Author:
Clarke C. J.,George R. J.,Bell R. W.,Hatton T. J.
Abstract
Replacement of deep-rooted, perennial native vegetation with shallow-rooted,
annual agricultural plants has resulted in increased recharge causing shallow
saline water tables leading to dryland salinity and loss of agricultural
production. Restoring the vegetation by regeneration or replanting lowers
water levels locally but field evidence and computer modelling suggests this
needs to be widespread for regional effects, which conflicts with the future
of conventional agriculture. Alley farming allows agriculture to be continued
in the bays between the rows, but needs as much perennial, preferably
deep-rooted, vegetation as possible in the bays to achieve the required
recharge reductions.
Where the asset to be preserved is valuable and a means of safe saline
effluent disposal exists, pumps and drains will be part of any salinity
management system, but where these conditions are not met they will be of
limited use on an economic basis.
To limit the spread of dryland salinity substantial change in farming systems
is required and farmers need assurance that the recommended strategies will
have the desired effect. Computer modelling is the only timely way to do this.
An operationally simple 1-dimensional model already exists, and a
2-dimensional one is under development and testing. Three-dimensional
modelling is also probably required to support strategic, intensive
interventions.
computer modelling, revegetation, engineering, perennial.
Subject
Earth-Surface Processes,Soil Science,Environmental Science (miscellaneous)
Cited by
128 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献