Contour banks effectively restore productivity and function to claypans in the Mulga lands

Abstract

Barren claypans are common across Australian rangelands, often resulting from susceptible soils and inappropriate grazing practices that reduce ground cover and increase erosion. At Boothulla, north-west of Cooladdi, Will and Sasha Treloar identified claypans as a constraint to pasture and livestock productivity. In 2023, several water-spreading banks were designed and constructed with support from private consultants. Following early improvements in water infiltration and landscape hydration, additional banks were installed in other degraded areas.
In 2024, the Queensland Department of Primary Industries (DPI) established seven monitoring sites across two renovated claypans. Monitoring in 2026 showed that water infiltration improved within three years, leading to increased ground cover and early recovery of perennial grass species. Monitoring will continue until 2028, when a final land condition assessment will be undertaken.