Salinity - Watertable Induced

Dataset Number1065
Dataset TitleSalinity - Watertable Induced
CustodianData Authority: Department for Environment and Water
Data Provider: Department for Environment and Water

Description

DescriptionWatertable-induced salinity is soil salinity caused by the presence of shallow, saline groundwater. It ranges from extreme (bare, salt-encrusted salt pan) to moderately low (where there is little surface evidence but plant growth is impacted by raised levels of salts in the soil). Capillary action brings salts INTO rootzone, with severity of salinity primarily determined by depth to groundwater, groundwater salinity and soil texture. Vegetative indicators are an excellent guide to severity of salinity, particularly at higher levels: from moderately high (marginal cropping land) to extreme. For example, samphire species are very common on land with high to very high levels of salinity. Eight Salinity - Watertable Induced attribute (or 'analysis data') classes have been supplied (see 'S1', 'S2' etc in table below, including not applicable) as percentage (areal extent) values of each Soil Landscape Map Unit. Note: the sum of all percentage values for each map unit totals 100%. This analysis data is to be used for the calculation of spatial data statistics. For map display purposes, Soil Landscape Map Units are categorised INTO eight legend categories (SAL_WT) including not applicable. The map shows seven categories of watertable-induced salinity, which account for the severity of salinity of the landscape as a whole, and for the proportion of land affected by discrete highly saline seepage. Categories do not distinguish between 'primary' (natural) and 'secondary' (management induced) salinity.
UsageLink to Soil Attribute Descriptions. This dataset has been derived from the Soil Landscape Map Units spatial dataset to be used for map creation or the calculation of spatial data statistics. Used to supply Government, community groups, industry and the general public with up to date regional, subregional and catchment level land and soil attribute information for southern South Australia. The aim is to produce maps, statistics and reports displaying and describing: Land and soil attributes within southern South AustraliaSELECT 1 FROM DUAL; Land surface features affecting land use, land management and productivitySELECT 1 FROM DUAL; Limitations / suitability of land and soil for a range of agricultural and other uses. Independent professional advice should be sought before using this in commercial decisions. Further information: soil and land attributes. Salinity - Watertable Induced dataset can be viewed on NatureMaps (>Soils>Soil Salinity Attributes). Spatial data downloads are available from Data SA.

Data Quality

LineageThe dataset is based on an interpretation of 1:40,000 stereo colour aerial photography and limited field inspection of landscapes and soils by soil scientists. Soil Landscape Map Unit boundaries were determined after an integration of field observations and recordingsSELECT 1 FROM DUAL; laboratory analysesSELECT 1 FROM DUAL; stereoscopic examination of aerial photographsSELECT 1 FROM DUAL; understanding of regional landscape processes and stratigraphySELECT 1 FROM DUAL; existing soil and geological mapping data. To avoid inconsistencies and confusion, any updates to the Soil and Land Attribute mapping are to be managed by DEWNR Soil and Land Program. This data has been released under a Creative Commons licence. Where products are derived from this data, DEWNR are to be acknowledged, and any changes to the original data should be indicated.
CompletenessComplete. The spatial data is subject to amendment as and when more data become available.
Positional AccuracyThe accuracy is to the scale of mapping (50 metres at 1:50,000 and 300 metres at 1:100,000 mapping scale). The spatial data is to be used at the regional, subregional and catchment level, and can be used to provide property overviewsSELECT 1 FROM DUAL; however, cannot be used at the paddock level. South East, Kangaroo Island, Mount Lofty Ranges and the 'bottom' of Yorke Peninsula have been mapped at 1:50,000. Eyre Peninsula, the main part of Yorke Peninsula, Murray Mallee and Northern Agricultural Districts have been mapped at 1:100,000. Map unit boundaries should be treated as transition zones.

Geographic Extent

Extent NameAgricultural Region - South Australia
Min Easting or Longitude132.25
Min Northing or Latitude-38
Max Easting or Longitude141
Max Northing or Latitude-32.25

Dataset Status

Initially Acquired01-AUG-1976
Last Updated01-JUL-2009
Update FrequencyAs required
Maintenance MethodAs required
AusGOALCC BY (Attribution)

Attributes

TableNameField AliasData TypeDescription
Landscape.SALAD_Salinity_WtableLANSLU CharacterSoil Landscape Map Unit
Landscape.SALAD_Salinity_WtableSAL_WT CharacterNature of Watertable Induced Salinity. (Legend categories. See layer file for descriptions) Categories account for the degree of salinity of the landscape as a whole, and for the proportion of land affected by discrete highly saline seepage. Classes do not distinguish between primary (natural) and secondary (management induced) salinity.
Landscape.SALAD_Salinity_WtableS1 NumberPercentage of map unit with negligible salinity (no evidence of salt effects).
Landscape.SALAD_Salinity_WtableS2 NumberPercentage of map unit with moderately low salinity (deep rooted horticultural species and pasture legumes affected).
Landscape.SALAD_Salinity_WtableS3 NumberPercentage of map unit with moderate salinity (many field crops and lucerne affected. Halophytes usually evident).
Landscape.SALAD_Salinity_WtableS4 NumberPercentage of map unit with moderately high salinity (too salty for most field crops and lucerne. Halophytes are common).
Landscape.SALAD_Salinity_WtableS5 NumberPercentage of map unit with high salinity (land dominated by halophytes with bare areas. Puccinellia and tall wheat grass thrive).
Landscape.SALAD_Salinity_WtableS7 NumberPercentage of map unit with very high salinity (land is too salty for productive plantsSELECT 1 FROM DUAL; supports only hardy halophytes).
Landscape.SALAD_Salinity_WtableS8 NumberPercentage of map unit with extreme salinity (bare surface, may be salt encrusted).
Landscape.SALAD_Salinity_WtableSX NumberPercentage of map unit which is not applicable.

Contact Information

OrganisationDepartment for Environment and Water
Science Monitoring and Knowledge
Postal AddressGPO Box 1047

ADELAIDE
5001
EmailDEWNR.CustomerServiceCentre@sa.gov.au