Workshops on Sulfidic
sediments in inland catchments

Research funded by the NSW Environmental Trust 2003 Research Grants Program has shown that acid sulfate soils are more widespread in inland areas than previously thought.

In 2003 the Murray Darling Freshwater Research Centre collected soil samples from 81 inland wetland areas and found that 20% of these samples were charactersied as actually or probably containing sulfidic sediments.

The learnings from this research will be made available to farmers, developers, inland Catchment Management Authorities and government through a series of eight workshops to be conducted in inland catchments in late 2007 by the NSW Environmental Trust and Murray Darling Freshwater Research Centre.

Workshop participants will learn how to identify and manage inland acid sulfate soils and how to use a decision support tool that has been developed by the Murray Darling Freshwater Research Centre. The decision support tool helps identify whether a site is prone to acidification. If a high likelihood of acid-prone soils is shown, then further testing and appropriate management can be undertaken.

The workshops and decision support tool will be supported by a brochure, internet resources and a media campaign. It is hoped that by making these learnings widely available, any further acidification of inland soils will be minimised.

For more information contact Leah Andrews on 02 8837 6081 or email leah.andrews@environment.nsw.gov.au

>> More info -  Leah Andrews (02) 8837 6081
or visit: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/envtrust/