Water resource protection in Australia: Water quality and quantity as a feature of agricultural land management systems

This monograph was initiated as part of an investigation of the benefits (ecosystem services) and potential costs of stubble farming systems. This information is required to underpin the choices for investment in planning, whether in improved farming systems or in infrastructure and water treatment technology, and to justify further research and investment in stubble farming systems. The ultimate objective is to compare the benefits and costs of stubble farming in Australia with alternative management methods to protect water quality, water quantity and hydrological change downstream. Part 1 of this monograph develops the framework for setting policy and planning priorities to protect water quantity and quality. Part 2 describes alternative management options and the comparative role of stubble farming systems compared with other management methods. Part 3 explores the links between adoption of stubble farming systems and trends in river health to see whether causative links can be established.