Available Waterholding Capacity

Dataset Number1073
Dataset TitleAvailable Waterholding Capacity
CustodianData Authority: Department for Environment and Water
Data Provider: Department for Environment and Water

Description

DescriptionAvailable Waterholding Capacity (AWHC) of the soil profile is determined by the effective depth of a soil (ie physical and chemical barriers to root growth, which can vary by plant species)SELECT 1 FROM DUAL; and how much water within that depth is potentially available to plants. AWHC rankings have been estimated from soil texture, structure and stone content within the potential rootzone of a wheat plant. Waterholding capacities for characteristic soils of Soil Landscape Map Units are estimated from morphological properties, not laboratory analyses, and can vary substantially across the landscape. Six attribute (or 'analysis data') classes have been supplied (see 'M1', 'M2' etc in table below, including not applicable) as percentage (areal extent) values of each Soil Landscape Map Unit. Note: the sum of all percentage values for each map unit totals 100%. This analysis data is to be used for the calculation of spatial data statistics. For map display purposes, each Soil Landscape Map Unit is categorised INTO six legend categories (AWHC), including not applicable, according to the estimated average Available Waterholding Capacity of its soils, on a proportional basis. In other words, map units often contain variable soils and these are summarised using a weighted average AWHC ranking.
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. Available Waterholding Capacity dataset can be viewed on NatureMaps (>Soils>Soil Moisture 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_WaterholdingCapacityLANSLU CharacterSoil Landscape Map Unit.
Landscape.SALAD_WaterholdingCapacityAWHC CharacterAVERAGE AVAILABLE WATERHOLDING CAPACITY (Legend category. See layer file for descriptions). Map units have been classified according to the estimated available waterholding capacity of component soils, on a weighted average basis.
Landscape.SALAD_WaterholdingCapacityM1 NumberPercentage of map unit with more than 100 mm of available waterholding capacity.
Landscape.SALAD_WaterholdingCapacityM2 NumberPercentage of map unit with 70 - 100 mm of available waterholding capacity.
Landscape.SALAD_WaterholdingCapacityM3 NumberPercentage of map unit with 40 - 70 mm of available waterholding capacity.
Landscape.SALAD_WaterholdingCapacityM4 NumberPercentage of map unit with 20 - 40 mm of available waterholding capacity.
Landscape.SALAD_WaterholdingCapacityM5 NumberPercentage of map unit with less than 20 mm of available waterholding capacity.
Landscape.SALAD_WaterholdingCapacityMX 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