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Kurosols

Kurosols have a strong texture contrast between loamy surface (A) horizons and the clayey subsurface (B) horizon. The subsoils are strongly acid (i.e. pH 5.4 or less). Kurosols can be separated on the basis upper 20 cm subsoil color, into Red, Brown, Yellow, Grey and Black groups.

    This broad-scale overview map of Kurosols in the North East region has been developed chiefly by Ken Rowe and is based on the Land Systems of Victoria (1:250 000). Other contributors have also assisted in updating the map in areas where they have specialist knowledge. The map shows areas where Kurosols are most likely to occur within the region and should only be used as a general indication of their distribution.

    Note that other soil types may also occur within these mapped areas (either dominantly or sub-dominantly) depending on factors such as climate, landform, geology, vegetation and degree of weathering. This map will continue to be updated as new information becomes available.

    Access the Soil and Land Survey Directory from this website to find out about more detailed information from various soil and land surveys that cover parts of this region.


Red Kurosols are the most widespread soils of the lower valley slopes, fans, higher terraces and residual hills in the higher rainfall areas throughout the North East region. Some Brown Kurosols occur on the plains in the northwest of the region. This map will be updated as new information becomes available.

Red Kurosols have previously been referred to as red podzolic soils and red Duplex soils with acid subsoils.





Generalised Description of Red Kurosols



Surface (A) horizons:
loam or sandy loam texture, 15-20 cm thick, shallow hardsetting A1 overlying bleached A2 horizon, clear to abrupt boundary change.

Subsoil (B2) horizon: clay texture, well developed fine sub-angular blocky peds, strongly acid.
    Photo: Red Kurosol on granite near Springhurst
    Red Kurosol on granite near Springhurst.

References

Rowe, R.K (1967). A Study of the Land in the Victorian Catchment of Lake Hume. Soil Conservation
Authority. Victoria. Technical Communication 5.


Rowe, R.K (1972). A Study of the Land in the Catchment of the Kiewa River. Soil Conservation Authority.
Victoria. Technical Communication 8.

Rowe, R.K (1984). A Study of the Land in the Catchments of the Upper Ovens and King Rivers. Soil
Conservation Authority. Victoria. Technical Communication 16.
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