The Top Ten Solutions for Salinity

As anyone who has dealt with the problem of salinity is well aware the issue of salinity is one that has no simple quick fix solution. Indeed most solutions really involve a complex series of actions that put together result in a solution. The problem is that we do not know enough about the problem we are trying to alleviate or even fix in some instances and to most peoples minds we do not have enough solutions in our toolbox at the present time to be able to offer help to those affected.

Incidentally I have constructed this from an economic perspective. I am passionate about the environment however any person who has any connection to the land knows that a farmer going broke seldom does much in the way of conservation and economically sustainable environmentalism has a far more realistic ring to my ears. (There is nothing worse that a vermin and weed infested National Park that is that way because theres not enough funding to maintain it properly)

Here goes in any case

Number 1 - Increase Government Spending

I dont think I would get any agruement for anyone working in the field of salinity with this one. The arguments come on how!!! I am of the belief that we need to tackle 50:50 the research of understanding the problem and solving it. The problem is too far advanced to just concentrate on understanding it we need solutions but that said there have been some misplaced efforts in the past so lets increase our knowledge on what is going on.

Number 2 - Education

Understanding the problem helps us to solve it. Education would mean that peoples remediation efforts would be well targetted and would deliver results.

Number 3 - Drainage

Where this works (highly dependant on soil type) it is a ripper just ask the farmers in the Upper SE of SA. Its not for everywhere but is a commercial option (which is important) that offers real solutions to some people affected by salinty.

Number 4 - Pyramid Salt

Not sure how economic this would be if every one copied these guys but hell its a great story. Pumping the scourge of the earth from the ground making a product from it and growing horticultural crops in the reclaimed area. I love it!!

Number 5 - Tree Plantations

Not in the problem areas but up the catchment stopping the recharge. Hopefully the prospectuses live up to expectation and the tree growers are around for some time to come.

Number 6 - Grazing Plants

Puccinellia, Nypa Forage, Saltbushes, Paspalum they have their advocates and their critics what is the important thing is that useless land is returned to production.

Number 7 - Fish Farming

I dont think this is economic yet but should have a future with declining wild fish stocks what better way to use salt water than grow yourself a nice feed of snapper!

Number 8 - Desalinisation

Expensive technology at present but one way of dealing with the menace. Keeps us in our comfort zone of fresh water. It also cannot cope with the volumes of water in question.

Number 9 - Evaporation ponds

Not a favourite of mine as I dont feel that most of these schemes give much thought to the disposal of the resultant salt.

Number 10

You tell me!!! What Have I left off the list let me know and I'll add it!!!