To develop an understanding of landscape processes and ecosystem functions in areas affected by, or at risk from, watertables and salinity.

Specific Challenge | Strategies | Performance Indicators

Specific challenge

This objective addresses principles and scientific knowledge which underpins national frameworks for investment in management of dryland salinity. Strategies and activities under this objective deal with both recharge and discharge areas, and specifically look at the linkages between biodiversity conservation, use of land and water resources for primary production, and amenity values from resources threatened by salinisation.

Strategies

Strategy 4.1:

Investigate the landscape processes and ecosystem functions, which determine water use and movement in selected landscapes under typical land uses.

Strategy 4.2:

Use understanding of landscape processes and ecosystem functions to predict the impact of doing nothing and of different resource management options on land, water and biodiversity resources.

Strategy 4.3:

Trial and further develop tools for assessing watertable salinity risks.

Strategy 4.4:

Develop watertable salinity management components in quality assurance (QA) pathways for rain-fed production systems.

Performance indicators

• Landscape processes and ecosystem functions which determine water use and movement are understood.
• The impact of doing nothing is quantified for regions at risk from salinity.
• The impact of best management practices to prevent and manage dryland salinity are quantified and understood by stakeholders.
• Tools for assessing salinity risks are widely used by resource managers.
• QA pathways for rain-fed production systems include components for prevention and management of salinity.

Back to top