Advisory Board of Agriculture chairman Neville Ferme said the consequences of cultivation or stubble burning needed to be considered.

He said erosion control measures were always of prime concern, regardless of the season.

“SA landowners have built a strong reputation for having a responsible approach to soil management,” he said.

“We have improved our no-till and stubble retention practices, particularly during the drought years.

“With this year’s promising season, we still need to remember to approach burning off and increased cultivation cautiously in the lead-up to seeding.”

Mr Ferme, who farms in the Upper North, said that while burning and cultivation were useful land management tools, they should be undertaken with care.

However, he said the ABA supports the adoption of no-till and stubble retention for better land management.

“These practices provide cropping land with the best protection from erosion," Mr Ferme said.

He said the three useful tips to remember were:

* Instead of ploughing, use a knock-down herbicide to control weeds prior to sowing.

* If burning of stubble is required, burn as late as practical and only burn sufficient stubble to allow the seeding equipment through.

* If stubbles have been burnt, sow using no-till or direct drill.

* Details: www.dwlbc.sa.gov.au