ABSTRACT

Australian soils are old and, by world standards, low in organic matter and nutrients. Since the introduction of European agricultural practices, significant soil and land degradation has occurred. In southern New South Wales, soil erosion, soil structural decline, nutrient decline, acidification, and more recently dryland salinization are evident and extensive research and demonstration has been conducted to determine their extent and characteristics. A major problem identified was the slow adoption by farmers of more sustainable land management practices. This is despite Australia being a developed country with a high level of education. To improve technology transfer and adoption of better land management practices the Land Management Adoption Model (LMAM) developed for southern New South Wales is proposed for wider adoption. The model is based on farmers’ involvement in the application of research into practical farming systems and their subsequent role in the development of relevant research to enhance environmental and economic sustainability. A major factor identified in the application of the model is the importance of involving experienced extension staff in the implementation of and feedback from new management systems. Key lessons learnt from the model are also discussed with respect to further use both in Australia and overseas.