Salinity Threatens the Viability of Agriculture and Ecosystems in Western Australia

摘要: In Western Australia, an abundance of salt within the deeply-weathered soil profiles and clearing native vegetation have resulted in unparalleled hydrological changes extensive salinisation. Groundwater levels risen by more than 30 m, aquifers now occur where none existed before clearing. Currently, area consisting 1.8 million hectares (9.4 percent) cleared farmland Australia is affected. The salt-affected expected to double size next 25 years again reaching a new equilibrium.