4.2: Regional scale sediment and nutrient budgets

Leader:

Gary Caitcheon

Abstract

<p>To manage sediment and nutrient inputs to rivers we need to identify which of the erosion processes are most important in different parts of the catchment.  This project aims to do this and so increase our understanding of how current land-uses impact the river systems in two north Australian river catchments.</p>

Outcomes

In conjunction with other TRaCK research, the findings from this project will help predict the potential consequences of land use change on river and estuary health. This will assist water planners and natural resource managers to make improved decisions when considering water allocation and development options in tropical river catchments.

A better understanding of the key sub-catchments that contribute sediment and nutrients to tropical river systems, as well as the erosion processes responsible will help land holders and managers to more effectively plan and implement on-ground prevention and remedial works and adjust land management practices so that soil loss to streams can be minimised.

Where is the research happening?

Models will be developed and tested for the Mitchell (Qld) and the Daly (NT) rivers.

Who's involved

The project is being lead by scientists at CSIRO Land and Water in Canberra. They will be working with other scientists from Charles Darwin University in Darwin. There will also be strong links with other scientists doing related work in TRaCK (e.g. in the bedload transport project and the water budgets project).