Soil chemistry and morphology transects to assist wetland delineation in four semi-arid saline lakes, south-western Queensland
A. J. W. Biggs A C , K. Bryant B and K. M. Watling AA Department of Environment and Resource Management, Toowoomba, Qld 4350, Australia.
B Department of Environment and Resource Management, Indooroopilly, Qld 4067, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: andrew.biggs@derm.qld.gov.au
Australian Journal of Soil Research 48(3) 208-220 https://doi.org/10.1071/SR09127
Submitted: 15 July 2009 Accepted: 5 November 2009 Published: 6 May 2010
Abstract
Soils at 4 saline lakes (Wyara, Numalla, Wombah and Bindegolly) in semi-arid south-western Queensland were described and sampled to determine soil attributes that assist in the delineation of wetlands. Up to 4 sites were described in transects perpendicular to the lake edge. Samples from fixed depths were analysed for limited ionic chemistry and, in some cases, selected acid sulfate soil parameters. Lakebed soils were alkaline Hypersalic Hydrosols, changing to a variety of soils, including alkaline Rudosols and Podosols on adjacent lunettes and beach ridges. Gley colours and mottling were indicative of lakebed soils, while redder colours and stratification were common in soils outside the wetland. Evaporative concentration of salts at the soil surface was common in lakebed and transition zone soils, whereas leaching of salts was common in sandier soils outside the wetlands. Analysis of acid sulfate soil parameters and field evidence in the beds of Lakes Wyara and Wombah confirmed the presence of unoxidised sulfidic sediments and extensive neutralising capacity. Wave action formation of beach ridges appeared to be the most prevalent land-forming process at 3 lakes, but wind-driven deflation with associated lunette-building was evident at Lake Bindegolly. The data confirmed the value of pedological features such as texture, colour, and salinity trends in determining the boundaries of these wetlands, but also highlighted the transient nature of these features.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to recognise the assistance of Peter Wilson, Dan Brough, Lauren Eyre, Neil Cupples, and staff of the Queensland Environmental Protection Agency for assistance in fieldwork; Shawn Darr for cartography, and staff of the NRSc analytical centre. The editorial comments of Col Ahern and 2 anonymous reviewers are acknowledged.
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