Land resource survey and assessment for irrigation farm design and planning, Queensland, Australia
1988
Mcdonald, R.C. | Reid, R.E. | Powell, B.
Existing land resource maps and reports are studied and aerial photos are interpreted prior to a brief field reconnaissance. This is followed by a traverse survey of all major soil landscapes using lines following easily identifiable features crossing the maximum number of perceived soil boundaries. Information obtained is used to construct a provisional map reference which briefly describes the soil landscapes and their constituent soils. The next step is to select reference areas representative of the major soil landscapes and map these at high intensity (1:25,000). This better defines soil variability and refines the provisional map reference. The remainder of the area is then mapped at 1:100,000 and the map reference finalised. Representative soils are sampled during the survey for laboratory analysis. The aim of such research is to define the best management strategies to ensure sustainable agriculture. Particular attention is paid to major hazards of irrigated agriculture such as rising groundwaters, secondary salinisation and water erosion. Regularly spaced parallel traverses 200 to 300 m. apart are run at right angles to the grain of the country or the contour direction varying according to each soil landscape. Ground observations are made at irregular intervals along traverses with an average density of ground observations of one to each 6 to 12 ha. Soils are also sampled more intensively for laboratory analysis and site data is stored on computer. Each UMA on the 1:25,000 map is allocated to one of the five land suitability classes for each crop considered, and information stored on computer. UMA boundaries are digitized on a computer-assisted-drafting work station and this facility is used to prepare soil and land suitability maps as required.
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