Protect paddock trees when stubble burning

Image depicts destruction of a large eucalyptus paddock tree due to incorrect preparation and management of a stubble burn on a local property.

When undertaking stubble burning as part of farming practices, it is vital that paddock and roadside trees are protected during the process. Paddock trees provide many benefits to agriculture, the community and the environment, including:

Improved soil health – sequestering carbon, production of healthy organic matter and erosion control, and retention of nutrients Increased stock productivity – provision of shelter from extreme heat, wind and cold reduces stock energy required to maintain body temperature, as well as reducing animal stress which in turn improves production of wool growth, weight gain and milk production Natural pest control – the provision of habitat for birds and bats that feed off pest insects and mice Wildlife habitat – including pollinators that are essential for fruit, vegetable and other crop production

It is important that landholders are aware of the legal requirements and responsibilities when planning to burn stubble. Farmers should create a fire break of no less than three metres from the edge of the canopy (drip line) around each tree. Burns cannot be conducted on Total Fire Ban days.

It is illegal to remove, lop or destroy native vegetation including paddock trees and standing dead trees, therefore protecting native vegetation during a stubble burn is crucial. Landholders must:

Strictly adhere to Council, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and CFA regulations and laws relating to burn-offs Check the weather forecast during the planned burn days and subsequent few days Notify neighbours about the upcoming planned burn Register your planned burn with the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA). 

Landholders must remember that they are responsible for any fire on their property and are liable for any damage caused by the fire and escaping embers.

There are viable alternatives to stubble burning which reduce the risk to paddock trees and native vegetation. The practice of burning crop stubble after harvest is slowly changing to reflect better soil conservation methods, with farmers cutting stubble lower and working it back in to the soil to increase valuable organic matter.

Other benefits of not burning stubble include reduced erosion and run-off after heavy rains, reduction in topsoil loss and increased soil moisture. Exceptions to this apply in areas that have excessive weeds or disease, where burning is still perceived to be the best management alternative.

Information on publications relating to alternatives to stubble burning can be found at Grains Research and Development Corporation and Agriculture Victoria