Dermosols

Dermosols lack strong texture contrast between surface (A) horizons and the upper subsoil (B2). The subsoils are also structured (as opposed to Kandosols which lack structure).

North East Dermosols.

This broad-scale overview map of Dermosols in the North East region has been developed chiefly by Ken Rowe and is based on the Land Systems of Victoria (1:250 000). Other contributors have also assisted in updating the map in areas where they have specialist knowledge. The map shows areas where Dermosols are most likely to occur within the region and should only be used as a general indication of their distribution.

Note that other soil types may also occur within these mapped areas (either dominantly or sub-dominantly) - depending on factors such as climate, landform, geology, vegetation and degree of weathering. This map will continue to be updated as new information becomes available.

Access the

Soil and Land Survey Directory

from this website to find out about more detailed information from various soil and land surveys that cover parts of this region.

Dermosols are widespread throughout the North East region and are most commonly Red or Brown Dermosols. In the higher rainfall areas they are generally strongly acid throughout. Dermosols can occur in many landscapes (from lower terraces to mountains) and have developed on a range of rock types.

Red Dermosols

Previously referred to as:

Reddish Gradational soils, amphipodzols.

Occurrence:

Common on granitic uplands e.g. Koetong plateau, older upper terraces and alluvial/colluvial fans along margins of river valleys.

Generalised Description:

Surface (A) horizons
loam to clay loam texture, dark brown A1, overlying yellowish red or reddish brown A2, gradual boundary change.

Subsoil (B2) horizon
clay loam to light clay texture, strong sub-angular blocky structure, strongly acid, low nutrient status.

Acidic Red Dermosol on lower river terrace in the Tallangatta Valley.

Brown Dermosols (mountain areas)

Previously referred to as:

Acid brown earths, cryptopodsols, friable brown gradational soils.

Occurrence:

The most widespread soil in higher rainfall, mountainous areas of north-eastern Victoria.

Generalised Description:

Surface (A) horizons
forest litter (O horizon), overlying dark brown to black organic loam A1 horizon (up to 15 cm thick) with strong fine granular structure, gradual boundary change.

Subsoil (B2) horizon
clay loam to light clay texture, strongly acid, dystrophic.

Acidic Brown Dermosol found in mountainous areas.

Yellow and Brown Dermosols (plains)

Occurrence:

Plains in the drier north-western part of the North East region.

Generalised Description:

Surface (A) horizons
fine sandy clay loam, darker A1 horizon, overlying paler (often bleached) A2 horizon, weakly structured, clear to gradual boundary change.

Subsoil (B2) horizon
clay loam to light clay texture, becoming more clayey and alkaline with depth, often with many manganese stains at depth, well developed structure.

Yellow Dermosol found on plains in the Rutherglen area.

References

Rowe, R.K (1967). A Study of the Land in the Victorian Catchment of Lake Hume. Soil Conservation Authority. Victoria. Technical Communication 5.

Rowe, R.K (1972). A Study of the Land in the Catchment of the Kiewa River. Soil Conservation Authority. Victoria. Technical Communication 8.

Rowe, R.K (1984). A Study of the Land in the Catchments of the Upper Ovens and King Rivers. Soil Conservation Authority. Victoria. Technical Communication 16.

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