SDG Detail

Using technology-driven tools to support decisions impacting dryland salinity � 2020 nbn� Sustainable Agriculture Landcare Grant Project

Case study

Project description

In 2020, the Meningie East Field Healthy Soils Group, supported by the Coorong Tatiara Landcare Assistance Program, received the inaugural $40,000 nbn� Sustainable Agriculture Landcare Grant. The Group�s project focused on providing technology-driven tools to landholders, farmers and advisors in South Australia�s Upper Southeast region, to support making decisions around, and managing salinity impacted landscapes. Another project goal was to help avoid salinity issues in threatened areas.

Year 2020

Location Australia

Organization Landcarer Australia

Project aims

The research aimed to determine the causes or patterns relating to �transient� salinity and the environmental or seasonal data which indicates or forecasts dryland salinity processes. Initial findings from interpreting the soil probe data showed that there are two different soil salinity processes occurring across the region, often in close proximity.

Project outcome

A total of 20 stakeholders were involved in the project from the beginning to the end (and engaged with 65 participants in total) � representing 32,170ha of land under management. The majority of those involved were farmers with the remainder being agronomists, consultants or government extension officers who are responsible for sharing information with farmers. All farmers grew a mix of crops (cereal, canola, lupins, and beans) and pastures (including for hay and lucerne). Two producers grew pastures only � primarily for lucerne and hay production. The most common land use to all producers was growing lucerne. More than half of the farmer participants reported they were already impacted by salinity and two reported being marginally or potentially impacted.