Future Research Opportunities

To achieve the goals of The Mulloon Institute and to allow the farm to function productively (both commercially and ecologically) we prefer research projects that study and explain the impact that innovative farmers and adept practitioners of ecology-based farming have on key indicators of health such as soil health, biodiversity, nutritional density of food etc. Our property offers a range of landscape features; the creek and its riparian zone, the floodplain, sloping country and forested areas. It is therefore a microcosm of much larger areas and any work done here can be adapted to other parts of Australia and other countries with similar challenges. A list of possible projects is presented to inspire students to develop research proposals that will develop important knowledge for stewards of land for the benefit of future generations. These projects will be managed with our research partner The Fenner School of Environment & Society at The Australian National University.

Mulloon Creek & Flood Plain

To improve our knowledge about the effect of Peter Andrews' Natural Sequence Farming in the channel and riparian zone of the creek, we’d like to know more about the birds, insects, frogs, lizards and fish that are now able to live in this system and the benefits they provide. We’d also like to research more about the use of vegetation in the stabilisation of low technology structures.

Flood Plain & Sloping Country Pastures

We are implementing Grazing Management, Pasture Cropping , Keyline Pattern Cultivation, Permaculture swale construction and Shelter Belts to improve the hydration and function of our pasture ecosystems and improve our soil health. Opportunities exist to study and explain the impact of these practices on hydration, soil qualities, pasture diversity and biomass (including fodder and timber trees), effective rainfall and of course animal performance.

Dry Sclerophyll Regrowth Forest and Grassy Woodlands

We have about 730ha (1800ac) of forest on the property including forest on the ridges of the Great Dividing Range and patches of trees in the pastures. Opportunities exist to study the effect of this forest on local ecosystems functions such as biodiversity, fire management, water and nutrient runoff as well as local rainfall. Opportunities may also exist to implement and study a range of methods of improving the function of this forest. Much of this initiative is coming from the Southern Tablelands Farm Forestry Network.

Biodiversity studies

The diversity of habitats already on the farm and the Biodynamic management of the farm since 1994 means that there is an abundance and wide diversity of plant and animal ecosystems. Opportunities exist to study this biodiversity and understand its impact on farming ecosystems, especially the interaction of nature and exotic plant species and the beneficial role of "weeds".

Wild Life Management

All farmers have to understand how to manage the wild life on their farms, whether it is wild native or non-native fauna. Farmers need to be equipped with knowledge and tools to accommodate wild life for the optimum productivity and resilience of their land.

Nutritional quality of food

Questions are being asked about whether nutritional imbalance or depletion in soils is affecting the nutritional density or balance of our food. Healthy food is central to our mission at The Mulloon Institute so opportunities exist to study the food or medicinal qualities of our honey, eggs, beef and lamb and whether this can be related to the qualities of the environment we provide for the animals.

Food safety questions

As a response to some of the challenges we’re facing, interest in the production of locally grown and consumed food is increasing. This means that more people will be growing, processing and preserving their food and need to have knowledge of how to do it safely using the resources available to them. Opportunities exist to gather data about the real risks associated with local food and effectiveness of food safety management practices.