Gilgandra
1973 - 1989
Let's now explore landcover change associated with agricultural landuse
that involves the core area as well as the periphery or frontier. One such
interesting location is near the town of Gilgandra in New South Wales.
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Landcover change west of the town of Gilgandra, New South Wales, during
the period 1973 - 1989.
During the period 1973 - 1989, there was expansion of agriculture in this
area by clearing, but there was also considerable change in the way in which
cropping was carried out within the established areas. The change to strip
cropping which follows the contours is obvious. This I interpret as an attempt
at minimising soil erosion. This is an encouraging development, indicating
that the agricultural community has responded in a responsible and positive
manner to information on the effects of earlier practices. This is not before
time. I encourage you to read Chapter 2 of Recovering
Ground that is listed at the end of the Chapter.
