Strategies for grass establishment to control erosion on roma flood levee batters

Abstract

An earthen levee was constructed to protect areas of Roma township, Australia, against periodic floods. This paper presents strategies used to establish grasses to control erosion on the levee batters. As a result of water scarcity in the semi-arid environment, precision irrigation involving the use of drip laterals was an integral part of the strategies implemented. However, the water source was alkaline, saline and sodic. The water pH of nearly 9 was adjusted by mixing 85% phosphoric acid with the irrigation water, the right amount added determined by titration tests carried out in a laboratory. The sodicity of the water was improved by mixing liquid gypsum with the water. Buffel and Rhodes grasses were seeded as they are popular for permanent pasture. The treatments imposed on the batters have worked very well with over 80% grass cover at all sections on the levee batters achieved during the first 6 months.