THE detrimental state of the Coorong and Lower Lakes offers a unique opportunity to use natural recovery processes in wetlands, say scientists from both the CSIRO and the Department for Environment and Heritage.

Locals have told The Standard reeds and grasses are growing in acid sulfate soils exposed by low water levels.

Further investigations revealed a feasibility study is being prepared by the DEH, which could see the area restored to a healthy wetlands region sooner than expected.

DEH senior wetland officer Russel Seaman said the reeds, or ‘phragmites’ thrived in acid sulfate-affected soil, and were “establishing a natural carbon cycle back into the lake system which has previously been absent because the lake water levels have been regulated”. “Orga-nisms are produced by that carbon cycle, and they will reduce the amount of acid sulfates in the soil,” Mr Seaman said.

In combination with fresh water, he said it “might just hold one of the keys for bringing the Lower Lakes back from the brink of collapse.”

Lake Albert dairy farmer Lesley Fischer noticed reeds and couch grasses growing in evaporated areas of the lake bed affected by acid sulfates last year.

“It smelt quite pungent,” she said.

And after witnessing the fast re-growth, she thought it might be a hopeful sign of things to come.

But while the couch is probably due to recent rains and nutrients remaining in the surface soil, Mr Seaman who is working closely with CSIRO chief research scientist Rob Fitzpatrick, said the strong emergence of phragmites were “a very good thing”. “Dense reed beds existed in the lakes a long time ago,” he said.

And to assist this natural process of wetland rejuvenation the DEH is considering a widespread roll-out of carbon-heavy mulches into the lake bed, as waters recede.

“There’s a concept you could use mulching to kick-start the process of re-carbonating the system,” Mr Seaman said. This could see the wetlands restored to healthy conditions after being plagued with high salinity and low water levels due to the drought.

Mr Seaman said local communities adversely affected by water levels could be recruited to assist in the wetlands’ rehabilitation, with mulch, plant stock and labour expected to be sourced from the area.