Economic benefit and costs of tree planting for salinity control

This study reviewed case studies and research focussed on the issues of managing native vegetation, the problems of salinity and the relationship between the two. It then addressed the economic feasibility of six tree planting configurations to reduce the impacts of salinity. The method used a spreadsheet model showing the benefits and costs of various planting configurations over a 30-year time span. This model can be used to assess the monetary net benefit/costs of reducing recharge of a vegetation management proposal. Inputs can be varied to tailor the model to different catchments. Even when applied to local groundwater systems, the impact on salinity in terms of land salinised, salt loads and dollars was small. These factors can represent major impediments to the implementation of tree planting and vegetation regeneration.