Dry Saline Land

Learn to manage saline soils with MSF’s Dry Saline Lands project—practical tips, identification, and strategies for restoration.

  • How Dry Saline Lands Work

    Dry Saline Lands (DSL) occur when salinity from subsoil layers rises to the surface through evaporation and capillary action during dry, hot conditions. This transient salinity is not caused by shallow water tables but results in high salt concentrations in the topsoil, rendering it toxic for crops and pastures. DSL impacts vary with seasonal conditions, and the lack of effective management can lead to long-term soil degradation and reduced productivity.

  • How to Identify Dry Saline Lands

    DSL can be identified by assessing landscapes for sandy recharge areas, stony flats, or clay-rich zones. Auger holes up to 2 meters deep help detect perched water tables, distinguishing DSL from Mallee seeps. Satellite NDVI data provides further insights, as DSL areas show reduced plant growth during late seasons compared to Mallee seeps, which retain vegetation longer due to water access.

  • Four Essential Management Strategies

    To manage DSL effectively, establish and maintain soil cover using straw or plant residues to prevent evaporation and salt accumulation. Apply sand or sand-manure mixes to create a non-saline surface for seeds. Take advantage of rainfall by seeding immediately after significant events to improve soil health and establish cover. Lastly, plant salt-tolerant crops like barley or oats, or use saltbush in severely degraded areas to stabilise and protect the soil.

Project Overview

Managing Dry Saline Land

Dry Saline Land (DSL) is a form of land degradation caused by transient subsoil salinity rising to the surface through evaporation during hot, dry periods. This process concentrates salts in the surface layers, creating toxic conditions that hinder crop and pasture growth. Unlike other saline conditions such as Mallee seeps, DSL is not associated with perched or regional water tables, and its surface impacts can vary significantly with seasonal conditions.

This project serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding how DSL forms, identifying its presence, and implementing management strategies to restore soil productivity. By exploring the mechanisms behind DSL, identifying its unique characteristics, and applying tailored solutions, farmers can mitigate its effects and enhance their land’s resilience.

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Managing Dry Saline Land

Four Key Strategies

  • 1
    Step

    Establishing and Maintaining Soil Cover

    Protecting the soil with plant residues or straw reduces evaporation and prevents salt from accumulating on the surface.
  • 2
    Step

    Saline Topsoil Amelioration

    Applying sand or sand-manure mixes creates a non-saline layer for seed germination and reduces salt wicking.
  • 3
    Step

    Opportunistic Management of Seasonal Rainfall

    Seeding immediately after rainfall events helps establish cover and leach salts from the soil.
  • 4
    Step

    Using Salt-Tolerant Varieties

    Planting crops like barley or oats, or using saltbush in severely degraded areas, supports soil stabilisation and productivity.

Conclusion

Dry Saline Land (DSL) presents a significant challenge for farmers in low-rainfall regions, where subsoil salinity can rise to the surface, reducing productivity and threatening soil health. However, with the right knowledge and management practices, these areas can be restored and protected. By understanding how DSL works, identifying its unique characteristics, and implementing strategies such as maintaining soil cover, ameliorating saline topsoil, optimizing rainfall use, and planting salt-tolerant crops, farmers can build resilience against salinity.

The tools and insights provided through this resource and MSF’s ongoing work equip farmers to address DSL effectively, ensuring their land remains productive and sustainable for future generations. Explore the strategies, case studies, and innovative approaches available through Soils Connect to take the next step in managing saline-affected soils.

Further information

Explore the MSF Dry Saline Land Project Page

Dive deeper into the challenges and solutions surrounding Dry Saline Land (DSL) by visiting the dedicated MSF DSL Project Page. Follow our exclusive web series, where we break down practical strategies, showcase innovative tools, and share insights from industry experts.

Discover real-world impact through detailed case studies, highlighting success stories from farmers who have implemented proven methods to restore productivity to saline-affected soils. From sand mulching techniques to opportunistic rainfall management, these case studies provide actionable knowledge tailored for low-rainfall regions.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and connect with the resources you need to tackle DSL head-on. Visit the MSF DSL Project Page today and take the next step in building resilient, sustainable farmland.

Explore DSL Project Page

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