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| [Climate]
| [Soil] | [Pasture]
| [Native Vegetation] |
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| Climate |
Menalpyn
enjoys a Mediterranean style climate with average rainfall for the
area approximately 450mm per annum - about 330mm (73%) of the rainfall
falling in the growing season, between April and October. Close
proximity to the coast of the Southern Ocean moderates temperature,
producing cool sea breezes in the Summer and reducing frosts in
Winter. Thunderstorms during the summer months produce valuable
green feed from our predominantly perennial pastures.
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of Environment] |
| Soil |
Menalpyn
is situated on gently undulating ancient sand dunes with low to
moderate irregular sand hills and isolated low limestone rises.
The soil is predominantly 20-50cm of sand over clay. As a result,
the soil drains rapidly, as well as having water repellant qualities.
It ranges between neutral to slightly acidic at the surface, becoming
alkaline at depth.
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of Environment] |
| Pasture |
Menalpyn's
pasture comprises of South African Veldt Grass, Phalaris, and Tornafield
medic with Lucerne in the improved pastures. The property also contains
a stand of 70 hectares (173 acres) of tagasaste trees, to evaluate
their potential as livestock feed. Menalpyn is not currently affected
by local salinity problems.
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of Environment] |
| Native
Vegetation |
| The
property also contains 660 hectares (1630 acres) of remnant scrub.
This was retained when the property was initially cleared, contributing
to Menalpyn's current relatively good environmental condition. More
than 500 hectares (1235 acres) have been fenced off from livestock
and are registered with Heritage Australia to maintain these areas
as pristine fauna and flora of our district. The remaining 160 hectares
(395 acres) provide shelter for livestock in our grazing rotations,
and help keep the saline water table at bay. In addition to this
remnant native vegetation, Menalpyn has a replanting program where
local native tree seeds are sown in runways between paddocks.
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of Environment]
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