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Options for Managing Mallee Seeps and Dryland Saline Landscapes Across the Victorian Mallee

Farmer-reported workshop insights and farm visits from Manangatang, Murrayville and Millewa, 2026

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  • Mallee seeps and dryland salinity are key local issues across the Victorian Mallee.

    Farmer reports show that 2.4% of the farm area in anangatang is affected by seeps and 3.0% by dry saline and. In Murrayville, these figures are higher, at 10.9% and 8.3%, respectively. Observations indicate that the problem is widespread, often starting at the base of sandy rises and then spreading into larger scalded areas within the paddock landscape if not managed.

  • Perennial, protective, and preventative options are already being tested

    Lucerne was the most noticeable farmer-reported seep response in Manangatang, with puccinellia, tall wheatgrass, trees, salttolerant options, and soil-cover approaches also forming part of the local response mix.

  • Groundcover protection was recognised as essential

    for addressing saline and seep-affected land. For saline scalds, the primary remediation method was covering the soil with straw, hay, or chaff. The importance of adopting an integrated management approach was also emphasised, linking salinity management, erosion control, and soil protection into a single system.

Project Overview

Causes, Impacts & Management Options

This fact sheet summarises farmer-reported insights and field observations on Mallee seeps and dryland saline landscapes across the Victorian Mallee, drawing on 2026 autumn Mallee Research Update workshops and associated paddock field walks.

It consolidates feedback and on-ground observations from Manangatang, Murrayville, and Millewa to provide an overview of current salinity issues, how they are being experienced by farmers, and the management options being trialled or considered locally. The resource also explains how seep and salinity problems develop in the landscape, why early recognition is important, and the practical principles that can help reduce spread and support rehabilitation of affected areas.

Download the factsheel

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