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MM111

Site code

      MM111
Location
      Birregurra (Conns Lane), Colac district, south-west Victoria
Landform
      Alluvial plain
Geology
Element
      Flat

Profile morphology
Horizon

Depth (cm)

Description

A1
0–15
Black (10YR2/1); medium clay; strong coarse blocky structure; strong consistence (dry); gradual boundary to:

B21
15–30
Very dark grey (10YR3/1) with brown (2.5Y5/4) mottles; medium heavy clay; strong coarse blocky structure; strong consistence (dry); boundary to:

B22
30+
Very dark gray (10YR3/1) with brown (2.5Y5/4) mottles; medium heavy clay; strong coarse blocky structure; strong consistence (dry).

ASC: Eutrophic, Mottled-Subnatric, Black Sodosol

Analytical data Source: Government of Victoria, State Chemistry Laboratory.

Site MM111
Sample
depth
pH
EC
NaCl
Ex Ca
Ex Mg
Ex K
Ex Na
Ex Al
Ex acidity
Horizon
cm
H2O
CaCl2
dS/m
%
cmolc/kg
cmolc/kg
cmolc/kg
cmolc/kg
mg/kg
cmolc/kg
A1
0–15
5.7
N/R
0.08
N/R
5
5
0.3
0.6
N/R
21.2
B21
15–30
7.1
N/R
0.23
0.02
7.5
7.5
0.2
1.8
N/R
6.3
B22
30+
7.6
N/R
0.34
0.08
7.7
7.7
0.2
3.7
N/R
4.6

Site MM111
Sample
depth
FC
(-10kPa)
PWP
(-1500kPa)
KS
FS
Z
C
Org C
Bulk density
Horizon
cm
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
t m-3
A1
0–15
35.5
22.8
1
36
23
33
4.5
1.31
B21
15–30
18.4
17.1
1
35
20
42
N/R
1.28
B22
30+
N/R
0
1
32
17
49
N/R
N/R

Management considerations
These soils are hardsetting surface and subsurface soils (A1 and A2) with medium to heavy textures. They are associated with sodic subsoils having poor structure. The poor structure results in dispersion and subsequent clogging of pores restricting water and gas movement through the subsoil. Mottled subsoils are common and are a further indication of periodic waterlogging and restricted water movement.

The soils are clay cracking soils throughout and vary in their workability depending on their moisture status (highly permeable when dry and impermeable when saturated). These soils are also prone to structure decline particularly when worked wet.

The application of gypsum is used to counter the effect of the sodicity and improve drainage properties. Penetration by deep-rooted crops is also useful as is minimum tillage practices which avoids bring the sodic, dispersive material to the surface.
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