The occurrence of a highly alkaline solonetz soil in southern Queensland

Abstract

A highly alkaline solonetz soil occurring around Yelarbon is described. It is suggested that underground water of a high sodium bicarbonate content associated with a fluctuating water-table is responsible for the highly alkaline nature of the soil. Limited experimentation has shown that deep ripping to ensure better water penetration and consequent leaching has effected some improvement, but the presence of the salty water-table at often shallow depths still remains the fundamental cause of the alkalinity problems.