Acid Sulfate Soil Potential

Dataset Number1078
Dataset TitleAcid Sulfate Soil Potential
CustodianData Authority: Department for Environment and Water
Data Provider: Department for Environment and Water

Description

DescriptionSulfidic soils or sediments contain accumulations of iron sulfides in the upper layers under waterlogged or highly reducing (anaerobic) conditions. As long as these materials remain waterlogged or de-oxygenated, they are innocuous and do not cause problems. When these sediments are exposed to air, following drainage or other disturbance, oxidation reactions can trigger the release of highly acidic leachates from the soil. The material is then described as 'acid sulfate soil'. As a general rule, any land with a shallow watertable and a source of sulfate (eg gypsum or pyrite minerals) is at risk. This assessment is based on observable morphological properties. Five Acid Sulfate Soil Potential attribute (or 'analysis data') classes have been supplied (see 'J1', 'J4', etc in the table below, including incomplete data and 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 creation of spatial data statistics. For map display purposes, each Soil Landscape Map Unit is assigned to one of five legend categories (ACIDSULF) depending on the 'proportion of land susceptible'. Additional categories cover inland wet areas where knowledge is incomplete, and areas assessed as 'not applicable'.
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. Acid Sulfate Soil Potential 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_pH_AcidSulfateSoilLANSLU CharacterSoil Landscape Map Unit
Landscape.SALAD_pH_AcidSulfateSoilACIDSULF CharacterPROPORTION OF LAND SUSCEPTIBLE to the development of acid sulfate soil (Legend category. See layer file for descriptions)
Landscape.SALAD_pH_AcidSulfateSoilJ1 NumberPercentage of map unit which has negligible potential for development of acid sulfate soil
Landscape.SALAD_pH_AcidSulfateSoilJ4 NumberPercentage of map unit which has potential for localised (patchy) development of acid sulfate soil
Landscape.SALAD_pH_AcidSulfateSoilJ5 NumberPrercentage of map unit which has potential for more than 50% of land to develop acid sulfate soil
Landscape.SALAD_pH_AcidSulfateSoilJ0 NumberPercentage of map unit which has incomplete data (usually wet inland areas)
Landscape.SALAD_pH_AcidSulfateSoilJX 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