Natural Resources Research Articles
Salinity threatens the viability of agriculture and ecosystems in Western Australia
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-2012
Journal Title
Hydrogeology Journal
ISSN
ISSN: 1431-2174, eISSN: 1435-0157
Keywords
Groundwater Level, Avant, Como, Hydrological Change, Economic Management
Disciplines
Hydrology | Natural Resources and Conservation | Soil Science | Water Resource Management
Abstract
In Western Australia, an abundance of salt within the deeply-weathered soil profiles and the clearing of native vegetation have resulted in unparalleled hydrological changes and extensive salinisation. Groundwater levels have risen by more than 30 m, and aquifers now occur where none existed before clearing. Currently, an area consisting of more than 1.8 million hectares (9.4 percent) of cleared farmland in Western Australia is salt affected. The salt-affected area is expected to double in size within the next 25 years and double again before reaching a new equilibrium.
Salinity in streams is increasing at a rate of 10–90 mg/L each year. As a result, large areas of remnant vegetation and its contained biological diversity are threatened. Salinity management should be based on a sound knowledge of hydrogeological systems. Land managers should have access to cost-effective methods of treatment and packages of biophysical information that can be used to design and predict the impact of physical and economic management systems. To date, too few cost-effective methods exist. Furthermore, a complex hydrogeology has contributed to low success rates of predictions.
The fate of Western Australia's agriculture, water resources, and natural environment depends on acknowledging the lessons of the past and investing in the future. Priority areas for hydrologic research should be identified, and management methods that are currently available need to be incorporated into new farming systems.
Recommended Citation
George, R., McFarlane, D. & Nulsen, B. Salinity Threatens the Viability of Agriculture and Ecosystems in Western Australia. HYJO 5, 6–21 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/s100400050103
