There are a number of methods for classifying land capability. These methods attempt to rank the capability of the natural resource using land class as the basis to sustaining production over time. Use the key features and options for the various land classes shown in the following table to identify the pasture and cropping zones on your farm. Alternatively, you can design your own land classes.

Land Class (LC)	Key features	Options
1-2 Arable land suited to intensive (LC 1) and regular (LC 2) cropping	Arable Higher fertility Minimal erosion risk	For pasture and crop production when rainfall is adequate High input/high output systems work well
3 Grazing land suitable for pasture improvement and/or occasional cropping	Lower to middle slopes Semi-arable Lower natural fertility Moderate erosion risk	Groundcover and pasture persistence is important Maintain pasture base through direct drill options Occasional cropping
4 Land suited to grazing but not for cropping	Middle to upper slopes Non-arable Low fertility, shallow soils Moderate to high erosion risk	Only suited to permanent pasture Manage to maintain pasture stability and groundcover Best suited to lower input management systems Generally not suited to introduced perennial grasses
5 Land suited to lighter grazing only	Steep upper slopes Non-arable Low fertility, shallow soils Subject to erosion	Leave natural or revegetate Lightly graze to maintain existing pasture/groundcover Potential conservation areas

Source: NSW DPI, adapted by AWI and MLA

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MMFS Manual

Module 1 Plan for Success Module 2 Market Focused Wool Production Module 3 Market focused lamb and sheepmeat production Module 4 Capable and Confident People Module 5 Protect Your Farm’s Natural Assets Module 6 Healthy Soils Module 7 Grow More Pasture Module 8 Turn Pasture into Product Module 9 Boost Business with Breeding Module 10 Wean More Lambs Module 11 Healthy and Contented Sheep Module 12 Efficient Pastoral Production

Tool 6.1 A guide to classifying land capability