Reme Soilmaster Copyright 1996 -Reme Soilmaster(TM)

POKING ABOUT IN THE DIRT with ROB CUMMING. (Soils Consultant)

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SALINITY 4.

We have been discussing salinity for some time now, as salinity control has received a large amount of attention in the last few years.

However, there is still a large numer of unknowns in salinity control.  In Victoria, there is a $100,000 feasiility study being carried out to drain salty water to teh sea and there is a large number of questions still to be answered suc as effectiveness of this type of procedure and its long term viability.

But back to treating our saline patches.

That area we have identified as being salty, requires some careful attention.  The areas which are badly affected by salinity are permanently unproductive.

Those areas which are partially affected and show some plant growth should be carefully managed.  The partially affected areas often have annual ryegrass, couch grass or sea barley grass (like normal barley grass, but smaller in size) growing, but usually showing large amounts of bare ground between the plants.

Fencing out these saline areas or areas becoming saline, is an essential part of salinity control.

There are some important rules in fencing and treatment.

These are:- 1. Fence out an area larger than the
                     identified saline patch;
                   2. Ensure salt tolerant species are used;
                   3. As salt patches can "crust", timing is                       important;
            4. The area should be stock proof;
            5. Fertility levels should be high to encourage
                      growth;
            6. Remove of excess surface water;
            7. Drainage of local water away from the
                        patch.

What species do I use?

There are only a few species wich can survive in very saline conditions, so it is important to identify if your saline patch is low - medium or high salt.  This involves planning including: soil testing and identification of salt levels

Salt Level          Species
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High                Marsh grass        Puccinellia ciliata
                    Tall wheat grass   Agropyron elongatum
    cv Tyrrell

Medium       Wimmera Rye grass
                    Couch grass
                    Strawberry clover cv Palestine

Others              Phalaris / Tall fescue

And after treatment?

1. Light grazing (fencing suitable, access)
2. Fertilise
3. Tree care
4. Long term exclusion from normal farming practices

Next time we will move onto acid soils.
 

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