Salinity in the large Macalister Salinity Province is mainly associated with irrigation induced high watertables and salinity of the Macalister Irrigation District. There is an underlying regional scale Groundwater Flow System (GFS) comprising alluvial sediments of the Seaspray - Sale group gravels overlain with a complex array of local to intermediate scale GFSs in younger alluvial sediments. Increased recharge due to irrigation and rainfall has resulted in high watertables, affecting farm productivity through soil damage and increasing salt and nutrient loads draining to the Gippsland Lakes. |
Catchment Management Region: | WEST GIPPSLAND |
Priority Status: | High |
Province Area: | 117,400 ha |
Recorded Soil Salinity Area 1: | 0 ha |
Dominant Surface Geology Type: | Sedimentary |
Influence of Geological Structure on Salinity Occurrence/s: | Possible |
Relevant Geomorphological Mapping Units (GMUs): | 7.2.X, 7.3.X |
Predominant Groundwater Flow Systems (GFSs): | Regional and Local/Intermediate |
Relevant Irrigation Areas: | Macalister |