Sandy Soils (including Podosols)

There is a range of sandy soils in the region which can vary between deep sands, and sands overlying clays.

Podosols (Australian Soil Classification) are mainly sandy soils with accumulations of organic materials and aluminium (with or without iron compounds) – often referred to as “coffee rock” - in subsoil horizons. They are reasonably common in the southern parts of the region and are associated with Quaternary windblown siliceous sand deposits. Podosols are usually strongly acid and have a very low inherent fertility.

Sandy Soils in the Corangamite Region

This broad scale map presents an overview and should only be used as a general indication of the distribution of Sandy Soils (such as Podosols) in the Corangamite Region. It shows areas where Sandy Soils are most likely to occur within the region. Note that other soil types may also occur within these mapped areas.

This map has been developed from work undertaken by Robinson

et al

(2003) as part of the Corangamite Land Resource Assessment project. This work utilised existing surveys, remote sensing information and additional field-work to develop an updated 1:100 000 scale soil/landform coverage across the region.

Soils are difficult to map at this broad scale because of their diversity. Even in relatively small areas, a number of soils may occur which relate to differences in topography and landscape position. Variation in some of the major soil profile properties can also occur within these mapped areas. Any agricultural enterprise should be based on a proper on-site assessment of the soil and landscape.

A number of soil surveys have been completed in this region at varying scales and intensity. However, in some areas very little soil survey has taken place so see the

Soil and Land Survey Directory

Sandy Soils in the Corangamite Region.

Podosol near Simpson.

Sandy Tenosol near Newling.

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