Some properties of the krasnozems of Southern Victoria, Australia

Abstract

Data are presented for mechanical composition, pH, organic matter, exchangeable cations, iron oxide distribution, and types of clay minerals in a range of profiles representative of the krasnozems in southern Victoria. Variability in these properties is discussed in the paper. Seven of the krasnozems are developed on Eocene (older) basalts, three on Pliocene-Pleistocene (newer) basalts, and one on Silurian mudstones. In all of the profiles, the clay minerals detected were kaolin, chloritized vermiculite, oxides of iron, variable amounts of illite, and small amounts of quartz. The degree of chloritization of the vermiculite component in the krasnozems derived from basalt is greatest in the most weathered profiles.