Victorian Resources Online (archived)
Series B
Soils included in this series have distinct texture contrasts between hard setting surface soil horizons and moderately to strongly pedal clayey subsoils. Sporadically bleached A2 ‘subsurface’ soil horizons are present. The uppermost subsoil layer, that is at least 15 cm thick, is mottled and dominantly brown. The soil reaction trend is alkaline.
This series consists of Type B:
Type B
Profile Morphology:
Surface Soil - A1 horizon
- About 10 cm thick.
- Dark brown to dark reddish brown.
- Sandy loam to light sandy clay loam.
Surface Soil - A2 horizon
- 2-3 cm thick.
- Brown to yellowish brown.
- Sandy loam to sandy clay loam.
- This horizon may occur only as nests of sporadic bleaching at the interface between the A and B horizons.
Subsoil
- Mottled brown, yellow-brown and/or dark brown. At about 40 cm, the main colours may change to yellowish red or reddish yellow.
- Medium to heavy clay.
Soil Inclusions:
- Occasional to trace amounts of soft and/or hard CaCO3 occur at about 30 cm, usually increasing up to moderate amounts with depth.
Analytical data for selected depths down the profile:
Depth | pH | Total Soluble Salts | Sodium Chloride | Moisture Retention @ 15-Bar | Moisture Retention @ 1/3-Bar |
. | . | % | % | % | % |
A | 7.7 | 0.013 | * | 6.7 | 14.2 |
B | 8.7 | 0.069 | 0.006 | 27.5 | 48.5 |
C | 9.7 | 0.125 | 0.006 | 25.7 | 39.2 |
* Sodium Chloride contents were not measured and are expected to be very low (based on TSS <0.05%).
Occurrence:
Type B occurs mainly in drainage lines and low-flat areas of the undulating plains.
