Land degradation is a major environmental problem that threatens the sustainability of many ecosystems, the productivity of primary industries and the livelihood of communities. While the degradation resulting from wind and water erosion is well recognised, fundamental knowledge gaps persist which limit effective management.

Sediments, nutrients and other pollutants arising from these processes are transported to rivers leading to degradation of waterways. Understanding the movement and fate of these materials in rivers and wetlands, as well as other important ecosystem processes, is also a major focus of scientists at the Australian Rivers Institute.

Knowledge of these fundamental biophysical processes will help us to predict the impact of land-use change on catchment and river health.