The large Lower Ovens Valley Salinity Province covers almost 40% of the North East CMA Region, including much of the Ovens and King Riverine Plains.
The dominant Groundwater Flow Systems in these Riverine Plains are regional in scale. Two main processes drive groundwater recharge in the area; flooding of the lower terrace, and leakage from below the pastures on the upper terrace (especially those close the lower terrace boundary). Discharge in the province occurs as saline seeps on the lower terrace and in some locations at the ‘break-of-slope’ immediately above it.
Salinity management options include planting lucerne pastures on the upper terrace to reduce recharge and establishing tree belts above the ‘break-of-slope’ of the lower terrace. Establishment of salt tolerant pastures combining perennial grasses (e.g. Tall Wheatgrass or Puccinellia) and salt tolerant clovers (e.g. Strawberry Clover), should improve the productivity of the groundwater discharge areas on the lower terrace.
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