How chickens and cattle are a surprising fit in soil restoration

In the vast, open landscapes of Western Australia's Murchison region, an unusual agricultural experiment is underway. Gemma Cripps and Helen Williamson are integrating a small flock of laying hens into their cattle property, Gabyon Station, to explore their potential for restoring rangeland soils.

For the past two years, the pair have managed around 150 hens, aiming to improve soil hydration and plant health through intensive grazing. "After doing a [regenerative agriculture] workshop we decided to try and see what impacts we could create on the land here, so we've been trying different things, and chooks is one of them," Ms. Cripps explained. "The regenerative benefits we are getting are astounding."

The chickens' manure acts as fertilizer, and their scratching behavior enhances water infiltration into the soil. The couple has observed noticeable changes in the landscape, particularly in wildflowers. "We've noticed where we've had chooks, the next year where the wildflowers come up they're a different colour; we can only put that down to changing soil pH," Cripps said. They noted a shift from a yellow-white base to a pink hue in the flowers.

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After doing a [regenerative agriculture] workshop we decided to try and see what impacts we could create on the land here, so we've been trying different things, and chooks is one of them. The regenerative benefits we are getting are astounding.

Despite the positive impacts, the venture has encountered setbacks. A dingo attack earlier this year resulted in the loss of approximately 80 chickens, significantly impacting egg production. The flock is now protected by a portable electric fence that is frequently moved. Additionally, concerns about the highly pathogenic H5 bird flu strain found in West Australian sea birds pose a risk, though Gabyon's isolated location offers some protection.

While the chickens currently impact only a small fraction of the expansive Gabyon Station, Cripps believes they are a valuable component of their long-term regenerative agriculture strategy.

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We've noticed where we've had chooks, the next year where the wildflowers come up they're a different colour; we can only put that down to changing soil pH.