Publication Date

1-4-2001

Series Number

196

Publisher

Department of Agriculture, Western Australia

ISSN

0729-3135

Abstract

Esperance Downs Research Station (EDRS) was established in 1949 as an experimental farm. Knowledge from trials on the station has been instrumental in development of agriculture throughout the Esperance region. However, land degradation and in particular secondary salinity became widespread by the 1980s. With potential for similar problems to develop in the region, the EDRS rehabilitation program began in 1990/91. This report details the objectives of this project along with implementation procedures and an assessment of its achievements.

The stated aim of the rehabilitation was 'To research and demonstrate economic methods of obtaining production from land affected by salinity, waterlogging and wind erosion' (Anonymous, 1990). To achieve this objective a system was designed to reduce groundwater recharge through more efficient drainage systems, increased plant water use and improved water-holding capacity of the soil. Accordingly, the project was based on a farm plan, which arranged the station into defined land management units (LMU) in terms of broad soil characteristics and associated suitable land uses.

Number of Pages

138

Keywords

Pastures, Drainage, Reclamation, Revegetation, Salinity, Rehabilitation, Groundwater, Esperance region (WA), Farm planning, Western Australia, Hydrology, Waterlogging, Economic analysis, Perennial habit, Esperance Downs Research Station, Wind erosion

Disciplines

Agriculture | Natural Resources Management and Policy | Soil Science | Water Resource Management

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