Indicators are signs or symptoms that suggest salinity might be affecting a site. There are many different indicators for salinity and some common examples include:
- bare and scalded areas
- a white salt crust on brickwork
- changes in crop health
- seepage areas in roads
- patches of salt-tolerant plants
- white crusts on soil surface when dry
- corrosion of water, gas and sewerage pipes
- tree decline or unhealthy grasses and shrubs.
Indicators are not always easy to detect and may take several years to emerge as a full-blown salinity problem.
Some salinity indicators may be similar to those caused by other problems. For example, tree dieback may also be caused by non-saline waterlogging, insect attack or fungal diseases.
Site-specific investigations can confirm the presence and severity of salinity.
More information
Dryland Salinity: Identifying Saline Areas (Book 2)
Local Government Salinity Initiative - Booklet No. 1: Indicators of Urban Salinity
Local Government Salinity Initiative - Booklet No. 3: Site Investigations for Urban Salinity