Agricultural Innovation
In Queensland, mining and agriculture can share and compete for water, which can lead to stress on an already precious and limited resource. This can result in disputes over water allocation and high outtakes from a limited supply, having an impact on other sectors. Fortunately, many mine waste waters can be used for agricultural irrigation purposes, provided that simple treatment mechanisms are put in place to reduce specified contaminants.
C&R Consulting possess unique and extensive knowledge in the fields of soil and water chemistry, allowing us to design low-cost, low-technology treatment mechanisms to promote water recycling. We are currently developing and improving these technologies, and will continue to update this page when more information becomes available.
Cattle Feedlot Design
Feedlot design generally requires adherance to very specific environmental criteria including analysis of: Catchment hydrology, Stream hydraulics, Natural existing and potential sediment/contaminant profile of water bodies, indemic flora/fauna, geomorphic profile and structure of waterways, soil characteristics, groundwater condition, geology, climate, topography, and current/future land use.
C&R Consulting have extensive experience in these fields of environmental analysis, and have successfully guided multiple feedlots through the environmental regulatory processes required under local and regional planning guidelines.
Invasive Weeds
A major obstacle confronting farmers in Queensland and the rest of Australia is the spread of alien weed species. Many of these plants were deliberately introduced from Europe and Asia several decades ago, often to provide a source of animal fodder or for ornamental purposes.
Certain weed species may be poisonous to livestock, or compete with crops for nutrients and light. When established, they can be extremely difficult to remove. To further the problem, many weed species are adapted to settle and grow rapidly in newly disturbed areas, such as ploughed fields or in tyre tracks. Their seeds may also be easily spread by the movement of people and vehicles, or during floods.
C&R Consulting offer an extensive range of services regarding noxious weed treatment and removal. We can provide:
Soil Surveys, Contaminants and Salinity
In the seasonally arid tropics, the constant cycle of wetting and drying leads soils to become weathered, sodic and erosive. The relatively high rates of evaporation can also cause salt to build up in surface soils, reducing crop yields and agricultural efficiency.
C&R Consulting are considered Australia's leading experts on the properties of swelling clays and soil dispersivity. We specialise in the identification and treatment of sodic and erosive soils, and can recommend cost effective remediation techniques to areas contaminated with high levels of salt.
Over time, soils may also become contaminated with pesticide, fertiliser and other chemical residues, especially in and around storage sheds and similar areas. This can cause problems if the chemicals are able to leach into the water table or into nearby creeks and rivers, or reduce the value of the property in the future.
Our knowledge and experience in soils and chemistry allow for efficient, low technology, low cost remediation options to be designed and applied to varying contaminated land scenarios. We can offer:
Water Quality and Management
We are all aware of the issues surrounding water management in Australia. The climate in seasonally arid tropical areas poses unique problems for farmers and agriculture, with droughts, flooding, salinity and competition for water resources between stakeholders.
Furthermore, the application of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers to crops and farmland can have negative affects on native aquatic ecosystems. This can lead to fish kills, excessive algal growth in creeks and rivers, and allow weeds and foreign species to take hold.
With our scientific background and extensive knowledge of environmental legislation, C&R Consulting can offer tailored solutions to ameliorate and mitigate against these problems. Our services include:
In addition to surface water, we also conduct groundwater quality investigations. We can identify saline aquifers, and determine their connectivity to other areas underground to estimate the potential for spread of salt and other contaminants. This is of particular importance if bore water is used to irrigate crops and water livestock.
With our understanding of Federal Water Quality Chemical Limits for Irrigation, Stock Watering, Environmental Health and Drinking Water, we can use chemical data to advise on the suitability of surface and groundwater for various agricultural uses.
C&R can also suggest methods to limit water use, promote aquifer recharge and improve overall water efficiency.
