Monomeith clay loam

Symbol: Mn

Geology - Recent alluvium

Landform - Alluvial plain

Soils

This soil is equivalent to the "Swamp Fringe Type" as mapped by Goudie (1942). The boundary between this and the swamp types is often difficult to distinguish. This particularly applies to the area delineated "with sandy ridges" which represents the margin of the old swamp and was not waterlogged intensely enough to permit the accumulation of much peat. Here the surface soils are often medium clays.

This soil type occurs on the extensive plains south-west of the former swamp and is largely derived from sediments from the Lang Lang River and other creeks flowing from the eastern part of Westernport Bay Catchment such as Yanathan, Musk and Heifer Creeks.

The plains are traversed by old and defunct meandering stream courses generally with pronounced levees which have lighter textured surface soils. Apart from the levees, which have lighter textured surface soils, most of the soils are grey or brownish grey clay loams or light clays overlying, at about 200 mm to 300 mm, grey slightly mottled with yellow-brown medium clay. These clays continue to at least 1500 mm.

Typical profile of Monomeith clay loam

0 - 250 mm. Brownish grey or grey clay loam or light clay, clear transition to: 400 mm continuing. Grey with yellow-brown mottles medium to heavy clay.