enl_salinatiry_controlSalinisation of the landscape, be it dry land or irrigation induced, can create tremendous losses for the farmer.

Despite its stark and devastating appearance, all salt induced problems can be corrected by the engineering solution of sub-surface drainage.

Technically it is simply a process of installing a drainage system deep in to the soil profile, and then using natural rainfall or quality irrigation water to flush the salts from the profile. The economics however, can have a greater bearing on the outcome. Factors that need to be considered before embarking on a desalinisation project are crop value, land value, access to flushing water, and if safe disposal of saline discharge can be achieved.

In many instances, especially in horticultural enterprises, sub-surface drainage is best considered as an insurance policy, if there is the slightest chance of soil salts affecting sensitive crops.