Irrigation with Groundwater

Landowners who irrigate with groundwater should take care to avoid productivity losses through salt damage.

Groundwater is a valuable water resource for irrigation however it contains dissolved salt which can affect plant health and soil structure.

The salinity of groundwater is variable. The shallow groundwater system in the Shepparton Irrigation Region has salinities that range from fresh (less to 500 EC units) to brackish (greater than 5,000 EC units) and can vary markedly over short distances.

Where groundwater system is used for irrigation it is critical to know the salinity of the water applied to crops. To maximise the productive use of groundwater, careful management may be required, depending on groundwater salinity.

Check monitoring bore water levels

Check salinity risk map

Learn more about the safe use of groundwater for irrigation.

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