Boneo

Boneo - Symbol: Bo


This mapping unit is confined to an intensively farmed area around Boneo. It contains an area of low dunes comprising sands from the early Pleistocene. All the surface soils are loamy sands or sands and these continue to a considerable depth. Variations in surface colour are mainly due to organic matter differences. The immediate subsoil colours range from pale greyish brown to brownish yellow. The pH of the surface soils is generally around 7 (i.e. neutral), with the pH increasing with depth. The soils are best described as sandy Tenosols using the Australian Soil Classification.

These soils have a very low inherent fertility and because they are sandy they retain little water. However, with irrigation, fertilizers and additional organic matter they become highly productive. The main attraction of these soils is that they can be cultivated over most of the year. Most of this mapping unit is used for vegetable production with a wide range of vegetables being grown – and usually two or three crops per year. Most of the irrigation water is derived from deep bores reaching into the underlying basalt.

No remnant vegetation occurs on this mapping unit.

Boneo' landscape in foreground with 'Cups' landscape in background

Vegetable cropping near Boneo