Abstract

This dataset contains the workings for deriving salinity condition scores that were generated for the Soil Condition theme of the NSW Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting (MER) program.

The dataset was generated from 'known saline site' mapping and API activities carried out by DLWC and DIPNR regions between 2000 and 2005. Scores are based on location, size and intensity of salinised areas.

ArcGIS was used to intersect the salinity mapping datasets with the 124 soil monitoring units (SMUs) used for the other Soil Condition theme indicators. The area of each intensity class within each SMU was determined. In cases where it was known that there were errors in the salinity mapping, area values were adjusted accordingly. Intensity as a percentage of total SMU area was then determined.

Salt load and electrical conductivity (EC) impacts on water-ways was evaluated by staff working in the salinity field (expert opinion).

Presentation form

Table digital

Edition

First

Dataset language

English

Dataset URI

https://datasets.seed.nsw.gov.au/dataset/9764e57a-23a4-4a2c-8183-f4bfc14e0391

Purpose

The five class salinity condition score is derived from three attributes used to describe salinity impact. Intensity class: based on visual assessment of saline outbreaks (Milford & Simon 2002). Each class is assigned a score from 5 (no vegetation loss or erosion) to 1 (severe vegetation loss and/or erosion). Area class: based on the percentage of the SMU affected by each intensity class. These classes are assigned a score from 5 (negligible land area affected) to 1 (extensive land area affected). Load/EC class: based on expert opinion as to the whether the outbreaks have a low, moderate or high impact on salinity load and EC levels in water ways. Again a score from 5 (low impact on streams) to 1 (severe impact on streams) is used. The final salinity condition score is determined by averaging these three attribute scores for each SMU. While it is possible to apply a weighting to each attribute, at this stage it appears an equal weighting for each attribute score gives realistic results. The overall salinity condition score ranges from 5 (minimal salinity impact on land and water) through to 1 (severe salinity impact on land and water). The dataset does not represent all the information available on salinity extent or impact. The scale being used is very broad and at best gives a catchment scale picture in at a point in time. SMUs do not cover entire CMA areas. Salinity data has only been considered for the SMU as defined. There are salt affected areas outside the current SMUs. Users of this dataset should be aware that the salinity outbreak datasets used for this evaluation are of differing ages and of varying quality.

Status

Completed

Spatial representation type

textTable

Spatial reference system

Equivalent scale

1:None

Additional information source

Source datasets: Dryland Salinity Mapping - Central West Region Stage One (ANZNS0359000888); Dryland Salinity Outbreak Mapping (Salt_2000); Dryland Salinity Outbreak Mapping - Eastern & Central New South Wales (2005)

Originating controlled vocabulary

Dataset reference date

Scope

dataset

DQ Completeness Commission

DQ Completeness Omission

DQ Conceptual Consistency

DQ Topological Consistency

DQ Absolute External Positional Accuracy

DQ Non Quantitative Attribute Correctness

Responsible party

Metadata point of contact

Metadata date

2024-02-26T12:58:06.917264

Metadata language