MM247

Site: MM247	Land Unit: Willaura Basalt
*Aust. Soil Class.:* Ferric, Mottled-Mesonatric, Brown SODOSOL (confidence level 2)

General Land Unit Description:
This land unit occurs on the level to gently undulating plains between Moyston and Willarua. The soils are commonly sodic and exhibit gilgai micro-relief, although due to land management, gilgais are not always apparent on the surface. Soil depth is variable due to basalt floaters. On the broad flat crest and level areas, particularly in the southern portion of the land unit, the soils can have a conspicuously bleached A2 horizon. Numerous grey clay swamps and depressions are scattered throughout this map unit. Occasionally Red or Brown Chromosols or Sodosols may be found on backs surround these swamps.

Site Description:

Geology: Quaternary basalt	Landform pattern: Gently undulating to level plain
Position in landscape: Flat	Internal drainage: Imperfectly drained

Soil Profile Morphology

A11	0-20 cm	Dark brown (10YR3/3) clay loam, weak consistence when moderately moist, pH 5.8, sharp transition to:
A12	20-35 cm	Pale brown (10YR6/3) clay loam, conspicuously bleached (10YR8/2) when dry, weak consistence when dry, ferromanganiferous nodules are abundant, pH 6.9, sharp transition to:
	Subsoil
B21	35-60 cm	Yellowish brown (10YR5/4) heavy clay, reddish brown mottles, very firm consistence when moist, pH 7.6, clear transition to:
B22	60-70 cm	Brown (10YR5/3) medium clay, very firm consistence when moist, pH 8.2, gradual transition to:
B23	70+ cm	Light yellowish brown (2.5Y6/4) medium clay, very firm consistence when moist, calcareous segregations, pH 9.1.

Key profile features:

Strongly alkaline at depth
Strongly sodic subsoil
Calcareous segregations in subsoil
Ferromanganiferious nodules are abundant above the clay

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