Evaluation of Dairy Effluent Management Options Using Multiple Criteria Analysis |
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Authors: | Stefan A Hajkowicz Sarah A Wheeler |
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Institution: | (1) CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, 306 Carmody Road, St Lucia, QLD, 4067, Australia;(2) Centre for Regulation and Market Analysis, School of Commerce, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia |
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Abstract: | This article describes how options for managing dairy effluent on the Lower Murray River in South Australia were evaluated
using multiple criteria analysis (MCA). Multiple criteria analysis is a framework for combining multiple environmental, social,
and economic objectives in policy decisions. At the time of the study, dairy irrigation in the region was based on flood irrigation
which involved returning effluent to the river. The returned water contained nutrients, salts, and microbial contaminants
leading to environmental, human health, and tourism impacts. In this study MCA was used to evaluate 11 options against 6 criteria
for managing dairy effluent problems. Of the 11 options, the MCA model selected partial rehabilitation of dairy paddocks with
the conversion of remaining land to other agriculture. Soon after, the South Australian Government adopted this course of
action and is now providing incentives for dairy farmers in the region to upgrade irrigation infrastructure and/or enter alternative
industries. |
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Keywords: | Water pollution Agriculture Dairy effluent Multiple criteria analysis |
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