WATER UTILIZATION - EVAPOTRANSPIRATION AND SOIL MOISTURE MONITORING IN THE SOUTH-EAST REGION OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA

摘要

Occupation of the Lower South-East commenced in 1841. The relief is gentle, never over 800 feet above sea level, and the topography has prevented almost all streams reaching the sea. In consequence, early land development was severely handicapped by large swamps and lagoons which accumulated surface water to such an extent that large areas remained permanently inundated. The gradual introduction of artificial drainage opened the region principally to pastoral development which has in recent years led to both flood and spray irrigation in selected areas. Irrigation water is obtained from either shallow limestone water table aquifers or deeper unconsolidated sand pressure aquifers. Extensive Pinus radiata afforestation of the higher naturally drained areas has also led to a growing industrial demand for water principally to meet the requirements of the paper and timber products industries.