Potential use of saline groundwater for irrigation in the Murray hydrogeological basin of Australia

Scarce surface water resources have led farmers to use groundwater heavily for irrigation in the Murray-Darling Basin of Australia. Saline groundwater is emerging as an alternative source of water for irrigation. This study examines the potential use of saline groundwater for a range of crops. Among cropping groups modelled, oilseeds and grain crops are considerably tolerant to saline groundwater in terms of the change yield with salinity levels, although the tolerance levels are crop-specific. Based on availability of saline groundwater, coarse textured soil, deep water table and moderate rainfall, this study also revealed that twenty-two percent or seven million hectares of the Murray hydrogeological basin in the southern Murray-Darling Basin may be suitable for the saline groundwater irrigation. However, it is also noted that the use of saline groundwater is only feasible for saline-tolerant crops under proper drainage management and by observing suitable precautionary measures. Therefore, the use of saline groundwater in irrigation requires careful attention to monitor the build up of salt in the root zone.