Study seeks a clearer picture of soil salts

A clearer picture of the changing patterns of salt distribution in irrigated soils is being sought through an undergraduate study funded by the National Program for Sustainable Irrigation.

Flinders University of South Australia student Megan Sebben has been spending the summer break experiencing a research environment with the South Australian Research and Development Institute under the supervision of principal scientist Jim Cox while she examines available data and information gathered from monitoring sites in McLaren Vale and elsewhere in the state to improve knowledge of salinity.

The McLaren Vale sites are in two vineyards where conventional drip irrigation and sub-surface irrigation are applied.

“Salinity status is normally assessed by grape growers through an analysis of a soil paste or through use of solute samplers,” Megan Sebben said.

“This study helps put more detail into the picture by measuring and tracking salinity levels and distribution over time.

“It may be able to show any differences between salinity patterns under conventional and sub-surface drip and assist with management of re-used water which is available at McLaren Vale.”

National Program for Sustainable Irrigation program manager Guy Roth says the short period projects funded for smart undergraduates can produce valuable information for producers in irrigated agriculture.

“Another important outcome is the increased familiarity of students with science and the industry, which hopefully will encourage interest in pursuing careers in irrigation research,” he said.

Each year the National Program for Sustainable Irrigation provides four scholarships, each valued at $6,000, to students completing the senior year of their university studies.

Caption: Megan Sebben is one of four National Program for Sustainable Irrigation scholarship winners gaining experience alongside leading irrigation researchers. She is pictured with her supervisor Jim Cox (centre) who heads the South Australian Research and Development Institute’s Water Resources and Irrigated Crops unit, and National Program for Sustainable Irrigation program manager Guy Roth.

Citation

Land & Water Australia. 2010. Study seeks a clearer picture of soil salts. [Online] (Updated March 16th, 2010)
Available at: http://lwa.gov.au/node/3735 [Accessed Tuesday 12th of March 2013 12:21:31 PM ].