Watertables and salting in Northern Victoria : a case study of the perception and attitudes of landholders in the Kerang and Shepparton Irrigation Districts

Abstract

Recent research has suggested that a large proportion of agricultural land, both irrigated and non-irrigated, is affected by soil salting in the Southern Murray Basin. The solution to these problems requires first, a recognition at a community level that serious problems exist, and second, a recognition of both the local and regional effects of soil salting.

The salinity problem has historically been worst in the irrigation districts of Northern Victoria. During the past five years the extent of the problem has increased to encompass all irrigated areas of Northern Victoria.

Fast attempts to solve the problems created by salinity have created more intractable problems. These intractable problems include the problems of how to dispose of salt. Previously solutions have been based upon disposal into the major river system, that is the Murray. This practice has in turn resulted in a gradual deterioration in water quality, affecting all other end users.

In this project a number of landholders have been surveyed in a pilot study in the Kerang and Shepparton Districts of Northern Victoria. In the survey a number of specific,issues are raised, including awareness of the effects of soil salting, the understanding of why these problems occur and action being taken in response to these problems. General comments are made as to the perceived relationship between irrigation and the development of salting, and the adaptation to the environment by landholders.