RE: birding-aus Solution to salinity

["Mules, Michael" <>]

Hi all,

As I understand it, the problem in saline affected areas, is not so much farming as such, but the methods used.  A system of farming in these areas that doesn't rely on irrigation, and so doesn't cause the watertable to rise to the surface, might be an acceptable solution (combined with the restoration of already salt-damaged land of course).  What's needed is a change in farming practise, not a ban on farming.  As was suggested on Landline on the weekend, perhaps a system of subsidies for farmers that put aside land for wildlife and revegetation?

Cheers, Michael.

Michael Mules
Science Curator
8th Floor, 108 Lonsdale Street
GPO Box 666E
Melbourne  Vic  3001

Ph:   9291 2119
Fax: 9291 2139
email:

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From:   Nigel Sterpin[SMTP:
Sent:   Monday, 23 August 1999 5:07 PM
To:     birding-aus
Subject:        birding-aus Solution to salinity

Isn't the solution to salt wasteland to simply stop farming in these areas and only farm in areas that has the soil to support it, such as Gippsland, Vic and other 'coastal' areas? Yes, I know there isn't enough of this land to support Australia produce demands, but the way around that is to import food from other countries where the land is not as adversely affected.

Any logical disputations to these points?
 
Uroo, Nigel Sterpin
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