Source: Campbell, Andrew. 1991. Whole farm planning. p. 33-75. In Andrew Campbell (ed.) Planning for sustainable farming: the Potter Farmland Plan story. Lothian Publ. Co., Port Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Andrew Campbell, the project manager of the Potter Farmland Plan in Australia from 1984-1988, explains the methodology behind the planning of Potter Farms. Special attention was given to erosion and salinization, major problems in the area of Australia in which this project took place. The project tried to balance ecological soundness and sustainability with economical viability. Campbell describes the process of designing a whole farm system. It begins by dividing the land into parcels based on natural features such as soil type, slope, drainage and vegetation (while disregarding features such as fences and roads). The Potter Farmland Plan involved farms that had volunteered to participate. Farmers who had lived on a farm a long time were inhibited by fences, waterways and roads in breaking the land into sections. Clearly an open mind is key in coming up with a farm plan. Aerial photographs were used to divide the land, and each section, or paddock, was examined separately while keeping in mind the interaction of the farm as a whole. A farm plan was drafted by the project staff and given to the farmer for suggestions and criticisms. Reluctant at first, the farmers became more involved in the planning process as the project proceeded. The next step was to determine the use of each paddock within the farm. Care was taken to incorporate the elements of the natural systems already present. Reticulating water storage systems were devised to capture and distribute high quality water among the paddocks, using only the gravitational flow of water. Erosion along gullies and waterways was to be prevented by fencing livestock out of such areas (providing them with troughs instead) and re-establishing indigenous plant species. Alleyways were created between paddocks to facilitate the movement of sheep. Protection for the sheep from harsh weather was provided by tree groupings (planted to resemble the natural interaction between tree species in that locale). In addition to shelter and erosion prevention, certain trees served as fire blocks (as did the alleyways which were overgrazed in the spring) and sources of timber. The goal was to only plant trees that served at least two purposes. Trees also helped to manage salinity within the soil. Salinization had been occurring because the water table had been steadily rising with recharge in certain areas. The trees and shrubs planted in these areas or around the perimeter of salty soils (discharge areas) removed water from the soil and transferred it to the atmosphere through transpiration, thus lowering the water table. The plan was broken into steps which were then prioritized by increased profitability and prevention of productivity loss (i.e. erosion, salinity). Campbell describes the methods of the Potter Farmland Plan in a way that is applicable to the average farmer. He succeeds in illustrating the benefits and necessity of following mother nature's lead and employing the resilience found in diverse ecosystems.

Abstract author: Jennifer B. Boudin, 6 December 1996.

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