Saltbush provides a valuable feed source in low rainfall environments and plays an important role in the reclamation of land affected by salinity. AWI is researching new methods for low cost and reliable establishment of saltbush.

Saltbush species are widely distributed across the pastoral zone and provide an important feed resource for the wool industry. Under appropriate grazing management these perennial shrubs persist within pastoral zone environments.

Saltbush species are now widely recognised as a suitable for sowing in saline discharge areas. The saltbush increases water use, lowers the water table, provides a valuable fodder reserve for sheep and provides shelter that enables other productive pasture species to be sown between the shrubs.

At present saltbush can be sown using seedlings, at great cost, or using direct seeding methods that have a high risk of failure.

The development of cost effective and reliable techniques to sow and establish saltbush over large areas is now a high priority for wool growers wanting to rehabilitate saline land. The development of this technology also provides pastoral zone producers with an opportunity to re-establish saltbush in areas where the naturally occurring shrubland has disappeared.

This project will examine the basic seed and germination biology for saltbush and investigate new technologies, such as seed coatings, to enhance establishment success. The project will also develop low risk, economical and field proven establishment recipes for saltbush and other perennial species, including summer active grasses and native grasses.