The Bengworden Salinity Province covers the East Gippsland CMA's share of the Lake Wellington area. Salinity in this area is primarily associated with coastal influences and the Gippsland Lakes. Occurring on land adjoining the lakes and waterways, soil salinity arises from high watertables caused by its proximity to sea level. Local and intermediate scale Groundwater Flow Systems connect recharge areas with discharge areas where land-use changes have influenced salinity processes.
Recommended actions for salinity remediation and abatement include increasing forestry and perennial pastures on sandy rise recharge areas. Low-lying discharge areas with high watertables will require more saline tolerant agriculture, including waterlogging and salt tolerant plants and protection from stock when wet to minimise soil structure damage and erosion.
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