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Researcher's 'tunnel vision' wins award

28 September 2005

A research assistant from the School of Geography and Environmental Science, Dr Stuart Boucher, has received a Victorian Government award for his pioneering research on farmland degradation.

The Governor, Mr John Landy, presented Dr Boucher (pictured) with the Dr Sidney Plowman Travel and Study Award, which includes $4000 for overseas study.

The award recognised Dr Boucher's PhD research on highly degraded pastureland near Costerfield in central Victoria, which identified a summer deluge in February 1883 as a key factor in the area's erosion.

The geomorphologist, who works with the Department of Primary Industries, developed a detailed understanding of the nature and causes of subsoil tunnel erosion, then developed and costed a restoration program.

"Tunnel erosion is an insidious form of land degradation that ultimately produces gullying -- deep holes along or in the ground," Dr Boucher said.

Tunnel erosion began underground with tiny channels less than one millimetre wide, which grew larger but remained inconspicuous until considerable damage had occurred, he said.

"The networks' extents are difficult to trace until substantial amounts of soil have been washed away," Dr Boucher said. "Major problems then result -- from farm stock dying because the ground collapses into the tunnel under their weight to farm vehicles being unable to operate because of the holes."

The highly erodible clay soil also travelled long distances along tunnels and gullies before clogging waterways, he said.

Dr Boucher's study recommended a restoration program for the pastureland with benefits including revegetation, improved soil fertility, retention of soil and water on slopes and increased sheep production.

"A rapid return to grazing is envisaged within two years, and the proposal comfortably outperforms the costs associated with adopting a 'do nothing' approach," Dr Boucher said.

He said he was delighted to have received the award, and thanked his supervisor, Associate Professor David Dunkerley, for his support.