Predicting Upland Stream Salinity After Reforestation

Native vegetation clearing has created salinity problems in many parts of Australia. Reforestation has the potential to reduce salinity, but also reduces stream flow and this is a cause of concern. Spatial predictions of the stream flow and salinity impacts of reforestation are needed to assess the ability to achieve salinity and water resource targets. Unfortunately, our ability to predict salinity changes after reforestation is limited. Direct measurements at the catchment level are few, and the processes of salt mobilisation and delivery to the stream in upland catchments are poorly understood.