Publication Date
12-2014
Series Number
388
Abstract
Dryland salinity is a hydrologically driven land degradation hazard in the south-west agricultural region of Western Australia (WA). Shallow-rooted annual crops and pastures transpire significantly less water than the native vegetation they replaced, leading to an increase in recharge, rising groundwater levels and the development of shallow watertables in areas where often none existed previously. Rising groundwater levels mobilise soluble salts, naturally stored at high concentrations in the regolith. These salts can be concentrated in the root zone of vegetation by evapotranspiration.
Number of Pages
146
Keywords
Groundwater, salinity risk, south-west, hydrozone, geology
Disciplines
Agriculture | Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment | Environmental Monitoring | Hydrology | Natural Resources Management and Policy | Soil Science | Water Resource Management
Recommended Citation
Raper, G P,
Speed, R,
Simons, J A,
Killen, A L,
Blake, A,
Ryder, A T,
Smith, R H,
Stainer, G,
and
Bourke, L.
(2014), Groundwater trend analysis and salinity risk assessment for the south-west agricultural region of Western Australia, 2007–12. Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia, Perth. Report 388.
https://library.dpird.wa.gov.au/rmtr/374
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Included in
Agriculture Commons, Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment Commons, Environmental Monitoring Commons, Hydrology Commons, Natural Resources Management and Policy Commons, Soil Science Commons, Water Resource Management Commons
Comments
To the memory of Arjen Ryder Arjen Ryder was a respected and long-standing member of the dedicated team that contributed to this hydrological research over many years. His attention to detail in data collection, verification and analysis, and his knowledge of landscape processes were evident in this work and throughout his 31-year career. Arjen was a respected colleague and loyal friend. We miss his enduring warm smile and friendly relaxed manner.