Where are Red Chromosols found in New South Wales?

The soil is widespread throughout NSW, particularly on the western slopes of central and southern NSW., occupying some 20% of the state.

Good places to see a Red Chromosol

Road cutting 7 km north of Wagga Wagga on Bomen Road, near Bloggs Lane. Road cutting 10 km west of Dubbo on Mitchell Highway.

What is a Red Chromosol?

Also known as red brown earths, red podzolic soils or red duplex soils, Red Chromosols feature a strong texture contrast between the A and B horizons. They are distinguished from other texture contrast soils by not being strongly acidic like Kurosols or sodic like Sodosols in their upper B horizons. In their natural condition, these soils have favourable physical and chemical properties, but many now have hardsetting surface layers with structural degradation and acidification problems caused by longterm cultivation.

Red Chromosol

Why are Red Chromosols important to New South Wales?

The soil was first farmed in the early 19th century and is now used for grazing, cropping and vineyards. It has been described as ‘the workhorse of agriculture’ in NSW.