LP34

Lp34 Landscape

A1	0-15 cm	Reddish brown (5YR4/4); light sandy clay loam; hardsetting surface condition; massive; firm consistence dry; pH 5.5; clear change to:	LP34 Profile
Subsoil
B21	15-35 cm	Red (2.5YR4/8); light sandy clay loam; massive to weakly structured (earthy fabric); strong consistence dry; pH 6.8; clear change to:
B22	35-70 cm	Strong brown (7.5YR5/6); light sandy clay loam; weakly structured; very firm consistence dry; contains quartz grit and a few (2-10%) ferromanganiferous nodules; pH 7.7; gradual change to:
B23	70-110+ cm	Reddish brown (5YR4/4); sandy clay loam; weakly structured; strong consistence dry; contains quartz grit and a few (2-10%) ferromanganiferous nodules; pH 7.5.

• Lack of strong texture contrast between the surface (A) horizons (clay content 15%) and the clay (B) subsoil (clay content 15%).
• Hardsetting surface soil, with a high fine sand content (49%).

	pH	Salinity Rating	Sodicity	Dispersion
Surface (A1 horizon)	strongly acid	very low	non-sodic	none1
Subsoil (B21 horizon)	slightly acid	very low	non-sodic	none2
Deeper subsoil (at 90 cm)	slightly alkaline	very low	non-sodic	none
1 Slight dispersion after remoulding. 2 Strong dispersion after remoulding.

Management Considerations:

Surface (A) Horizon

• When cultivated dry, these soils will become "powdery" and may then be prone to crusting if heavy rains occur.
• The surface soil slakes when rapidly wet and will be susceptible to surface crust formation and hardsetting. The organic carbon levels are low which will also promote slaking. Slaking can be reduced by increasing organic matter levels in the surface soil. Organic matter reduces slaking by binding soil particles together and by reducing the rate of wetting of the soil. Tillage should be minimised and stubble retention/pasture rotations practised.
• The surface soil disperses slightly after remoulding which indicates that mechanical disturbance to this horizon whilst in a moist condition may result in some structural degradation.
• The surface soil has a low overall nutrient status. The total nitrogen levels are also relatively low compared to other sites in the area.
• The laboratory analysis indicates that the surface soil has a low plant available water holding capacity. Improving organic matter levels will assist improving water holding capacity as well as soil fertility.
• The strongly acid surface horizon indicates that aluminium and manganese toxicity may occur. Raising the pH level of the soil will help reduce any toxic effects. A lime test (at the paddock level) may be appropriate to determine the amount of lime required.

• The laboratory results indicate that plant available water capacity is low for the subsoil.
• The overall nutrient status is low for the subsoil.
• The subsoil is non-sodic and profile drainage is likely to be very good.

• Profile described by Mark Imhof, Paul Rampant and Sonia Thompson (14/2/95)