these aim to preserve the integrity of the site, allowing the root systems of the plant and grass to establish and become a natural stabiliser.
Site Preparation Services for NSW & Southern QLD
Field’s provides its site preparation contract services to all of NSW and Southern QLD regions. For your upcoming land revegetation project, mine site rehabilitation or government and civil developments, contact us for our ecological consultation and contracted services.
