Sma | Smb | Smc | Smd | Smf | Smh
4.5 Silurian metamorphic map units (Sm)
The Silurian metamorphic sediments are found in the vicinity of Upper Beaconsfield and Mt Burnett, adjacent to the granitic terrain. This can be seen as a narrow band of rocky steep crests, and highly dissected steep slopes. The metamorphosed areas often have higher relief than the surrounding areas. Moving away from the zone of contact, lower hills with less steep slopes and drainage lines are prominent. This metamorphic area is also known as a metamorphic aureole.
Metamorphosed sediments may display various levels of metamorphism. The intrusion of granitic material into the sedimentary rock has caused pressure, heating and folding of the sedimentary material. These processes bring about changes in the mineral composition, causing the rocks to become harder and more dense. Close to the granitic intrusion, strongly heated material such as hornfels may be found. This is an extremely hard and dense rock, and is generally found on steep crests and steep slopes. In addition, there is little evidence of the layering present in normal sedimentary material, however when moving away from the contact zone, layering of the sedimentary material becomes more obvious. The boundary between slightly heated sedimentary material and unheated sediments is difficult to delineate. The increase in hardness of metamorphic rocks makes them more resistant to weathering than the sedimentary material.
Soils formed on the metamorphic aureole are generally shallow and stony. Brown Sodosols are common where rocky crests and steep rocky slopes occur. Weakly structured, stony red Dermosols are present on shallow, steep slopes, and grey Chromosols appear where soil depth increases, especially when moderate slopes are encountered. Deeper yellow Chromosol soils occur around the break of slope and other gentle slopes. Surface stone is common on all crests and steep to moderate slopes.
All the above soils have bleached A2 horizons. These horizons have high percentages of silt and fine sand with low liquid limits. When excess water is added to these horizons they become sloppy and have little cohesive strength. If this horizon is exposed through removal of vegetation and topsoil, severe erosion can occur.
On many of the steep metamorphic units, excluding drainage depressions, a layer of stone is present in the A2 horizon, or the top of the B1 horizon. These sedimentary stones appear as discreet layers in these horizons and are generally angular in shape ranging in size from 20-600 mm in diameter and may be up to 60 per cent of the volume of the horizon. Stones that appear in the B2 layer are generally well distributed throughout the horizon, however there are occurrences where there may be an accumulation of stone, 20-600 mm in diameter, on top of the C-Horizon. Even though stones occur on the surface and in the B-horizons, the greatest concentration of stones are generally found in a layer in the A2 horizon.
Land management considerations
The metamorphic aureole has obvious hazards for a range of land uses. The major limitations are steep slopes, depth to hard rock and shallow soil depth. The steep terrain is susceptible to sheet and gully erosion, especially where vegetation cover is poor.
The siting of access tracks, building foundations, septic tanks and dams is made difficult by steep slopes, depth to rock and shallow soils. Soil conservation measures will be required to minimise erosion during house construction.
With rural residential development rapidly increasing in these areas, careful design of effluent disposal fields, farm dams and secondary roading is required. The major problem with secondary roading is the fine sandy A2 horizon. The A horizon, if left exposed, is prone to erosion. Road cuttings that are exposed are subject to undercutting by water and small slips may occur as a result.
The soils of this unit are often infertile and acidic, both in the A and B horizons. For this reason and the steepness of the terrain, metamorphic units are best suited for grazing, or conservation purposes.
Plate 13 - Map Unit: Sma - Brown Sodosol | Plate 14 - Map Unit: Smb - Red Dermosol |
Plate 15 - Map Units: Smc, Smh - Grey Chromosol | Plate 16 - Map Unit: Smd - Yellow Chromosol |
Parent Material Age: | Silurian | Depth to Seas. Watertable: | > 1.5 m | |
Parent Material Lithology: | Metamorphosed sediments | Flooding Risk: | Nil | |
Landform Pattern: | Rolling hills | Drainage: | Well drained | |
Landform Element: | Crest | Rock Outcrop: | < 20% | |
Slope a) common: | 7% | Depth to Hard Rock: | 0.3-0.8 m (variable) | |
Slope b) range: | 3-15% | |||
Potential Recharge to Groundwater: | High | |||
Major Native Vegetation Species: | Messmate, Narrow-leaved Peppermint, Silver Wattle | |||
Present Land Use: | Grazing, native forest | |||
Length of Growing Season: | 8 months |
Degradation Processes | Water Erosion | Wind Erosion | Mass Movement | Salting | Acidification | |
sheet/rill | gully | |||||
Susceptibility | Low | Low | Low | Very low | Low | Low |
Incidence | Moderate | Low | Low | Low | Low | NA |
Site S39 | ||
A1 | 0-5 cm | Very dark grey (10YR3/1) fine sandy loam, weak subangular blocky structure, peds 10-20 mm, rough fabric, very weak consistence, pH 5.4. Abrupt transition to: |
A2 | 5-30 cm | Light brown (10YR6/3) loam fine sandy, bleached (10YR7/3) when dry, strong subangular structure, peds 20-50 mm rough fabric, weak consistence, a few large subangular metamorphic pebbles, pH 5.5. Clear transition to: |
B2 | 30-80 cm | Brown (10YR5/4) medium clay, coarse distinct brown and orange mottles are common, strong polyhedral structure, peds 5-10 mm, smooth fabric, very firm consistence, a few subrounded metamorphic cobbles (60-200 mm), pH 5.9. Diffuse transition to: |
C | 80+ cm | Weathered metamorphic rock. |
Factual Key: | Dy3.41(major), Uc, Gn3.04 (minor) |
Australian Soil Classification: | Magnesic, Mottled-Subnatric, Brown SODOSOL; medium, non-gravelly, loamy/clayey, moderate (confidence level 2) |
Unified Soil Group: | CH |
Horizon | pH (CaCl2) | % Gravel | EC (salts) | Nutrient Status | P | K | Al | Organic Matter | Dispersibility |
A1 | 4.5 | 1 | VL | L | D | D | T | H | VL |
A2 | 4.4** | 12 | VL | VL | D | D | T | L | VL |
B2 | 4.8 | 3 | VL | L | D | D | S | VL | VL |
Permeability: | Moderate (average 100 mm/day, range 0-330 mm/day) |
Available Water Capacity: | Moderate (125 mm H2O) |
Linear Shrinkage (B horizon): | Moderate (17%) |
Land Use | Class | Major Limiting Feature(s)/Land Use |
Agriculture | C2T2S3-4 | Depth to hardrock (variable) |
Effluent Disposal (septic tanks) | 3-4 | Depth to impermeable layer (variable) |
Farm Dams | 5 | Very low dispersibility of subsoil, shallow depth to hardrock (variable) |
Building Foundations slab stumps/footings | 3 3 | Slope, proportion of stone and boulders Proportion of stone and boulders, linear shrinkage |
Secondary Roads | 3 | Slope, proportion of stone and boulders, linear shrinkage, USG |
Rural Residential Development | 5 | Farm dams |
Parent Material Age: | Silurian | Depth to Seas. Watertable: | > 1.3 m | |
Parent Material Lithology: | Metamorphosed sediments | Flooding Risk: | Nil | |
Landform Pattern: | Rolling hills | Drainage: | Well drained | |
Landform Element: | Crest | Rock Outcrop: | < 20% | |
Slope a) common: | 35% | Depth to Hard Rock: | 0.5-1.1 m | |
Slope b) range: | > 33% | |||
Potential Recharge to Groundwater: | High | |||
Major Native Vegetation Species: | Narrow-leaved Peppermint, Messmate, Casuarina | |||
Present Land Use: | Grazing, native forest | |||
Length of Growing Season: | 8 months |
Degradation Processes | Water Erosion | Wind Erosion | Mass Movement | Salting | Acidification | |
sheet/rill | gully | |||||
Susceptibility | Moderate | Low | Moderate | High | Low | Low |
Incidence | Moderate | Moderate | Low | Moderate | Low | NA |
Site S40 | ||
A1 | 0-10 cm | Dark greyish brown (10YR4/2) humic fine sandy loam, weak subangular blocky structure, peds 10-20 mm, rough fabric, very weak consistence, pH 5.4. Clear transition to: |
A21 | 10-30 cm | Brown (10YR5/3) fine sandy loam, weak polyhedral structure, peds 20-50 mm, rough fabric, weak consistence, very few small subrounded metamorphic pebbles, pH 5.7. Gradual transition to: |
A22 | 30-60 cm | Yellowish brown (10YR5/4) sandy clay loam fine sandy, weak subangular blocky structure, peds 20-50 mm, rough fabric, weak consistence, many large (20-60 mm) subrounded metamorphic pebbles, pH 6.1. Gradual transition to: |
B1 | 60-70 cm | Brown (7.5YR5/4) fine sandy clay, many medium distinct brownish yellowish mottles, moderate polyhedral structure, peds 20-50 mm, smooth fabric, firm consistence, pH 6.1. Clear transition to: |
B2 | 70-110 cm | Reddish brown (5YR4/4) medium clay, strong polyhedral structure, peds 20-50 mm, smooth fabric, angular metamorphic cobbles (60-200 mm) are common, firm consistence, pH 5.8. Diffuse transition to: |
B/C | 110+ cm | Reddish brown (5YR4/4) light medium clay, moderate polyhedral structure, peds 20-50 mm, smooth structure, many angular metamorphic cobbles (60-200 mm), firm consistence. |
Factual Key: | Gn3.04 (major), Dy3.41, Uc (minor) |
Australian Soil Classification: | Eutrophic, Red DERMOSOL; medium, non-gravelly, loamy, clayey, very deep. (confidence level 2) |
Unified Soil Group: | CL |
Horizon | pH (CaCl2) | % Gravel | EC (salts) | Nutrient Status | P | K | Al | Organic Matter | Dispersibility |
A1 | 4.5 | 1 | VL | VL | D | S | T | H | VL |
A21 | 4.7 | 5 | VL | VL | D | D | S | VL | VL |
A22 | 4.9 | 28 | VL | VL | D | D | S | VL | L |
B1 | 4.8 | 4 | VL | VL | D | D | S | VL | VL |
B2 | 4.8 | 0 | VL | L | D | D | S | VL | L |
Permeability: | Slow (average 50 mm/day, range 0-80 mm/day) |
Available Water Capacity: | Moderate (148 mm H2O) |
Linear Shrinkage (B horizon): | Moderate (13.5%) |
Land Use | Class | Major Limiting Feature(s)/Land Use |
Agriculture | C2T5S4 | Slope |
Effluent Disposal (septic tanks) | 5 | Slope |
Farm Dams | 5 | Slope |
Building Foundations slab stumps/footings | 5 4 | Slope Slope, proportion of stone and boulders, susceptibility to slope failure |
Secondary Roads | 5 | Slope |
Rural Residential Development | 5 | Secondary roads, farm dams, effluent disposal, building foundations |
Parent Material Age: | Silurian | Depth to Seas. Watertable: | > 1.3 m | |
Parent Material Lithology: | Metamorphosed sediments | Flooding Risk: | Nil | |
Landform Pattern: | Rolling hills | Drainage: | Well drained | |
Landform Element: | Hillslope | Rock Outcrop: | < 20% | |
Slope a) common: | 25% | Depth to Hard Rock: | 0.5-1.3 m | |
Slope b) range: | 21-32% | |||
Potential Recharge to Groundwater: | High | |||
Major Native Vegetation Species: | Messmate, Narrow-leaved Peppermint | |||
Present Land Use: | Improved pasture grazing, native forest, state forest | |||
Length of Growing Season: | 8 months |
Degradation Processes | Water Erosion | Wind Erosion | Mass Movement | Salting | Acidification | |
sheet/rill | gully | |||||
Susceptibility | Moderate | Low | Low | Moderate | Low | Moderate |
Incidence | Moderate | Low | Low | Moderate | Low | NA |
Site S42 | ||
A1 | 0-5 cm | Dark greyish brown (10YR4/2) loam fine sandy, moderate subangular blocky structure, peds 2-5 mm, rough fabric, weak consistence, pH 5.3. Clear transition to: |
A2 | 5-45 cm | Pale brown (10YR6/3) sandy clay loam fine sandy, bleached (10YR7/3) when dry, weak polyhedral structure, peds 10-20 mm, rough fabric, weak consistence, many subrounded metamorphic cobbles (60-200 mm), pH 5.3. Clear transition to: |
B2 | 45-80 cm | Pale brown (10YR6/3) light clay, coarse prominent red mottles and coarse distinct orange mottles are common, strong polyhedral structure, peds 2-5 mm, smooth fabric, firm consistence, many subrounded metamorphic cobbles (60-200 mm), pH 5.5. Gradual transition to: |
C | 80+ cm | Weathered metamorphic rock. |
Factual Key: | Dy3.41(major), Gn3.04 (minor) |
Australian Soil Classification: | Bleached-Mottled, Magnesic, Grey CHROMOSOL; thick, slightly gravelly, loamy/clayey, moderate (confidence level 2) |
Unified Soil Group: | CL |
Horizon | pH (CaCl2) | % Gravel | EC (salts) | Nutrient Status | P | K | Al | Organic Matter | Dispersibility |
A1 | 4.2** | 3 | VL | VL | D | S | T | H | VL |
A2 | 4.3** | 26 | VL | VL | D | D | T | VL | VL |
B2 | 4.6 | 30 | VL | L | D | D | S | VL | VL |
Permeability: | Moderate (average 130 mm/day, range 40-230 mm/day) |
Available Water Capacity: | Moderate (125 mm H2O) |
Linear Shrinkage (B horizon): | Low (12%) |
Land Use | Class | Major Limiting Feature(s)/Land Use |
Agriculture | C2T4S4 | Slope, gravel stone and boulder content |
Effluent Disposal (septic tanks) | 4 | Slope |
Farm Dams | 5 | Slope, suitability of subsoil, very low dispersibility of subsoil |
Building Foundations slab stumps/footings | 4 3 | Slope Slope, depth to seasonal watertable, proportion of stones and boulders, susceptibility to slope failure |
Secondary Roads | 4 | Slope, proportion of stones and boulders |
Rural Residential Development | 5 | Farm dams |
Parent Material Age: | Silurian | Depth to Seas. Watertable: | < 1.5 m | |
Parent Material Lithology: | Metamorphosed sediments | Flooding Risk: | Nil | |
Landform Pattern: | Rolling hills | Drainage: | Moderately well drained | |
Landform Element: | Hillslope | Rock Outcrop: | < 10% | |
Slope a) common: | 14% | Depth to Hard Rock: | > 1.5 m | |
Slope b) range: | 11-20% | |||
Potential Recharge to Groundwater: | Moderate | |||
Major Native Vegetation Species: | Messmate, Narrow-leaved Peppermint | |||
Present Land Use: | Improved pasture, State Park | |||
Length of Growing Season: | 8 months |
Degradation Processes | Water Erosion | Wind Erosion | Mass Movement | Salting | Acidification | |
sheet/rill | gully | |||||
Susceptibility | Low | Very low | Moderate | High | Low | Moderate |
Incidence | Low | Low | Low | Moderate | Low | NA |
Site S41 | ||
A1 | 0-10 cm | Very dark grey (10YR3/1) fine sandy loam, moderate subangular blocky structure, peds 10-20 mm, rough fabric, weak consistence, pH 5.3. Abrupt transition to: |
A2 | 10-35 cm | Pale brown (10YR6/3) fine sandy loam, bleached (10YR7/3) when dry, strong subangular blocky structure, peds 20-50 mm, rough fabric, weak consistence, abundant large subangular metamorphic pebbles, pH 5.6. Clear transition to: |
B21 | 35-125 cm | Light brownish grey (10YR6/2) fine sandy clay, many very coarse distinct orange mottles, weak polyhedral structure, peds 5-10 mm, rough fabric, firm consistence, pH 5.7. Gradual transition to: |
B22 | 125-150 cm | Light yellowish brown (10YR6/4) medium heavy clay, many very coarse distinct grey mottles and a few coarse prominent red mottles, moderate polyhedral structure, peds 20-50 mm, smooth fabric, very firm consistence, very few large subangular metamorphic pebbles, pH 5.6. Gradual transition to: |
C | 150 cm | Weathered metamorphic rock. |
Factual Key: | Dy3.41 |
Australian Soil Classification: | Bleached-Mottled, Magnesic, Yellow CHROMOSOL; thick, slightly gravelly, loamy/clayey, moderate (confidence level 2) |
Unified Soil Group: | CH |
Horizon | pH (CaCl2) | % Gravel | EC (salts) | Nutrient Status | P | K | Al | Organic Matter | Dispersibility |
A1 | 4.3** | 1 | VL | L | D | D | T | VH | VL |
A2 | 4.5 | 90 | VL | VL | D | D | S | VL | VL |
B21 | 4.2** | < 1 | VL | L | D | D | T | VL | M |
B22 | 4.3** | < 1 | VL | M | D | D | T | VL | VL |
Permeability: | Moderate (average 130 mm/day, range 40-230 mm/day) |
Available Water Capacity: | Very high (> 200 mm H2O) |
Linear Shrinkage (B horizon): | Moderate (17.5 %) |
Land Use | Class | Major Limiting Feature(s)/Land Use |
Agriculture | C2T3S5 | Gravel stone and boulder content (A2) |
Effluent Disposal (septic tanks) | 3 | Slope, drainage |
Farm Dams | 4 | Slope, depth to hardrock, permeability, susceptibility to slope failure |
Building Foundations slab stumps/footings | 5 5 | Proportion of stones and boulders (A2) Proportion of stones and boulders (A2) |
Secondary Roads | 5 | Proportion of stones and boulders (A2) |
Rural Residential Development | 5 | Secondary roads, building foundations |
Parent Material Age: | Silurian | Depth to Seas. Watertable: | < 1.5 m | |
Parent Material Lithology: | Metamorphosed sediments | Flooding Risk: | Nil | |
Landform Pattern: | Rolling hills | Drainage: | Moderately well drained | |
Landform Element: | Hillslope | Rock Outcrop: | < 10% | |
Slope a) common: | 7% | Depth to Hard Rock: | 1.5 m | |
Slope b) range: | 4-10% | |||
Potential Recharge to Groundwater: | Moderate | |||
Major Native Vegetation Species: | Messmate, Narrow-leaved Peppermint | |||
Present Land Use: | Improved pasture, State Park | |||
Length of Growing Season: | 8 months |
Degradation Processes | Water Erosion | Wind Erosion | Mass Movement | Salting | Acidification | |
sheet/rill | gully | |||||
Susceptibility | Low | Low | Moderate | Low | Low | Low |
Incidence | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | NA |
Site S41 | ||
A1 | 0-10 cm | Very dark grey (10YR3/1) fine sandy loam, moderate subangular blocky structure, peds 10-20 mm, rough fabric, weak consistence, pH 5.3. Abrupt transition to: |
A2 | 10-35 cm | Pale brown (10YR6/3) fine sandy loam, bleached (10YR7/3) when dry, strong subangular structure, peds 20-50 mm, rough fabric, weak consistence, abundant large subangular metamorphic pebbles, pH 5.6. Clear transition to: |
B21 | 35-125 cm | Light brownish grey (10YR6/2) fine sandy clay, many very coarse distinct orange mottles, weak polyhedral structure, peds 5-10 mm, rough fabric, firm consistence, pH 5.7. Gradual transition to: |
B22 | 125-150 cm | Light yellowish brown (10YR6/4) medium heavy clay, many very coarse distinct grey mottles and a few coarse prominent red mottles, moderate polyhedral structure, peds 20-50 mm, smooth fabric, very firm consistence, very few large subangular metamorphic pebbles, pH 5.6. Gradual transition to: |
C | 150 cm | Weathered metamorphic rock. |
Factual Key: | Dy3.41 |
Australian Soil Classification: | Bleached-Mottled, Magnesic, Yellow CHROMOSOL; thick, slightly gravelly, loamy/clayey, moderate (confidence level 2) |
Unified Soil Group: | CH |
Horizon | pH (CaCl2) | % Gravel | EC (salts) | Nutrient Status | P | K | Al | Organic Matter | Dispersibility |
A1 | 4.3** | 1 | VL | L | D | D | T | VH | VL |
A2 | 4.5 | 90 | VL | VL | D | D | T | VL | VL |
B21 | 4.2** | < 1 | VL | L | D | D | T | VL | M |
B22 | 4.3** | < 1 | VL | M | D | D | T | VL | VL |
Permeability: | Moderate (average 130 mm/day, range 40-230 mm/day) |
Available Water Capacity: | Very high (> 200 mm H2O) |
Linear Shrinkage (B horizon): | Moderate (17.5 %) |
Land Use | Class | Major Limiting Feature(s)/Land Use |
Agriculture | C2T3S5 | Gravel stone and boulder content (A2) |
Effluent Disposal (septic tanks) | 3 | Slope, drainage |
Farm Dams | 4 | Slope, depth to hardrock, permeability, susceptibility to slope failure |
Building Foundations slab stumps/footings | 5 5 | Proportion of stones and boulders (A2) Proportion of stones and boulders (A2) |
Secondary Roads | 5 | Proportion of stones and boulders (A2) |
Rural Residential Development | 5 | Secondary roads, building foundations |
Parent Material Age: | Silurian | Depth to Seas. Watertable: | > 1.5 m | |
Parent Material Lithology: | Metamorphosed sediments | Flooding Risk: | Moderate | |
Landform Pattern: | Low hills | Drainage: | Imperfectly drained | |
Landform Element: | Drainage depression | Rock Outcrop: | < 10% | |
Slope a) common: | 7% | Depth to Hard Rock: | > 1.5 m | |
Slope b) range: | 2-15% | |||
Potential Recharge to Groundwater: | Moderate | |||
Major Native Vegetation Species: | Messmate, Narrow-leaved Peppermint | |||
Present Land Use: | Improved pasture, State Park | |||
Length of Growing Season: | 8 months |
Degradation Processes | Water Erosion | Wind Erosion | Mass Movement | Salting | Acidification | |
sheet/rill | gully | |||||
Susceptibility | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Moderate |
Incidence | Moderate | Moderate | Low | Low | Low | NA |
Site S42 | ||
A1 | 0-5 cm | Dark greyish brown (10YR4/2) loam fine sandy, moderate subangular blocky structure, peds 2-5 mm, rough fabric, weak consistence, pH 5.3. Clear transition to: |
A2 | 5-45 cm | Pale brown (10YR6/3) sandy clay loam fine sandy, bleached (10YR7/3) when dry, weak polyhedral structure, peds 10-20 mm, rough fabric, weak consistence, many subrounded metamorphic cobbles (60-200 mm), pH 5.3. Clear transition to: |
B2 | 45-80 cm | Pale brown (10YR6/3) light clay, coarse prominent red mottles and coarse distinct orange mottles are common, strong polyhedral structure, peds 2-5 mm, smooth fabric, firm consistence, many subrounded metamorphic cobbles (60-200 mm), pH 5.5. Gradual transition to: |
C | 80+ cm | Weathered metamorphic rock. |
Factual Key: | Dy3.41 |
Australian Soil Classification: | Bleached-Mottled, Magnesic, Grey CHROMOSOL; thick, slightly gravelly, loamy/clayey, moderate (confidence level 2) |
Unified Soil Group: | CL |
Horizon | pH (CaCl2) | % Gravel | EC (salts) | Nutrient Status | P | K | Al | Organic Matter | Dispersibility |
A1 | 4.2** | 3 | VL | VL | D | S | S | H | VL |
A2 | 4.3** | 26 | VL | VL | D | D | S | VL | VL |
B2 | 4.6 | 30 | VL | L | D | D | S | VL | VL |
Permeability: | Moderate (average 50 mm/day, range 40-230 mm/day) |
Moderate (average 50 mm/day, range 40-230 mm/day) | |
Available Water Capacity: | Moderate (125 mm H2O) |
Linear Shrinkage (B horizon): | Low (12%) |
Land Use | Class | Major Limiting Feature(s)/Land Use |
Agriculture | C3T2S3 | Gravel stone and boulder content, depth to seasonal watertable |
Effluent Disposal (septic tanks) | 4 | Drainage |
Farm Dams | 5 | Suitability of subsoil, very low dispersibility of subsoil |
Building Foundations slab stumps/footings | 4 4 | Proportion of stones and boulders, drainage Proportion of stones and boulders, drainage |
Secondary Roads | 4 | Drainage, proportion of stones and boulders |
Rural Residential Development | 5 | Farm dams |
Plate 13 - Map Unit: Sma - Brown Sodosol | Plate 14 - Map Unit: Smb - Red Dermosol |
Plate 15 - Map Units: Smc, Smh - Grey Chromosol | Plate 16 - Map Unit: Smd - Yellow Chromosol |
Parent Material Age: | Silurian | Depth to Seas. Watertable: | > 1.5 m | |
Parent Material Lithology: | Metamorphosed sediments | Flooding Risk: | Nil | |
Landform Pattern: | Rolling hills | Drainage: | Well drained | |
Landform Element: | Crest | Rock Outcrop: | < 20% | |
Slope a) common: | 7% | Depth to Hard Rock: | 0.3-0.8 m (variable) | |
Slope b) range: | 3-15% | |||
Potential Recharge to Groundwater: | High | |||
Major Native Vegetation Species: | Messmate, Narrow-leaved Peppermint, Silver Wattle | |||
Present Land Use: | Grazing, native forest | |||
Length of Growing Season: | 8 months |
Degradation Processes | Water Erosion | Wind Erosion | Mass Movement | Salting | Acidification | |
sheet/rill | gully | |||||
Susceptibility | Low | Low | Low | Very low | Low | Low |
Incidence | Moderate | Low | Low | Low | Low | NA |
Site S39 | ||
A1 | 0-5 cm | Very dark grey (10YR3/1) fine sandy loam, weak subangular blocky structure, peds 10-20 mm, rough fabric, very weak consistence, pH 5.4. Abrupt transition to: |
A2 | 5-30 cm | Light brown (10YR6/3) loam fine sandy, bleached (10YR7/3) when dry, strong subangular structure, peds 20-50 mm rough fabric, weak consistence, a few large subangular metamorphic pebbles, pH 5.5. Clear transition to: |
B2 | 30-80 cm | Brown (10YR5/4) medium clay, coarse distinct brown and orange mottles are common, strong polyhedral structure, peds 5-10 mm, smooth fabric, very firm consistence, a few subrounded metamorphic cobbles (60-200 mm), pH 5.9. Diffuse transition to: |
C | 80+ cm | Weathered metamorphic rock. |
Factual Key: | Dy3.41(major), Uc, Gn3.04 (minor) |
Australian Soil Classification: | Magnesic, Mottled-Subnatric, Brown SODOSOL; medium, non-gravelly, loamy/clayey, moderate (confidence level 2) |
Unified Soil Group: | CH |
Horizon | pH (CaCl2) | % Gravel | EC (salts) | Nutrient Status | P | K | Al | Organic Matter | Dispersibility |
A1 | 4.5 | 1 | VL | L | D | D | T | H | VL |
A2 | 4.4** | 12 | VL | VL | D | D | T | L | VL |
B2 | 4.8 | 3 | VL | L | D | D | S | VL | VL |
Permeability: | Moderate (average 100 mm/day, range 0-330 mm/day) |
Available Water Capacity: | Moderate (125 mm H2O) |
Linear Shrinkage (B horizon): | Moderate (17%) |
Land Use | Class | Major Limiting Feature(s)/Land Use |
Agriculture | C2T2S3-4 | Depth to hardrock (variable) |
Effluent Disposal (septic tanks) | 3-4 | Depth to impermeable layer (variable) |
Farm Dams | 5 | Very low dispersibility of subsoil, shallow depth to hardrock (variable) |
Building Foundations slab stumps/footings | 3 3 | Slope, proportion of stone and boulders Proportion of stone and boulders, linear shrinkage |
Secondary Roads | 3 | Slope, proportion of stone and boulders, linear shrinkage, USG |
Rural Residential Development | 5 | Farm dams |
Parent Material Age: | Silurian | Depth to Seas. Watertable: | > 1.3 m | |
Parent Material Lithology: | Metamorphosed sediments | Flooding Risk: | Nil | |
Landform Pattern: | Rolling hills | Drainage: | Well drained | |
Landform Element: | Crest | Rock Outcrop: | < 20% | |
Slope a) common: | 35% | Depth to Hard Rock: | 0.5-1.1 m | |
Slope b) range: | > 33% | |||
Potential Recharge to Groundwater: | High | |||
Major Native Vegetation Species: | Narrow-leaved Peppermint, Messmate, Casuarina | |||
Present Land Use: | Grazing, native forest | |||
Length of Growing Season: | 8 months |
Degradation Processes | Water Erosion | Wind Erosion | Mass Movement | Salting | Acidification | |
sheet/rill | gully | |||||
Susceptibility | Moderate | Low | Moderate | High | Low | Low |
Incidence | Moderate | Moderate | Low | Moderate | Low | NA |
Site S40 | ||
A1 | 0-10 cm | Dark greyish brown (10YR4/2) humic fine sandy loam, weak subangular blocky structure, peds 10-20 mm, rough fabric, very weak consistence, pH 5.4. Clear transition to: |
A21 | 10-30 cm | Brown (10YR5/3) fine sandy loam, weak polyhedral structure, peds 20-50 mm, rough fabric, weak consistence, very few small subrounded metamorphic pebbles, pH 5.7. Gradual transition to: |
A22 | 30-60 cm | Yellowish brown (10YR5/4) sandy clay loam fine sandy, weak subangular blocky structure, peds 20-50 mm, rough fabric, weak consistence, many large (20-60 mm) subrounded metamorphic pebbles, pH 6.1. Gradual transition to: |
B1 | 60-70 cm | Brown (7.5YR5/4) fine sandy clay, many medium distinct brownish yellowish mottles, moderate polyhedral structure, peds 20-50 mm, smooth fabric, firm consistence, pH 6.1. Clear transition to: |
B2 | 70-110 cm | Reddish brown (5YR4/4) medium clay, strong polyhedral structure, peds 20-50 mm, smooth fabric, angular metamorphic cobbles (60-200 mm) are common, firm consistence, pH 5.8. Diffuse transition to: |
B/C | 110+ cm | Reddish brown (5YR4/4) light medium clay, moderate polyhedral structure, peds 20-50 mm, smooth structure, many angular metamorphic cobbles (60-200 mm), firm consistence. |
Factual Key: | Gn3.04 (major), Dy3.41, Uc (minor) |
Australian Soil Classification: | Eutrophic, Red DERMOSOL; medium, non-gravelly, loamy, clayey, very deep. (confidence level 2) |
Unified Soil Group: | CL |
Horizon | pH (CaCl2) | % Gravel | EC (salts) | Nutrient Status | P | K | Al | Organic Matter | Dispersibility |
A1 | 4.5 | 1 | VL | VL | D | S | T | H | VL |
A21 | 4.7 | 5 | VL | VL | D | D | S | VL | VL |
A22 | 4.9 | 28 | VL | VL | D | D | S | VL | L |
B1 | 4.8 | 4 | VL | VL | D | D | S | VL | VL |
B2 | 4.8 | 0 | VL | L | D | D | S | VL | L |
Permeability: | Slow (average 50 mm/day, range 0-80 mm/day) |
Available Water Capacity: | Moderate (148 mm H2O) |
Linear Shrinkage (B horizon): | Moderate (13.5%) |
Land Use | Class | Major Limiting Feature(s)/Land Use |
Agriculture | C2T5S4 | Slope |
Effluent Disposal (septic tanks) | 5 | Slope |
Farm Dams | 5 | Slope |
Building Foundations slab stumps/footings | 5 4 | Slope Slope, proportion of stone and boulders, susceptibility to slope failure |
Secondary Roads | 5 | Slope |
Rural Residential Development | 5 | Secondary roads, farm dams, effluent disposal, building foundations |
Parent Material Age: | Silurian | Depth to Seas. Watertable: | > 1.3 m | |
Parent Material Lithology: | Metamorphosed sediments | Flooding Risk: | Nil | |
Landform Pattern: | Rolling hills | Drainage: | Well drained | |
Landform Element: | Hillslope | Rock Outcrop: | < 20% | |
Slope a) common: | 25% | Depth to Hard Rock: | 0.5-1.3 m | |
Slope b) range: | 21-32% | |||
Potential Recharge to Groundwater: | High | |||
Major Native Vegetation Species: | Messmate, Narrow-leaved Peppermint | |||
Present Land Use: | Improved pasture grazing, native forest, state forest | |||
Length of Growing Season: | 8 months |
Degradation Processes | Water Erosion | Wind Erosion | Mass Movement | Salting | Acidification | |
sheet/rill | gully | |||||
Susceptibility | Moderate | Low | Low | Moderate | Low | Moderate |
Incidence | Moderate | Low | Low | Moderate | Low | NA |
Site S42 | ||
A1 | 0-5 cm | Dark greyish brown (10YR4/2) loam fine sandy, moderate subangular blocky structure, peds 2-5 mm, rough fabric, weak consistence, pH 5.3. Clear transition to: |
A2 | 5-45 cm | Pale brown (10YR6/3) sandy clay loam fine sandy, bleached (10YR7/3) when dry, weak polyhedral structure, peds 10-20 mm, rough fabric, weak consistence, many subrounded metamorphic cobbles (60-200 mm), pH 5.3. Clear transition to: |
B2 | 45-80 cm | Pale brown (10YR6/3) light clay, coarse prominent red mottles and coarse distinct orange mottles are common, strong polyhedral structure, peds 2-5 mm, smooth fabric, firm consistence, many subrounded metamorphic cobbles (60-200 mm), pH 5.5. Gradual transition to: |
C | 80+ cm | Weathered metamorphic rock. |
Factual Key: | Dy3.41(major), Gn3.04 (minor) |
Australian Soil Classification: | Bleached-Mottled, Magnesic, Grey CHROMOSOL; thick, slightly gravelly, loamy/clayey, moderate (confidence level 2) |
Unified Soil Group: | CL |
Horizon | pH (CaCl2) | % Gravel | EC (salts) | Nutrient Status | P | K | Al | Organic Matter | Dispersibility |
A1 | 4.2** | 3 | VL | VL | D | S | T | H | VL |
A2 | 4.3** | 26 | VL | VL | D | D | T | VL | VL |
B2 | 4.6 | 30 | VL | L | D | D | S | VL | VL |
Permeability: | Moderate (average 130 mm/day, range 40-230 mm/day) |
Available Water Capacity: | Moderate (125 mm H2O) |
Linear Shrinkage (B horizon): | Low (12%) |
Land Use | Class | Major Limiting Feature(s)/Land Use |
Agriculture | C2T4S4 | Slope, gravel stone and boulder content |
Effluent Disposal (septic tanks) | 4 | Slope |
Farm Dams | 5 | Slope, suitability of subsoil, very low dispersibility of subsoil |
Building Foundations slab stumps/footings | 4 3 | Slope Slope, depth to seasonal watertable, proportion of stones and boulders, susceptibility to slope failure |
Secondary Roads | 4 | Slope, proportion of stones and boulders |
Rural Residential Development | 5 | Farm dams |
Parent Material Age: | Silurian | Depth to Seas. Watertable: | < 1.5 m | |
Parent Material Lithology: | Metamorphosed sediments | Flooding Risk: | Nil | |
Landform Pattern: | Rolling hills | Drainage: | Moderately well drained | |
Landform Element: | Hillslope | Rock Outcrop: | < 10% | |
Slope a) common: | 14% | Depth to Hard Rock: | > 1.5 m | |
Slope b) range: | 11-20% | |||
Potential Recharge to Groundwater: | Moderate | |||
Major Native Vegetation Species: | Messmate, Narrow-leaved Peppermint | |||
Present Land Use: | Improved pasture, State Park | |||
Length of Growing Season: | 8 months |
Degradation Processes | Water Erosion | Wind Erosion | Mass Movement | Salting | Acidification | |
sheet/rill | gully | |||||
Susceptibility | Low | Very low | Moderate | High | Low | Moderate |
Incidence | Low | Low | Low | Moderate | Low | NA |
Site S41 | ||
A1 | 0-10 cm | Very dark grey (10YR3/1) fine sandy loam, moderate subangular blocky structure, peds 10-20 mm, rough fabric, weak consistence, pH 5.3. Abrupt transition to: |
A2 | 10-35 cm | Pale brown (10YR6/3) fine sandy loam, bleached (10YR7/3) when dry, strong subangular blocky structure, peds 20-50 mm, rough fabric, weak consistence, abundant large subangular metamorphic pebbles, pH 5.6. Clear transition to: |
B21 | 35-125 cm | Light brownish grey (10YR6/2) fine sandy clay, many very coarse distinct orange mottles, weak polyhedral structure, peds 5-10 mm, rough fabric, firm consistence, pH 5.7. Gradual transition to: |
B22 | 125-150 cm | Light yellowish brown (10YR6/4) medium heavy clay, many very coarse distinct grey mottles and a few coarse prominent red mottles, moderate polyhedral structure, peds 20-50 mm, smooth fabric, very firm consistence, very few large subangular metamorphic pebbles, pH 5.6. Gradual transition to: |
C | 150 cm | Weathered metamorphic rock. |
Factual Key: | Dy3.41 |
Australian Soil Classification: | Bleached-Mottled, Magnesic, Yellow CHROMOSOL; thick, slightly gravelly, loamy/clayey, moderate (confidence level 2) |
Unified Soil Group: | CH |
Horizon | pH (CaCl2) | % Gravel | EC (salts) | Nutrient Status | P | K | Al | Organic Matter | Dispersibility |
A1 | 4.3** | 1 | VL | L | D | D | T | VH | VL |
A2 | 4.5 | 90 | VL | VL | D | D | S | VL | VL |
B21 | 4.2** | < 1 | VL | L | D | D | T | VL | M |
B22 | 4.3** | < 1 | VL | M | D | D | T | VL | VL |
Permeability: | Moderate (average 130 mm/day, range 40-230 mm/day) |
Available Water Capacity: | Very high (> 200 mm H2O) |
Linear Shrinkage (B horizon): | Moderate (17.5 %) |
Land Use | Class | Major Limiting Feature(s)/Land Use |
Agriculture | C2T3S5 | Gravel stone and boulder content (A2) |
Effluent Disposal (septic tanks) | 3 | Slope, drainage |
Farm Dams | 4 | Slope, depth to hardrock, permeability, susceptibility to slope failure |
Building Foundations slab stumps/footings | 5 5 | Proportion of stones and boulders (A2) Proportion of stones and boulders (A2) |
Secondary Roads | 5 | Proportion of stones and boulders (A2) |
Rural Residential Development | 5 | Secondary roads, building foundations |
Parent Material Age: | Silurian | Depth to Seas. Watertable: | < 1.5 m | |
Parent Material Lithology: | Metamorphosed sediments | Flooding Risk: | Nil | |
Landform Pattern: | Rolling hills | Drainage: | Moderately well drained | |
Landform Element: | Hillslope | Rock Outcrop: | < 10% | |
Slope a) common: | 7% | Depth to Hard Rock: | 1.5 m | |
Slope b) range: | 4-10% | |||
Potential Recharge to Groundwater: | Moderate | |||
Major Native Vegetation Species: | Messmate, Narrow-leaved Peppermint | |||
Present Land Use: | Improved pasture, State Park | |||
Length of Growing Season: | 8 months |
Degradation Processes | Water Erosion | Wind Erosion | Mass Movement | Salting | Acidification | |
sheet/rill | gully | |||||
Susceptibility | Low | Low | Moderate | Low | Low | Low |
Incidence | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | NA |
Site S41 | ||
A1 | 0-10 cm | Very dark grey (10YR3/1) fine sandy loam, moderate subangular blocky structure, peds 10-20 mm, rough fabric, weak consistence, pH 5.3. Abrupt transition to: |
A2 | 10-35 cm | Pale brown (10YR6/3) fine sandy loam, bleached (10YR7/3) when dry, strong subangular structure, peds 20-50 mm, rough fabric, weak consistence, abundant large subangular metamorphic pebbles, pH 5.6. Clear transition to: |
B21 | 35-125 cm | Light brownish grey (10YR6/2) fine sandy clay, many very coarse distinct orange mottles, weak polyhedral structure, peds 5-10 mm, rough fabric, firm consistence, pH 5.7. Gradual transition to: |
B22 | 125-150 cm | Light yellowish brown (10YR6/4) medium heavy clay, many very coarse distinct grey mottles and a few coarse prominent red mottles, moderate polyhedral structure, peds 20-50 mm, smooth fabric, very firm consistence, very few large subangular metamorphic pebbles, pH 5.6. Gradual transition to: |
C | 150 cm | Weathered metamorphic rock. |
Factual Key: | Dy3.41 |
Australian Soil Classification: | Bleached-Mottled, Magnesic, Yellow CHROMOSOL; thick, slightly gravelly, loamy/clayey, moderate (confidence level 2) |
Unified Soil Group: | CH |
Horizon | pH (CaCl2) | % Gravel | EC (salts) | Nutrient Status | P | K | Al | Organic Matter | Dispersibility |
A1 | 4.3** | 1 | VL | L | D | D | T | VH | VL |
A2 | 4.5 | 90 | VL | VL | D | D | T | VL | VL |
B21 | 4.2** | < 1 | VL | L | D | D | T | VL | M |
B22 | 4.3** | < 1 | VL | M | D | D | T | VL | VL |
Permeability: | Moderate (average 130 mm/day, range 40-230 mm/day) |
Available Water Capacity: | Very high (> 200 mm H2O) |
Linear Shrinkage (B horizon): | Moderate (17.5 %) |
Land Use | Class | Major Limiting Feature(s)/Land Use |
Agriculture | C2T3S5 | Gravel stone and boulder content (A2) |
Effluent Disposal (septic tanks) | 3 | Slope, drainage |
Farm Dams | 4 | Slope, depth to hardrock, permeability, susceptibility to slope failure |
Building Foundations slab stumps/footings | 5 5 | Proportion of stones and boulders (A2) Proportion of stones and boulders (A2) |
Secondary Roads | 5 | Proportion of stones and boulders (A2) |
Rural Residential Development | 5 | Secondary roads, building foundations |
Parent Material Age: | Silurian | Depth to Seas. Watertable: | > 1.5 m | |
Parent Material Lithology: | Metamorphosed sediments | Flooding Risk: | Moderate | |
Landform Pattern: | Low hills | Drainage: | Imperfectly drained | |
Landform Element: | Drainage depression | Rock Outcrop: | < 10% | |
Slope a) common: | 7% | Depth to Hard Rock: | > 1.5 m | |
Slope b) range: | 2-15% | |||
Potential Recharge to Groundwater: | Moderate | |||
Major Native Vegetation Species: | Messmate, Narrow-leaved Peppermint | |||
Present Land Use: | Improved pasture, State Park | |||
Length of Growing Season: | 8 months |
Degradation Processes | Water Erosion | Wind Erosion | Mass Movement | Salting | Acidification | |
sheet/rill | gully | |||||
Susceptibility | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Moderate |
Incidence | Moderate | Moderate | Low | Low | Low | NA |
Site S42 | ||
A1 | 0-5 cm | Dark greyish brown (10YR4/2) loam fine sandy, moderate subangular blocky structure, peds 2-5 mm, rough fabric, weak consistence, pH 5.3. Clear transition to: |
A2 | 5-45 cm | Pale brown (10YR6/3) sandy clay loam fine sandy, bleached (10YR7/3) when dry, weak polyhedral structure, peds 10-20 mm, rough fabric, weak consistence, many subrounded metamorphic cobbles (60-200 mm), pH 5.3. Clear transition to: |
B2 | 45-80 cm | Pale brown (10YR6/3) light clay, coarse prominent red mottles and coarse distinct orange mottles are common, strong polyhedral structure, peds 2-5 mm, smooth fabric, firm consistence, many subrounded metamorphic cobbles (60-200 mm), pH 5.5. Gradual transition to: |
C | 80+ cm | Weathered metamorphic rock. |
Factual Key: | Dy3.41 |
Australian Soil Classification: | Bleached-Mottled, Magnesic, Grey CHROMOSOL; thick, slightly gravelly, loamy/clayey, moderate (confidence level 2) |
Unified Soil Group: | CL |
Horizon | pH (CaCl2) | % Gravel | EC (salts) | Nutrient Status | P | K | Al | Organic Matter | Dispersibility |
A1 | 4.2** | 3 | VL | VL | D | S | S | H | VL |
A2 | 4.3** | 26 | VL | VL | D | D | S | VL | VL |
B2 | 4.6 | 30 | VL | L | D | D | S | VL | VL |
Permeability:
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