The role of trees in potential solutions to dryland salinity and implications for pulpwood supply

The issue of dryland salinity has been covered sporadically in the news media. Most Australians, even those living in the cities, are now aware that all is not well with the nation's farmlands. Less widespread is knowledge of the nature and extent of the problem, its causes, or the likely impact on Australia's future. For those of us working in the forest industries, the issue is vital because trees furnish the raw materials for most of our products - and widespread tree planting has been proposed as one possible remedy for salinity. This paper summarises the current assessments of rural land degradation, the role of trees in potential solutions, and the implications for pulpwood supplies.