Urban and heritage landscapes. Under the saline threat

Human-induced dryland and irrigation salinity are major forms of land degradation in rural areas, particularly in southern Australia. Salinity is also impacting significantly on the historic environment that identifies Australia’s country towns from the suburbia of larger cities. Historic buildings, formal private gardens and street plantings are affected and are at risk. Many plants, especially the exotic species commonly used in these situations, are susceptible to elevated soil salinity levels. Changes in the vegetative make up of Australian towns are likely to alter their character. This paper reviews the nature of the threat and the extent of the impending change, and discusses the relative merits of available mitigation options.