Sustainable Grazing on Saline Lands WA1 Research Project Final Report

Product Information

In 2001, when this project was initiated, it was unclear if saltbushes produced enough feed of sufficient quality to justify costs of establishment for livestock systems. Additionally at this time, there was little scientific information concerning water use by halophytic shrubs in saline soils and the ecological value of saline land.

The aim of this research project was to develop options for livestock production from saline land that are profitable and reduce the environmental and social impacts of salinity. This project focussed on systems incorporating halophytic shrubs in the low to medium rainfall zone of Western Australia. Summarises the research findings of this project.

Overall, the revegetation of saline land in the low to medium rainfall zone of south-western Australia offers benefits to producers in the form of economic returns from animal production systems and environmental health. A range of social benefits were also identified including increased visual amenity and ease of livestock management. In effect, our data indicates that positive environmental outcomes, such as reduced salinity and waterlogging, are linked to economic outcomes.