Dataset Number 1070 Dataset Title Boron Toxicity (proportion of land affected) Custodian Data Authority: Department for Environment and Water Data Provider: Department for Environment and Water

Description Description Boron 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. Usage Link 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 Lineage The 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. Completeness Complete. The spatial data is subject to amendment as and when more data become available. Positional Accuracy The 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 Name Agricultural Region - South Australia Min Easting or Longitude 132.25 Min Northing or Latitude -38 Max Easting or Longitude 141 Max Northing or Latitude -32.25

Dataset Status Initially Acquired 01-JAN-2000 Last Updated 01-JUL-2009 Update Frequency As required Maintenance Method As required AusGOAL CC BY (Attribution)

Attributes

Contact Information Organisation Department for Environment and Water Science Monitoring and Knowledge Postal Address GPO Box 1047 ADELAIDE 5001 Email DEWNR.CustomerServiceCentre@sa.gov.au