Where are Mottled Brown Sodosols found in Victoria?

They are widespread across Victoria, predominantly in the 450-800 mm rainfall zone and have traditionally supported grazing.

Good places to see a Mottled Brown Sodosol

[Typical landscape shot]

What is a Mottled Brown Sodosol?

Also known as yellow duplex soils, these soils have yellow to brownish yellow coloured upper subsoil horizons that are usually mottled due to variable and restrictive drainage conditions. They generally have a bleached subsurface (A2) horizon leached of most of its nutrients and often waterlogged as water builds up on top of the dispersive subsoil after heavy rains.

Mottled Brown Sodosol

Why are Mottled Brown Sodosols important to Victoria?

Maintaining vegetation cover and encouraging organic matter build up are very important for fertility and aggregation on these soils. Care is needed in managing them without causing erosion.