Halting the Spread of Dryland Salinity

Dryland salinity is caused when deep-rooted perennials are removed allowing large volumes of unused rainfall to reach the groundwater. This groundwater then rises bringing salts to the surface. Dryland salinity can significantly impact upon agricultural productivity, native vegetation and infrastructure.

ELIGIBLITY CRITERIA FOR THESE PROJECTS

- Landholders are encouraged to apply for projects addressing dryland salinity, which effects a number of areas within the catchment.

- As the loss of perennial vegetation is the driving factor contributing to dryland salinity, replanting large areas with perennial species is the best way to prevent further land becoming salt affected.

- Due to the large scale of revegetation that needs to occur, plantations of productive species will also be considered to address salinity issues in the catchment.

- Reclaiming salt affected land will also be considered for funding.

- It should be noted that some species traditionally used for saline reclamation (eg Tall Wheat Grass) have been identified as an environmental weed risk in the Upper Torrens region and will not be considered for funding. The Project Manager can provide advice about suitable species.

- Rotational grazing projects and fencing to landclasses are considered, but applicants are encouraged to undertake a Prograze course (or similar - can be subsidised) to ensure the correct grazing regimes are adopted.

ON-GROUND ACTIVITIES ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING

On-Ground Activities	Typical Incentive Rate
Land class fencing associated with revegetation and recharge zones	$3000 / km if stock excluded
Pasture Management	$50 / ha if property management plan is developed and implemented
Perennial Pasture Establishment	$200 / ha if property management plan is developed and implemented
Waterway management – establishing new water points	$400 / watering point if property management plan is developed and implemented
Revegetation with native species (blocks for recharge zones)	$500 / ha if stock are excluded