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Ferrosols

Ferrosols are non texture contrast soils that have a high free iron content in the B horizon (subsoil). They are nearly always found only on basic volcanic material and are nearly always red coloured. Using the Australian Soil Classification, Ferrosols can be grouped further (in to Suborders) based on the colour of the upper 20 cm of the subsoil (i.e. red, brown, yellow, grey and black). These can be further differentiated based on subsoil characteristics such as the nutrient level capacities and ratios and the presence of carbonates.

Ferrosols in the Goulburn Broken Region

This broad scale map presents an overview and should only be used as a general indication of the distribution of Ferrosols in the Goulburn Broken Region. It shows areas where Ferrosols are most likely to occur within the region. Note that other soil types may also occur within these mapped areas although they are likely to be a more minor component.
Ferrosols
Ferrosols in the Goulburn Broken Region
This map has been developed from work done by DPI's former Centre for Land Protection Research as part of the Goulburn Broken Dryland Regional Development Project. This work utilised existing surveys, remote sensing information and some additional field work to develop an updated 1:100 000 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 (refer to the Soil and Land Survey Directory).


Red Ferrosols

Red Ferrosols are the major Ferrosol group and are mainly located on the slopes of Mt. Major, north and south east of Mansfield, west of Broadford and as a small outcrop south west of Euroa. These soils are very stable and have strong structure. This allows good drainage through the soil despite the often high clay content of the subsoil.
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