WOWAN DULULU LANDCARE GROUP Controlled Traffic Catchment Project

As a part of the 2005 Neighbourhood Catchment Plan for the Alma Creek area, a group of controlled traffic farmers established community owned base station for precision agriculture.
As soon as this was established, 8 properties undertook a topographic mapping of their combined areas. This mapping will help to sort out some of the issues of inter farm water flows and drainage problems, using layout advice from consultants, CTF Solutions. Technical advisors from the Fitzroy Basin Association have contributed to a buffer zone and riparian report, with recommendations on linking of corridors and buffers for spray drift.

Click here for a synopsis of the Final Report from CTF Solutions and further information on the Base Station and mapping project
 

This neighbourhood catchment project of ten farms can now access 2cm accurate signal using in-cab kits in the tractors, for those who have purchased the compatible kits, allowing them to use permanent wheel tracks within the paddock and reducing compaction.  This system, called Controlled Traffic Farming has many environmental benefits including increased productivity and water retention and reduced overlap in paddocks.

Data from a space shuttle was used to help position the Wowan GPS station to reach the greatest amount of farming country.

GPS, Auto-steer and rate control: Click here to download Powerpoint Presentation (70.5kb)

(Click for a larger image)