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A soil survey of the then Rutherglen Research Station was carried out by T.J Poutsma and J.K.M Skene from the former Department of Agriculture. This survey was undertaken to provide more accurate soils information for the design and evaluation of soil management and fertility trials, and for the testing of plant species and varieties. About 480 hectares were examined in 1952. In 1959, a further 340 hectares were acquired and surveyed. The original area was also re-examined in more detail. The final report was then published in 1961. The soils were examined using hand-augered inspection sites from 80 to 200 metres apart and as much as 2 metres deep. Twelve profiles, representing seven soil types, were sampled for laboratory analysis. In addition, some 120 samples were collected from the surface and subsoils for information about pH and salt content across soil types. |
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The mapping scale used for the original map was 1:16 000 which makes this a high intensity soil survey. Twelve soil reference sites were described for the original survey and the locations of these are shown on the map in the original report. A number of soil pit sites were later described by Imhof et al (1996) and the location of these sites are marked on this clickable map. |
Soil Type | Area in Hectares | Percentage of Total Area |
Soils on the Plains | ||
Black Dog Fine Sandy Loam (including complex with Lilliput Loam). | 84 | 10 |
Rutherglen Loam | 428 | 52 |
Rutherglen Clay Loam and Type F | 6 | 1 |
Types A,B,C,D | 20 | 2 |
Unit 1 | 30 | 4 |
Unit 2 | 132 | 16 |
Mine Spoil | 16 | 2 |
Creek Frontage | 2 | <1 |
Soils on the Hill Slopes - Catena | ||
Stillards Loam | 52 | 6 |
Type G | 24 | 3 |
Type H | 12 | 1 |
Type J | 14 | 2 |
Total | 820 | 100 |
Soil Pit Site Information In 1996, a number of soil pits were described across the Institute. These were published in an internal report by Imhof et al (1996) and used as the basis for a Soil Characterisation and Classification Workshop held at the Institute from the 26-27 November, 1996. This soil pit information is available from the clickable map above. |
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