Saltland and what to do about it

Saltland can be conveniently divided into three main types on the basis of cause. Within each type their is great variation, and the types may merge or overlap. The three aims of a saltland treatment programme are; reduce the groundwater levels or seepage flows as much as possible,reduce the capillary action which brings salt to the surface, and to revegetate the soils with the most useful plants that can survive

Bluebush seed supplies

A GREAT deal of publicity has been given of late to the value of bluebush (Kochia brevifolia) as a plant for some types of salt-affected land, particularly in the drier parts of the wheatbelt. Obtaining seed supplies can be a problem, but fortunately large amounts of seed are not required since once a few bushes are established they will spread seed over the intervening areas. Thus rates of 1 to 2 lb of seed per acre have been found quite satisfactory

Establishing saltland pastures

WITH the approach of winter, thoughts are turning to the seeding season. It will therefore be appropriate to discuss methods of establishing saltland pastures. This discussion will be restricted to bluebush, creeping saltbush, and old man saltbush. Seed of these plants is available from local stock firms

Profitable returns from saltland

The recent saltland survey disclosed that about 305,000 acres of land previously cleared and sown had become salt affected. This represents a serious loss in production but is offset by the fact that much of the land is capable of producing high yields of good quality fodder

Wheatbelt salinity : a review of the salt land problem in South Western Australia

Historical overview,Cause and nature of the salt problem, salt in rainfall, soils, topography and hydrology, effect of land use, Salt movement and accumulation on soil and groundwater, treatments for saltland, catchment measures, reclamation, re vegetation

Saltland pastures

FOLLOWING THE DEVELOPMENT of Agriculture in Western Australia considerable areas of highly productive land have become salt affected to the degree that normal crops and pastures cannot be grown.* However, species and establishment methods are available which can bring at least some of this land back into production

Flooding of salt land

Many farmers have expressed concern and some have gone to considerable expense in trying to alleviate flooding problems on salt affected land. Some consideration will be given here to flooding, its causes, effects on salt encroachment, methods of prevention and alleviation

Salty seepages can be productive

MUCH has been said and written concerning the use of Paspalum vaginatum for growing on seepage areas, but the general production to be expected from seepage areas has not received much attention. The fact is that properly handled, seepage areas can be quite productive, and can be valuable for summer grazing