1. Land Erosion and Soil Salinity © Karen Devine 2010

2. Erosion of Land The causes of the erosion of land include: The causes of the erosion of land include: a) total removal of covering vegetation b) overcultivation of soil c) compaction of soil by machinery or foot traffic (including animal hoofs) © Karen Devine 2010

3. Erosion of Land d) contamination by pesticide and overuse of fertilisers e) overgrazing by animals f) development which causes damage to ecosystems, flooding and loss of species. © Karen Devine 2010

4. Erosion of Land g) use of irrigation systems which alters the water table. h) increase in salinity due to replacement of deep rooted vegetation with shallow rooted vegetation. i) removal of vegetation on slopes and river banks. © Karen Devine 2010

5. Erosion of Land j) removal of stubble after the harvesting of crops k) pollution of water. © Karen Devine 2010

6. Soil Salinity Soil salinity is a worsening problem for Australia’s lands ultimately leading to infertility and barrenness. Soil salinity is a worsening problem for Australia’s lands ultimately leading to infertility and barrenness. © Karen Devine 2010

7. Soil Salinity Soil salinity will result in: Soil salinity will result in: a) dead flora b) removal of vegetation c) sick looking plants d) stunted plant growth e) “survival of the fittest”. © Karen Devine 2010

8. Soil Salinity The salt which poisons fertile land is derived from: The salt which poisons fertile land is derived from: a) erosion of rocks. b) deposition of salty sediments by wind or water. c) deposited salt from nearby salt lakes or pans. d) irrigation of land which raises the water table. e) clearing lands causing a rising water table. f) planting of shallow rooted plants after removing deeply rooted plants. © Karen Devine 2010

9. Soil Salinity The solutions to soil salinity include: The solutions to soil salinity include: a) decreasing irrigation. b) avoidance of mono-cropping. c) planting of saltbush. d) establishing soil regeneration zones. © Karen Devine 2010

10. Question Time? Watch Film on Soil Salinity. Watch Film on Soil Salinity. Watch Film on Soil Salinity. Watch Film on Soil Salinity. Explain the development of Lake Eyre. Explain the development of Lake Eyre. © Karen Devine 2010