Seasonal soil temperature regimes in south-eastern Australia

Abstract

The soil temperature regimes of 15 locations in south-eastern Australia were categorized by using criteria adopted by the US. Soil Taxonomy. On the basis of mean annual and seasonal soil temperatures from depths of 50-61 cm, all sites but one were classed as thermic, having mean annual soil temperatures between 15° and 22°C and seasonal differences of more than 5°C. Mean annual and seasonal soil temperatures were significantly correlated with the corresponding mean air temperatures. Estimates of soil temperature regimes at other similar locations in the region may therefore be made, provided the appropriate air temperature data are available. It appears that the thermic category will not apply to certain areas of southern Victoria or to the high altitude areas of the Great Dividing Range, that extend from western Victoria through to northern New South Wales.