Boron Toxicity (proportion of land affected)

Dataset Number1070
Dataset TitleBoron Toxicity (proportion of land affected)
CustodianData Authority: Department for Environment and Water
Data Provider: Department for Environment and Water

Description

DescriptionBoron salts occur naturally in most soils. Boron is an essential trace element, but at higher concentrations, it is toxic to many agricultural plants. High concentrations of boron tend to occur where marine sediments (which are high in boron) have influenced soil formation. Because boron salts are slightly soluble, they are leached out of the rootzone in higher rainfall areas. Where impermeable clay layers at depth prevent leaching, boron concentrations can be high. Work by CSIRO has established that concentrations of >15 mg/kg are toxic to cereals. Other work suggests that the tolerance of horticultural crops is significantly lower. Toxic effects are more marked in dry seasons when roots penetrate deeper INTO the soil. Excess boron cannot be removed from soil or treated in any way under dryland farming conditions. Accidental or deliberate breeding for boron tolerance has produced a range of cultivars which are appropriate for affected soils. The land assessment is intended to highlight areas where boron toxicity may affect plant growth, at least in some seasons. Assessments are made from soil test results and extrapolation between similar soil materials and environments. Each component within each Soil Landscape Map Unit is assessed according to the average estimated depth to toxic boron concentration. Affected land has boron concentrations exceeding 15 mg/kg within 100 cm of the surface. Three Boron Toxicity (proportion of land affected) analysis data classes (including not applicable) have been supplied, as percentage values of Soil Landscape Map Unit to be used for the calculation of spatial data statistics. Note: the sum of all percentage values for each map unit totals 100%. Five (plus not applicable) legend categories (TOX_B_P) have been determined by rating the most severely affected proportion of the landscape, provided it occupies at least 30% of the area of the Soil Landscape Map Unit.
UsageLink to Soil Attribute Descriptions. This dataset has been derived from the Soil Landscape Map Units spatial dataset to be used for map creation or the calculation of spatial data statistics. Used to supply Government, community groups, industry and the general public with up to date regional, subregional and catchment level land and soil attribute information for southern South Australia. The aim is to produce maps, statistics and reports displaying and describing: Land and soil attributes within southern South AustraliaSELECT 1 FROM DUAL; Land surface features affecting land use, land management and productivitySELECT 1 FROM DUAL; Limitations / suitability of land and soil for a range of agricultural and other uses. Independent professional advice should be sought before using this in commercial decisions. Further information: soil and land attributes. Boron Toxicity (proportion of land affected) dataset can be viewed at NatureMaps (>Soils>Soil Chemistry Attributes). Spatial data downloads are available from Data SA.

Data Quality

LineageThe dataset is based on an interpretation of 1:40,000 stereo colour aerial photography and limited field inspection of landscapes and soils by soil scientists. Soil Landscape Map Unit boundaries were determined after an integration of field observations and recordingsSELECT 1 FROM DUAL; laboratory analysesSELECT 1 FROM DUAL; stereoscopic examination of aerial photographsSELECT 1 FROM DUAL; understanding of regional landscape processes and stratigraphySELECT 1 FROM DUAL; existing soil and geological mapping data. To avoid inconsistencies and confusion, any updates to the Soil and Land Attribute mapping are to be managed by DEWNR Soil and Land Program. This data has been released under a Creative Commons licence. Where products are derived from this data, DEWNR are to be acknowledged, and any changes to the original data should be indicated.
CompletenessComplete. The spatial data is subject to amendment as and when more data become available.
Positional AccuracyThe accuracy is to the scale of mapping (50 metres at 1:50,000 and 300 metres at 1:100,000 mapping scale). The spatial data is to be used at the regional, subregional and catchment level, and can be used to provide property overviewsSELECT 1 FROM DUAL; however, cannot be used at the paddock level. South East, Kangaroo Island, Mount Lofty Ranges and the 'bottom' of Yorke Peninsula have been mapped at 1:50,000. Eyre Peninsula, the main part of Yorke Peninsula, Murray Mallee and Northern Agricultural Districts have been mapped at 1:100,000. Map unit boundaries should be treated as transition zones.

Geographic Extent

Extent NameAgricultural Region - South Australia
Min Easting or Longitude132.25
Min Northing or Latitude-38
Max Easting or Longitude141
Max Northing or Latitude-32.25

Dataset Status

Initially Acquired01-JAN-2000
Last Updated01-JUL-2009
Update FrequencyAs required
Maintenance MethodAs required
AusGOALCC BY (Attribution)

Attributes

TableNameField AliasData TypeDescription
Landscape.SALAD_Toxicity_Boron_PrpLANSLU CharacterSoil Landscape Map Unit.
Landscape.SALAD_Toxicity_Boron_PrpTOX_B_P CharacterProportion of land with boron toxicity in the upper 100 cm of soil (Legend category. See layer file for descriptions).
Landscape.SALAD_Toxicity_Boron_PrpTBP1 NumberPercentage of map unit which is not affected by boron toxicity (>15 mg/kg extractable boron shallower than 100 cm).
Landscape.SALAD_Toxicity_Boron_PrpTBP2 NumberPercentage of map unit affected by boron toxicity (> 15 mg/kg extractable boron shallower than 100 cm).
Landscape.SALAD_Toxicity_Boron_PrpTBPX NumberPercentage of map unit which is not applicable.

Contact Information

OrganisationDepartment for Environment and Water
Science Monitoring and Knowledge
Postal AddressGPO Box 1047

ADELAIDE
5001
EmailDEWNR.CustomerServiceCentre@sa.gov.au