MM110

Site code
      MM110
Location
      Lake Rosine (Cundare Duverney Road), Cressy district,
      south-west Victoria
Landform
      Undulating basalt plains
Geology
      Quaternary Newer Volcanics: extrusive tholeiitic to alkaline basalts, minor scoria and ash
Element
      Lower slope

Profile morphology
Horizon

Depth (cm)

Description

A1
0–15Dark brown (10YR3/3); clay loam; apedal massive structure; firm consistence (dry); common fine ferruginous concretions; sharp boundary to:
B21
15–60Very dark greyish brown (10YR3/2); heavy clay; strong coarse blocky structure; strong consistence (dry); boundary to:
B22
60+Greyish brown (2.5Y5/2); medium clay; strong fine blocky structure; firm consistence (moderately moist ); common calcareous soft segregations.

ASC: Calcic; Mesonatric; Black Sodosol

Analytical data Source: Government of Victoria, State Chemistry Laboratory.

Site MM110
Sample
depth
pH
EC
NaCl
Ex Ca
Ex Mg
Ex K
Ex Na
Ex Al
Ex acidity
Horizon
cm
H2O
CaCl2
dS/m
%
cmolc/kg
cmolc/kg
cmolc/kg
cmolc/kg
mg/kg
cmolc/kg
A1
0–15
6.3
N/R
0.12
N/R
3
3
0.9
0.9
0
15.6
B21
15–60
8
N/R
0.29
0.05
4.3
4.3
1.2
5.4
N/R
4.7
B22
60+
N/R
N/R
0.87
0.14
6.3
6.3
1.2
8
N/R
0

Site MM110
Sample
depth
FC
(-10kPa)
PWP
(-1500kPa)
KS
FS
Z
C
Org C
Bulk density
Horizon
cm
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
t m-3
A1
0–15
29.2
17.9
14
40
19
26
2.6
1.14
B21
15–60
37.2
25.1
7
30
17
45
N/R
1.53
B22
60+
N/R
N/R
12
20
15
40
N/R
N/R

Management considerations
This soil has a very strong texture contrast between the clay loam surface soil and the heavy clay subsoil. The clay acts as a throttle to water and gas movement. Restricted water movement is also evident by the bleached A2 horizons (or subsurface soils). These bleached horizons may act as conduit for subsurface flow, particularly on sloping ground. Ferruginous and Ferromanganiferous nodules in the topsoil may be a further an indication of a periodic waterlogging. These soils are hardsetting and have limited opportunity for cultivation without further damage to soil structure.

The subsoil is sodic and alkaline and also has calcareous nodules associated with it. Sodic subsoils usually have poor structure and may result in dispersive subsoils with subsequent clogging of pores restricting water and gas movement through the subsoil. Alkaline subsoils are usually associated with high nutrient capacity but result in an imbalance in nutrient availability to plants. Calcium carbonate nodules (segregations, soft and hard) are associated with alkaline soils. This secondary lime is often found in deep subsoils of many basalt-derived soils. As well as growing tolerant species, some micronutrients may be required to bolster essential macronutrients for more adequate plant growth (e.g. zinc).

The application of gypsum is used to counter the effect of the sodicity. Penetration by deep-rooted crops is also useful as is minimum tillage practices which avoids bringing the sodic, dispersive material to the surface.
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This page contains material sourced from the Victorian Resources Online (VRO) website, originally published by the State Government of Victoria. The content is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia licence . The material has been adapted and re-formatted; no endorsement by the Victorian Government is implied.