Salinity describes the salt content of soil or water. Soluble salts are often found in water and soil, but not in sufficient concentrations to affect plant and animal survival. When salt content is excessive it degrades water quality and land productivity.
Salinity increases are usually caused by a rise in the level of underground water tables bringing naturally occurring salt to the surface. This concentrates salt and affects the environment dependent on the soil and water.
The National Action Plan (NAP) for Salinity and Water Quality has identified the Midlands as a priority region in Tasmania. In 2002, it was estimated that more farms reported salinity in the Midlands (318) than in the rest of the state (72). Of farms reporting changes to management practices to prevent salinity, it was estimated that most were irrigated farms in the Midlands (156).
SALINITY ON FARMS, Tasmanian regions - 2002(a)(b)
|
 | | Irrigated farms | Non-irrigated farms |
| | | |
| | no. | no. |
|
| Farms showing signs of salinity | | |
| Midlands | 130 | *188 |
| Balance of Tasmania | *26 | 46 |
| Total(c) | 155 | *235 |
|
| | |
| Farms that have changed management practices to prevent salinity | | |
| Midlands | 156 | 76 |
| Balance of Tasmania | 32 | **125 |
| Total(c) | 188 | *201 |
* estimate has a relative standard error of between 25% and 50% and should be used with caution. Data is subject to sampling variability too high for most practical purposes.
** estimate has a relative standard error greater than 50% and is considered too unreliable for general use.
(a) Estimates for salinity were processed at the state and NAP level.
(b) Tasmania has only one National Action Plan (NAP) region - Midlands. Refer to the Map of Tasmanian NAP regions that relate to these data.
(c) Estimates have been rounded and minor discrepancies may occur between sums of component items and totals.
Source: ABS data available on request, Land Management and Salinity Survey 2002. |
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