Dalmore Clay (non-peaty)

Symbol: Danp

Geology - Recent lacustrine (lake or swamp) deposits.

Landform - Lacustrine plain.

Soils

The surface soil of Dalmore clay (non-peaty) is about 200 mm deep and is a black friable clay. This overlies a black or dark grey plastic heavy clay which may become paler in colour and mottled with yellow-brown with depth. At about 1m, mottled grey and yellow-brown heavy clays usually occur which continue to at least 1.8 m. This soil can be referred to as a Self-mulching, Black VERTOSOL using the Australian Soil Classification.

Typical profile of Dalmore Clay (non-peaty)

0 - 200 mm. Black or very dark grey friable clay, clear transition to:

200 - 900 mm approx. Black or very dark grey plastic heavy clay becoming paler in colour and mottled with yellow brown at depth, gradual transition to:

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

Land use

This phase is considered inferior to the normal phase as it lacks the peaty deep subsoil. In the past it was not commonly used for vegetables and mostly carried pasture. However, there has been an increasing trend towards using this soil for vegetables and floriculture.

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