Land degradation can have severe economic and environmental consequences. Almost two-thirds of land in Australia has been modified for human use, primarily for grazing on natural vegetation. Clearing of native vegetation continues to occur for agriculture, plantation forestry, and urban development. Over the past two centuries, as land use has intensified for a growing population in this arid land, vast areas of native vegetation have been cleared or degraded, resulting in adverse affects on biodiversity, soil and water quality and the spread of weeds, feral pests and diseases. This book examines the damaging impacts of Australia's land use and agricultural activity, and proposes improvements to current farming systems, including more sustainable use of water and soil, and development of new systems for irrigation, fertilisation and water use. To ensure long-term sustainability, land managers need to consider economic, social and environmental factors. How do we meet the needs of the present without depleting

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Salinity is one of Australia's biggest environmental problems. A build-up of salt in the soil, waterways and ground water is damaging Australia's landscape and making it difficult for vegetation to survive and grow. How does salinity occur, and what can be done to stop it advancing further? Salinity explores the problem of too much salt in Australia's natural landscape, as well as explaining the steps that need to be taken to combat salinity.