This paper summarizes the results from a study of historical stream salinity
trends and catchment salt balances within the Murray–Darling Basin,
Australia. A broad analysis of stream salinization was necessary to assist
prediction of the increase in the effect and extent of dryland salinity across
the basin. The sparseness of the water-quality data necessitated the
development of an innovative statistical trend technique that also allowed for
the high autocorrelation of the stream salinity data which was often
present.Results showed the spatial distribution of stream salinization and
identified regions of concern. The salinization characteristics of four
distinct geographical regions were identified by providing a spatial analysis
of catchment salt balances and stream salinity trends. The salinization
behaviour of each region was also related to distinct physical processes. The
most significant rising trends and catchment salt output/input ratios were
in the zone with 500–800 mm year–1 rainfall
in the southern and eastern dryland region.
