Dalmore Clay (heavy surface)

Symbol: Dahs

Geology - Recent lacustrine (lake or swamp) deposits.

Landform - Lacustrine plain.

Soils

This soil is similar to Dalmore clay (non-peaty) but lacks the friable surface.

The surface soil of Dalmore clay (heavy surface) is about 100 mm deep and is a black medium to heavy clay. This overlies a dark grey plastic medium to heavy clay, which may become paler in colour and faintly mottled with yellow with depth. At about 1m depth, grey mottled with brownish yellow medium to heavy clays usually occur which continue to at least 1.8 m. Soil pit site information for a Dalmore clay (heavy surface) soil profile can be found for Site GP 24. These soils can be referred to as Epipedal, Black VERTOSOLS using the Australian Soil Classification (Isbell 1996).

Typical profile of Dalmore Clay (heavy surface)

0 - 100 mm. Very dark grey (black) medium to heavy clay, intractable moist, very hard dry, clear transition to:

100 - 900 mm approx. Very dark grey plastic heavy clay becoming paler in colour and mottled with yellow colors at depth, gradual transition to:

900 mm continuing to 1.5 m +. Grey impervious clay with brownish yellow mottles.

Land use

The "heavy surface phase" of Dalmore clay is generally used for pasture production. When dry the soil cracks deeply but when wet the soil swells and water infiltration is relatively slow. Excessive surface water is often a problem during the wetter months.

Dalmore clay (heavy phase) with areas of sandy loam surface

Symbol: Dahs/Dasl

Areas of Dalmore clay (heavy phase) delineated as having areas of sandy loam surface occur near Tooradin in association with Cranbourne sand and Toomuc sandy loam. Here Dalmore clay (heavy phase) is covered by about 200 or 300 mm of grey sandy loam.

Land use

This soil is mostly used for grazing but much of the area immediately north of Tooradin is semi-urban.

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