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Soils on Older Consolidated Sediments

Org - Ordovician Plain | Orr - Ordovician Hills (North) | Ors - Ordovician Steep Hill | Pem - Permian Sediments (Moist ) | Per - Permian Sediments
Pem - Permian Sediments (Moist)

Land Capability Study - Ballan - Land Unit - Permian Sediments (Moist) - PemThere is only one location of this unit in the Shire of Ballan. It is an isolated outcrop of Permian tillite in the Wombat forest, north-west of Mt. Blackwood. It differs from the other areas of Permian tillite in the survey area by having a wetter climate and deep red soils.

Also the candlebark gum (E. rubida) is replaced by messmate (E. obliqua) in this unit. This area is still forested although part of it is used for rural retreats. The unit only occupies 0.19% of the survey area (1.8 km2)

PEM Red Mottled, Yellow Duplex Soils

Factual Key Dy 3.41/FSL, 25-45/Permian tillite, 50-150

Horizon
Depth (cm)
Description
A1
0-5
Brownish black (10YR 3/2) when moist; fine sandy loam; apedal & massive; consistence when moist is friable; pH 5.0; abrupt boundary.
A2
5-30
Dull yellow orange (10YR 6/3) when moist; with few fine yellow mottles; fine sandy loam; apedal & massive; consistence when moist is firm; pH 5.5; clear boundary.
B1
30-60
Bright yellowish brown (10YR 6/6) when moist; with abundant prominent yellow mottles; light medium clay; weak sub-angular blocky 20 mm; consistence when moist is firm; pH 5.0; abrupt boundary.
B2
60-120
Bright yellow brown (10YR 6/6) when moist; with few distinct red mottled; medium clay; strong angular blocky 4 mm; consistence when moist is firm; pH 5.0; abrupt boundary.
R
120-150
Weathering tillite.

COMPONENT
Proportion %
1
2
3
10
80
10
CLIMATE
Rainfall(av.) mm
760 – 810
Temperature(av.) °C
-
Seasonal growth limitations
-
GEOLOGY
Age, rock
Permian tillite
TOPOGRAPHY
Landscape
Broad crests of gentle tillite in the Wombat Forest
Elevation (range) m
570 – 640
Local relief (av.) m
8
Drainage pattern
Dendritic
Drainage density km/km2
0.9
Land form
Undulating Plains
Position on land form
Crest
Slopes
Depression line
Slope (range) %, slope shape
0 – 4; Convex
3 – 15; Convex
1 – 3; Straight
NATIVE VEGETATION
Structure
Open forest
Dominant species
E. obliqua, E. radiata, E. ovata, E. viminalis
E. ovata, E. obliqua, E. radiata, E. viminalis
E. ovata, E. viminalis, E. obliqua, E. radiata
SOIL
Parent material
In-situ weathered rock
In-situ weathered rock
Alluvium-silt, clay sand & quartz
Description
Yellow shallow gradational soils
Red mottled yellow duplex soils
Dark brown gradational soils
Surface texture
Clay loam
Clay loam
Clays
Permeability
Moderate – high
Moderate – high
Moderate – low
Depth (range) m
0.50
1.50
2
LAND USE
Forestry, urban sub-division (bush blocks)
SOIL DETERIORATION
Critical land features
Slopes
Steep slopes
Moderate permeability, dispersibility
Processes
Overland flow, leaching
Overland flow, leaching
Overland flow, sub-surface flow, waterlogging
Forms
Sheet & rill erosion, nutrient decline
Sheet & rill erosion
Gully erosion, compaction.

Per - Permian Sediments

Land Capability Study - Ballan - Land Unit - Permian Sediments - PerThis unit represents 0.65% of the survey area and covers 6.0 km2. The main locations are on the south side of the Greendale fault at Greendale and around Pykes Creek Reservoir. There is one notably poor subdivision on this unit north of Greendale on erodible shallow soils. The unit is mainly used for grazing although parts of it are still timbered. There appears to be a climatic difference between this unit and Pem (Permian Sediments (Moist) in the Wombat forest.

PER Yellow Duplex Soils

Factual Key Dy 3.41/CL-FSCL, 10-30/Permian tillite, 30-120

Horizon
Depth (cm)
Description
A1
0-10
Greyish yellow brown (10YR 4/2) when moist; clay loam, weak sub-angular blocky 2 mm; consistence when slightly moist is friable; pH 6.0; abrupt boundary.
A2
10-20
Dull yellowish brown (10YR 5/4) when moist: with few fine yellow mottles; clay loam; weak sub-angular blocky; consistence when dry is hard, when wet is spewy; pH 6.5; abrupt boundary.
B1
20-50
Yellowish brown (10YR 5/6) when moist; with abundant distinct brown & grey mottles; medium clay; weak sub-angular blocky 50 mm; consistence when dry is slightly hard; pH 6.0; clear boundary.
B2
50-100
Orange (7.5YR 6/6) when moist; with abundant prominent grey & red mottles; medium clay; weak sub-angular blocky 50 mm breaking down to strong angular blocky 2 mm; consistence when dry is hard; pH 6.0; clear boundary.
C
100+
Weathering tillite gravelly clay.

COMPONENT
Proportion %
1
2
95
5
CLIMATE
Rainfall(av.) mm
685 – 736
Temperature(av.) °C
-
Seasonal growth limitations
-
GEOLOGY
Age, rock
Permian tillite
TOPOGRAPHY
Landscape
Hills in the Greendale area
Elevation (range) m
390 – 500
Local relief (av.) m
12
Drainage pattern
Dendritic
Drainage density km/km2
0.8
Land form
Undulating plains
Position on land form
Crests, gentle slopes & lower slopes
Scarps & steep slopes
Slope (range) %, slope shape
2 – 10; Convex
15 – 35; Straight
NATIVE VEGETATION
Structure
Open forest
Dominant species
E. rubida, E. ovata, E. radiata, E. viminalis
SOIL
Parent material
In-situ weathered rock
Description
Yellow duplex soil
Yellow, shallow, gravelly gradational soils
Surface texture
Loam
Clay loam
Permeability
Moderate – low
Moderate
Depth (range) m
1
0.5
LAND USE
Grazing, urban sub-division
SOIL DETERIORATION
Critical land features
Hard setting surfaces, drainage
Slopes, dispersibility, hard setting surfaces
Processes
Overland flow
Overland flow, sub-surface flow, seepage
Forms
Sheet erosion
Severe landslips, sheet, rill & gully erosion

Org - Ordovician Plain

Land Capability Study - Ballan - Land Unit - Ordovician Plain - OrgThis unit consists of the gentler Ordovician country and has been separated from Ors on the basis of slope, vegetation, and soils. The unit is scattered down the east and west sides of the Shire and occupies 5.4% of the survey area (50.1 km2). It is mainly used for grazing and cereal cropping but. some parts are still forested

ORG Red Mottled, Yellow Duplex Soils

Factual Key Dy 3.41/CL-L, 10-40/Weathering Ordovician Sediments

Horizon
Depth (cm)
Description
A1
0-10
Brownish black (10YR 3/2) when moist; clay loams; apedal & massive; consistence when dry is hard; pH 5.8; sharp boundary.
A2
10-30
Greyish yellow brown (10YR 4/2) when moist; clay loam; apedal hydrophobic massive; consistence when dry is very hard; pH 5.8; sharp boundary.
B
30-150
Yellowish brown (10YR 5/6) when moist; red mottling; medium clay; strong angular blocky 2 mm; consistence when dry is very hard; pH 5.5; with 4% gravel.

COMPONENT
Proportion %
1
2
3
10
85
5
CLIMATE
Rainfall(av.) mm
630 - 760
Temperature(av.) °C
-
Seasonal growth limitations
-
GEOLOGY
Age, rock
Ordovician, slate & sandstone
TOPOGRAPHY
Landscape
Slightly dissected plain
Elevation (range) m
421
Local relief (av.) m
10
Drainage pattern
Dendritic
Drainage density km/km2
3.9
Land form
Rolling plain
Position on land form
Crest
Long gentle slope
Drainage line
Slope (range) %, slope shape
1 – 3; Convex
3 – 9; Straight
1 – 3; Concave
NATIVE VEGETATION
Structure
Woodland
Open forest
Dominant species
E. obliqua, E. radiata
E. viminalis, E. obliqua
E. ovata, E. obliqua
SOIL
Parent material
In-situ weathered rock
In-situ weathered rock
Alluvium clay, silt, sand and gravel
Description
Shallow stony red gradational soil
Red mottled yellow duplex soil
Mottled yellow & red gradational soil
Surface texture
Gravelly loam
Loamy clay
Clay loam
Permeability
High
Moderate – Low
Low – Moderate
Depth (range) m
0.6
1
2
LAND USE
Grazing with some forestry and cropping (cereal)
SOIL DETERIORATION
Critical land features
Hard setting surfaces, dispersibility
Hard setting surfaces
Moderate dispersibility, poorly drained site, hard setting surfaces
Processes
Overland flow, leaching of salts
Overland flow, leaching of salts
Overland flow, accumulation of salts
Forms
Sheet and rill erosion, compaction
Sheet and rill erosion, gully erosion, compaction
Salting, gully erosion

Ors - Ordovician Steep Hill

Land Capability Study - Ballan - Land Unit - Ordovician Steep Hill - OrsThis unit consists of steep Ordovician hills and deeply incised valleys scattered throughout the survey area. A good example of this unit is the steep portion of the Brisbane Ranges on the west side of the Rowsley Fault. The main land use is forestry which is also the most Suitable use as this unit is highly erodible. Some parts of the unit are used for grazing. The unit occupies 10.67% of the Shire and covers an area of 98.9 km2.

Red Mottled, Yellow Gradational Soils Fine Structure

Factual Key Gn 3.71/CL, 5-15/Weathered ordovician sediments 30-100

Horizon
Depth (cm)
Description
A
0-8
Brown (7.5YR 4/3) when moist; gravelly clay loam; apedal, massive & hydrophobic; consistence when dry is hard; pH 5.5; diffuse boundary.
B1
8-30
Bright reddish brown (5YR 5/6) when moist with abundant red brown mottles; light medium clay; moderate angular blocky 3 mm; consistence when moist is firm; pH 5.8; diffuse boundary with colluvial stones.
B2
30-50
Reddish brown (5YR 4/6) when moist with abundant red mottles; medium clay; strong angular blocky 3 mm; consistence when moist is firm; pH 6.0; diffuse boundary.
B/C
50-60
As B2 with 60-80% weathering. Ordovician sedimentary rock.
R
60+
Ordovician rock.

COMPONENT
Proportion %
1
2
3
4
2
48
3
45
CLIMATE
Rainfall(av.) mm
660 – 710
Temperature(av.) °C
-
Seasonal growth limitations
-
GEOLOGY
Age, rock
Ordovician, slates and sandstones
TOPOGRAPHY
Landscape
Hilly areas throughout the Shire
Elevation (range) m
425
Local relief (av.) m
65
Drainage pattern
Dendritic
Drainage density km/km2
7.6
Land form
Hill
Position on land form
Moist protected slopes
Dry exposed slopes
Drainage line
Crest
Slope (range) %, slope shape
15 ; Straight
15 ; Straight
3 ; Concave
3 ; Convex
NATIVE VEGETATION
Structure
Tall open forest
Open forest
Dominant species
E. obliqua, E. ovata, E. radiata, E. viminalis
E. dives, E. obliqua, E. viminalis, E. radiata
E. radiata, E. viminalis, E. obliqua
E. obliqua, E. dives, E. viminalis, E. radiata
SOIL
Parent material
In-situ weathered rock
In-situ weathered rock
Alluvium, clay, silt, sand, gravel
In-situ weathered rock
Description
Red mottled yellow gradational or duplex soils, fine structure
Red mottled yellow gradational or duplex soils, fine structure
Black gradational soil (variable)
Shallow stony red & yellow gradational soil
Surface texture
Fine sandy loam
Fine sandy loam
Clay loam
Gravelly loam
Permeability
High
High
Moderate – Low
High
Depth (range) m
1
1
>1
0.5
LAND USE
Mainly forestry, grazing
SOIL DETERIORATION
Critical land features
Steep slopes, hard setting surfaces
Steep slopes, hard setting surfaces
Moderate permeability, hard setting surfaces, dispersibility
Moderate slopes, hard setting surfaces
Processes
Overland flow
Overland flow
Overland flow, subsurface flow, waterlogging
Overland flow
Forms
Sheet and rill erosion
Sheet and rill erosion, compaction
Gully erosion, compaction
Sheet and rill erosion, compaction

Orr - Ordovician Hills (North)

Land Capability Study - Ballan - Land Unit - Ordovician Hills (North) - OrrThis is the second largest unit in the survey area, occupying 25.45% of the Shire and covering 236.0 km2. It is located to the north of the Greendale fault and is used for softwood plantations, forestry, recreation, mining, water supply protection, grazing and some cereal cropping. The erosion hazard of this unit is high and therefore careful management is required. Scattered throughout the unit are patches of Gn or Dr finely pedal red soils (Component 2) which may owe the origins to remnants of Tertiary, iron rich soils. The presence of fragments of fractured ferricrete are often associated with these profiles. These soils are more per­meable and stable than the yellow soils.

Yellow Duplex Soil

Factual Key Dy 3.41/FSL, 10-30/Weathered slates, 80-150.

Horizon
Depth (cm)
Description
A1
0-15
Brownish black (10YR 3/1) when moist; fine sandy loam; apedal and massive; consistence when slightly moist is firm; pH 5.0; clear boundary.
A2
15-20
Greyish yellow brown (10YR 5/2) when moist; and dull yellow orange (10YR 7/2) when dry; fine sandy loam; apedal and massive; con­sistence when slightly moist is firm; pH 5.0; abrupt boundary.
B1
20-40
Dull yellow orange (10YR 6/3) when moist; light clay; moderate sub-angular blocky 3mm; consistence when slightly moist is firm; pH 5.5; clear boundary.
B2
40-100
Dull yellow orange (10YR 1/3) when moist; faint and distinct red brown mottle; silty clay; strong angular blocky 3mm; consistence when slightly moist is firm; pH 5.5; clear boundary.
C
100+
Weathering slates.

COMPONENT
Proportion %
1
2
3
4
20
15
60
5
CLIMATE
Rainfall(av.) mm
760 – 1000
Temperature(av.) °C
-
Seasonal growth limitations
-
GEOLOGY
Age, rock
Ordovician, slates and sandstone
TOPOGRAPHY
Landscape
Hills at northern end of Shire
Elevation (range) m
670
Local relief (av.) m
45
Drainage pattern
Dendritic
Drainage density km/km2
5.9
Land form
Hills
Position on land form
Crest & steep slopes
Slopes with deep soil
Slopes with shallow soil
Drainage line
Slope (range) %, slope shape
5 – 20; Convex
5 – 20; Straight
5 – 30; Straight
1 – 4 ; Concave
NATIVE VEGETATION
Structure
Open forest
Dominant species
E. radiata, E. dives, E. rubida,
E. obliqua
E. viminalis, E. obliqua, E. radiata,
E. rubida (some E. cypellocarpa)
E. obliqua, E. radiata, E. rubida,
E. dives, E. viminalis
E. ovata, E. obliqua, E. rubida,
E. radiata
SOIL
Parent material
In-situ weathered rock
In-situ weathered rock
In-situ weathered rock
Alluvium, colluvium clay, silt, sand and gravel
Description
Shallow stony brown gradational soils
Red duplex and red gradational soils, fine structure
Yellow duplex and yellow gradational soils
Brown gradational soil
Surface texture
Gravelly loam
Fine sandy loam to Clay loam
Fine sandy loam to Clay loam
Clay loam
Permeability
High
High
Moderate – High
Moderate
Depth (range) m
0.5
2
1
2
LAND USE
Soft wood plantations, some grazing, cropping
SOIL DETERIORATION
Critical land features
Steep slopes
Slopes
Slopes
Moderate permeability, dispersibility
Processes
Overland flow, leaching
Overland flow, leaching
Overland flow, leaching
Overland flow, subsurface waterlogging
Forms
Sheet & rill erosion, nutrient decline
Sheet erosion, nutrient decline
Sheet & rill erosion, nutrient decline
Gully erosion, compaction
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