SALINITY IMPACTS UPPER SOUTH EAST Survey

To investigate the effect of rising groundwater and salinity on the health of low-lying vegetatin in the Bunbury-Taunta area, 14 vegetation survey sites were conducted in 1992.Survey site methodology was the Biological Survey of SA, with quadrats generally being 30 x 30 m but some were 5 x 50 m. The study's objectives were to map and describe the different health classes and extent of vegetation degradation, describe the process and timing of vegetation decline, and predict future decline in vegetation health. At each site, species presence and abundance data was collected, samples of soil, groundwater and surface water were collected for salinity readings and a general description of the area was made. Photopoints were also established. The data was then analysed subjectively to determine the typical characteristics for each health class. The report resulting from the study is: Webb, L (1993), An investigation into the environmental effects of rising groundwater and salinity on native vegetation in the Bunbury-Taunata area (including the proposed Lesron Conservation Park) in the Upper South East of South Australia. The SALINITY IMPACTS UPPER SOUTH EAST Survey is part of the Biological Survey of South Australia Program which is a series of systematic surveys conducted across the state between 1971 and the present with the broad aim of providing a baseline inventory of South Australia's flora and fauna biodiversity.