Hydrological studies in soil salinity

Investigations involved examination of near-surface indurated layers to investigate their role in saltland formation. It was found that groundwater could move readily through this layer due to the presence of macro-pores. Close examination of apparently impermeable pallid zone clays, shows that decayed tree roots and large diameter voids provide a continuous pathway for the veritical transport of saline water from deeper aquifers

Catchment salinity : Report on a study of the east Perenjori catchment

Dryland secondary salinisation has debilitated large areas of land in Western Australia due to clearing of native vegetation for agricultural development. The initial aim of the project (which is the subject of Part I of this report) was to establish a landscape framework for hydrogeological examination of the salinity problem. A catchment of 139 km2, located 30 km east of Perenjori townsite was selected for detailed study. It was mapped for soils, vegetation, topography, landform and salinity using both old and recent aerial photography. A field survey of soil hydraulic conductivity was undertaken to help define recharge areas. Soil-vegetation associations were related to geomorphology to develop five land units. The constant head permeameter gave some indication of relative rates of recharge between the land units and deep acid sandplain soils were seen to have a relatively high groundwater recharge potential. Soil salinity has shown significant spread in recent years and 2.4 per cent of the area of the catchment was severely affected in 1986

Preliminary groundwater investigations in relation to soil salinity at Fitzgerald, Western Australia

This study investigated soil salinity problems in relation to new land releases at Fitzgerald near the south coast of Western Australia. Fairly widely spaced set of bores was established to compare the groundwater hydrology regimes beneath cleared and virgin land. A large storage of soluble salts (over 100 kgm-2 in some profiles) was measured in the pallid zone clays under both cleared and virgin land conditions. Seasonal fresh to brackish perched watertables were found to overlie highly saline deep waterbles at a number of valley sites on land which has been cleared for agriculture during the past 15 years. Salinity is encroaching where the potentiometric heads are at the ground surface. This occurs in headwaters of the Susetta and Hamersley Rivers

Western Australian soils store large quantities of salt

Enormous quantities of salt are stored in the soil in the agricultural areas of Western Australia. Small movements in this salt can produce large effects on farms

An assessment of Wisalts banks at Dangin

This report compares two alternative approaches for the treatment and management of salt affected land at Dangin, Western Australia by determining whether there are benefits from a WISALTS bank system which would not accrue from standard soil conservation recommendations; comparing the costs and benefits of the two systems; and determining the nature of the effects of the two systems, particularly with respect to soil salinity

Throughflow troughs for the measurement of shallow seepage on hillslopes

Throughflow troughs were installed to assess their effectiveness in quantifying shallow sub-surface flows on hillslopes. The majority of flow was found to occur from decayed root channels in clay sub-soils below the lowest gutter. The conclusion at this site is that shallow throughflow troughs installed on a small scale are not capable of quantifying all of the seepage occurring on hillslopes

Broken symmetries : tensions and connections between art and science

In respect to the nature and development of scientific knowledge and issues of abstraction and irrationality in science, there is evidence that the fundamental forms of inspiration and origins of methodology are common to both scientific and artistic research. Also, the results of artistic practice, although far more culturally specific and subjective, are arguably complementary to those of scientific research. What are then the methods used and results obtained when one makes art about scientific theories, using technologies derived from the results of scientific research? Furthermore, how does this 'art about science' affect our understanding of the relationship between art and science? These are some of the issues and ideas which I explored in my MA research project works between 2000 and 2005, and which I discuss in this exegesis. Through my research, I constructed a series of works which focused increasingly upon theories in physics and mathematics not only in an attempt to understand and communicate the theories to a wider audience, but also to communicate the historical and philosophical frameworks such theories were based upon. Through this I developed a working methodology which took inspiration from, but also subverted and critiqued the scientific theories and methodologies I was examining. The digital media tools I used, such as video, audio and programmed interactivity, opened up a line of communication between the disparate fields of artistic and scientific inquiry. The result was a series of interactive digital media and installation art pieces that explored various aspects of science, which were exhibited in both art and science spaces, and drew a wide range of responses from the scientific and general community

East Ballidu Catchment Report

It will require the total cooperation of all members of the Soil Conservation District to remedy the area\u27s problems. The first priority is for the control and better use of water on the recharge areas. The wheat/wheat/lupin rotation at present offers the best economic option. Lupins are well suited to the areas of lighter land. If lupins are planted on waterlogged soils or otherwise unsuitable soils, problems will arise and perhaps prejudice their use on the widespread suitable areas. The use of trees below rocky outcrops is an important measure to prevent excessive recharge of the deeper aquifers. Where trees already exist they need to be fenced to allow them to regenerate. Grants are now available for the fencing of remnant areas and is one line that the group members should vigorously explore. All remnants of bush and forest should be identified and protected in the catchment