IMPORTANT NOTICE

© Copyright Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (‘CSIRO’) Australia. All rights are reserved and no part of this publication covered by copyright may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means except with the written permission of CSIRO Division of Land and Water.

The data, results and analyses contained in this publication are based on a number of technical, circumstantial or otherwise specified assumptions and parameters. The user must make its own assessment of the suitability for its use of the information or material contained in or generated from the publication.

To the extend permitted by law, CSIRO excludes all liability to any person or organisation for expenses, losses, liability and costs arising directly or indirectly from using this publication (in whole or in part) and any information or material contained in it.

The publication must not be used as a means of endorsement without the prior written consent of CSIRO.

NOTE This report and accompanying maps are scanned and some detail may be illegible or lost. Before acting on this information, readers are strongly advised to ensure that numerals, percentages and details are correct.

This digital document is provided as information by the Department of Natural Resources and Water under agreement with CSIRO Division of Land and Water and remains their property. All enquiries regarding the content of this document should be referred to CSIRO Division of Land and Water.

The Department of Natural Resources and Water nor its officers or staff accepts any responsibility for any loss or damage that may result in any inaccuracy or omission in the information contained herein.

ISSN 0725-8526

CS I RO AUSTRALIA

SOILS OF THE MOSSMAN CAPE TRIBULATION AREA, NORTH QUEENSLAND

G.G. Murtha

DIVISION OF SOILS Divisional Report No 102 DIVISION OF SOILS Divisional Report No. 102

SOILS OF THE MOSSMAN CAPE TRIBULATION AREA, NORTH QUEENSLAND

G.G. Murtha

CSIRO AUSTRALIA 1707 National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication Entry Murtha, G.G. (Grahame George). Soils of the Mossman Cape Tribulation area, north Queensland. Bibliography. ISBN 0 643 04966 5. 1. Soils - Queensland - Mossman Region. I. CSIRO Division of Soils. II. Title. (Series: Division of Soils divisional report; no. 102). 631.4'99436 Contents Page INDEX overleaf ABSTRACT 1 INTRODUCTION 1 General 1 The Environment 3 Soil Series 4 Soil Mapping Units 4 SOILS FORMED ON BEACH RIDGES 6 SOILS OF BASALTIC ORIGIN 16 SOILS OF METAMORPfflC ROCK ORIGIN 20 SOILS OF GRANITIC ORIGIN 35 WELL DRAINED SOILS FORMED ON ALLUVIUM 38 POORLY DRAINED SOILS FORMED ON ALLUVIUM 59 ORGANIC SOILS AND SOILS OF THE TIDAL ZONE 69 ANALYTICAL METHODS AND ABBREVIATIONS 70 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 72 REFERENCES 72 INDEX TO SOIL SERIES AND MAP UNIT DESCRIPTIONS Name Soil Series Map Unit Sample No. BICTON* Page22 Page33 T296 BOOBAH* 30 T303 BROSNAN* 12 15 T329 BUCHAN 23 BULGURU* 70 69 CARSON 66 T304 CLIFTON 32 34 T312 COOM* 62 68 T306 DAGMAR 25 DAINTREE 10 16 T327 DAYMAN 58 T305 DEVIL DEVIL 68 EULUMA 27 GALMARA* 21 34 GARIOCH 45 61 GOOLBOO* 43 HEWITT* 66 HOLLOWAY 62 69 HULL* 8 15 T311 INNISFAIL* 42 T310 JAPOON* 39 JULATTEN 50 T300 KAYGAROO* 9 KIMBERLEY 18 20 T308 LERRA 41 LIVERPOOL* 46 59 T322 MIALLO 29 MISSION* 28 34 T321 MOLLOY 26 T299 MOSSMAN 44 59 T324 NEWELL 64 68 T309 PERA 18 20 GGM 362-366 PIN GIN* 17 20 GGM 382-386 PONZO 52 60 T323 RUMULA 56 60 T298 SILKWOOD* 39 SOMERSET 54 60 T302 SPANOS* 14 T328 THORPE* 36 37 TXMARA* 64 69 TOOLAKEA 7 TULLY* 40 59 T325 TYSON* 36 UTCHEE* 35 VIRGIL 48 60 T307 WEATHERBY 24 33 T297 WONGALING* 7 *First described in Murtha 1986 SOILS OF THE MOSSMAN CAPE TRIBULATION AREA, NORTH QUEENSLAND

G.G. Murtha*

Abstract Mossman is located at about 16°27'S latitude and 145°22'E longitude. It is situated in the center of the survey area which embraces the northern extremity of the humid lowland cane country of north Queensland. Mean annual rainfall ranges from about 1100 mm to over 3000 mm and has a pronounced summer dominance. A soil survey at 1:50,000 scale has been conducted over an area of about 105,000 ha of which some 60% is rugged rainforest clad mountains. Forty-seven soil series have been recognized and characterised in terms of their field morphology and major chemical and physical properties. The mapping units are associations of series. The soils of the area are formed on granite, low grade metamorphics (mainly medium grained metasediments but with some interbedded basic volcanics), and on mixed alluvium derived from these parent materials. Topography ranges from precipitous mountains to the flat depositional coastal plain. The latter is generally very narrow but includes alluvial fan, riverine and marine alluvium and beach ridge landforms. The upland soils exhibit many properties characteristic of soils of the humid tropics such as thick sola and/or very deeply weathered saprolite, freely draining and friable nature, acid reaction, and low base status. The lowland soils are much more diverse, but profile wetness which is usually site dependent, is the major factor influencing soil morphology.

INTRODUCTION General Mossman is situated (Fig. 1) some 60 km by road north of Cairns and is the most northerly sugar cane growing area in Queensland. This survey covers the coastal country from Oak Beach to Cape Tribulation and the Julatten uplands south to Mt Molloy. It includes all land presently assigned to the Mossman sugar mill apart from a small area on the alluvium of Rifle Creek downstream of Mt Molloy. The soil survey covers an area of about 105,000 ha of which about 60,000 ha is rainforest clad mountains. This report provides a morphological description of the soil series recognised and a description of the mapping units depicted on the accompanying map. Available chemical and physical data are presented without any discussion of those results. A more detailed physical and chemical characterisation, together with discussion on soil distribution, classification, and land use aspects will be presented in a later report. Where possible the soils have been correlated with the soils of the Tully-Innisfail area (Murtha 1986) and the soils of the north Mulgrave area (Thompson and Cannon 1981). Some soil series are common to the three survey areas.The range of properties described for each series in this report are those encountered only in the Mossman survey area. They may not necessarily coincide with the ranges for the same series named in previous surveys. Twenty new soil series and variants have been identified in the Mossman area (see index to soil series etc.). * Division of Soils, CSIRO, PMB Aitkenvale, Townsville, Qld. 4814 2 CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No.102

Figure 1. Locality plan CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102 3

The field work was carried out on a free survey basis with the aid of 1:30,000 monochrome air photography which was flown in 1972. Boundaries were field located on the survey line and extrapolated by air photo interpretation. The soils have been classified in terms of the Factual Key (Northcote 1979), great soil groups (Stace etal. 1968) and to the sub-group level in Soil Taxonomy (Soil Survey Staff 1975) where possible. All cultivated soils have an Ap horizon which may be as thick as 40 cm, this is identified by an /p following the principal profile form (PPF). In many soils it is highly likely that deep cultivation has modified the original profile form to the extent that subsurface horizons such as A2, A3, and B1 are no longer recognizable. Where possible the PPF from undisturbed sites has been recorded. For a number of soils there is no appropriate great soil group and for others the classification is doubtful. The latter are identified by a question mark. The classification to subgroup level in Soil Taxonomy must be regarded as provisional as it is based on minimal data. Where there is no analytical data available and considerable doubt exists the soil has not been classified. Argillic horizons have been identified on the basis of clay increase only. In the absence of reliable data on the moisture characteristics of these soils, a udic regime is inferred for all soils with fine sandy loam or finer field texture on the lowlands and for all upland soils under a rainforest vegetation. A ustic regime is inferred for the coarse uniform sands i.e. most of the soils formed on beach ridges and for soils under non- rainforest vegetation on the uplands. An aquic regime is inferred for the swamp soils. An iso temperature regime has been inferred for all soils with the following exceptions, sandy soils on the beach ridges and soils under non-rainforest vegetation on the Jullaten uplands. The classification given applies to the representative profile site and the accompanying laboratory data. It may not necessarily apply to the range of soils that comprise an individual series.

The Environment The climate is characterised by very humid summers and mild, relatively dry winters. Rainfall ranges from about 1100 to 1700 mm on the Julatten uplands and from about 1800 to 3000+ mm on the coastal country. Rainfall isohytes are shown on Figure 1 but these are fairly crude as there are few recording stations and in some areas there are very sharp rainfall gradiants. Although the rainfall has a strong summer dominance significant falls can occur through the winter period. A feature of the rainfall is the very high intensities that can be experienced, the extremes of which are usually associated with tropicallowpressure systems. Occasional light frosts may be experienced on the Julatten uplands. Monthly temperature and rainfall data for selected stations are presented in Table 1. The geology of the survey area has been mapped at 1:250,000 scale (Amos and de Keyser 1964). Low grade metasediments of the Hodgkinson Formation form the dominant parent material of the upland soils. The high mountain ranges consist entirely of the coarse grained Mareeba granite. Most stream alluvium consists of mixtures of these two parent materials. The Hodgkinson Formation contains some interbedded basic volcanics. Where these outcrop the soils are indistinguishable from those formed on basalt in the Tully-Innisfail area and have been mapped accordingly. Limited areas of beach ridge and/or dune sands occur along the coastline. The vegetation of the area has been described by Tracey (1982). It is an area of extreme diversity both in terms of structure and floristics. The diversity is in part a 4 CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No.102

reflection of soil fertility but largely is a reflection of soil water statu s. This is very evident in the lowland country where wetness is the major factor influencing soil profile development. Large areas of the lowland country has been cleared and on some soil landscapes none of the original vegetation remains. Table 1. Rainfall (mm) and temperature (°C) data for selected stations Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Port Max 31.3 31.1 30.5 29.5 27.5 25.6 24.7 26.2 27.8 29.1 31.0 31.3 28.8 Douglas Min 23.2 22.8 22.1 20.7 19.7 17.3 17.0 17.8 18.4 20.4 22.2 22.8 20.4 Rain 392 411 422 193 68 50 25 24 32 44 99 202 1962 Mossman Rain 492 509 497 227 91 60 34 33 43 61 126 234 2410 Whyanbeel Rain 562 607 611 309 125 80 51 49 67 78 148 274 3011 Julatten Rain 376 385 336 119 59 50 30 28 24 28 72 136 1643

Soil Series The basis for the establishment of soil series is the definition in the Soil Survey Manual (Soil Survey Staff 1951). In brief, a series is a group of soils having horizons with essentially similar properties, arrangement in the profile and developed from similar parent materials. Factors such as significance in land use and ease of recognition and distinction from similar soils were also important criteria in the establishment of series. Forty-seven soil series have been recognized in the Mossman area. Twenty-three of these are common to the Tully-Innisfail area (Murtha 1986) while three were first recognized in the Mulgrave area (Thompson and Cannon 1981) and one on the Townsville coastal plain (Murtha 1975). The twenty series first recognised in the Mossman area may not necessarily be unique to this area andit should be noted that many soil series differ only in morphological characteristics of relatively minor significance and may have similar agronomic or management constraints e.g. Mossman, Innisfail and Tully series. A number of dark surface variants have been recognised. These soils have thick very dark grey to black A horizons which persist even after prolonged cultivation. Although it is generally assumed that dark surface horizons are a product of organic enrichment, in many cases these soils do not have significantly higher organic carbon levels. There is an observed relationship between the presence of the dark surface horizon and Casuarina species in the native vegetation communities. Decomposition products from the litter of this speices may contain a strong darkening agent. Each soil series is defined in terms of a typical profile and the observed range for the more common characteristics. The 1:100,000 map reference is given for the typical profile. Unless specified otherwise all Munsell colours are for moist soils. All textures refer to field manipulation of the soil and have not been fitted to a texture triangle on the basis of particle size analyses. In many soils there is an apparent discrepancy between field texture and the particle size analysis. Field textures are often much heavier than the clay figures would indicate. This may be explained in part by the relatively high silt values for many of the soils but in many cases there is no obvious explanation. The soils are grouped on the same basis as in. the Tully-Innisfail area and this grouping serves as a broad scale map (Fig. 2) which to some extent indicates classes of soils with similar agronomic constraints.

Soil Mapping Units The soil mapping units are associations of soil series and have been named after the dominant series. Unit purity varies considerably between unique mapping area CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102 5

Figure 2. Generalised soil map. (UMA) but also from area to area in the same UMA. Some of this variability is due to the difficulty of delineating soil boundaries through cropped land where cultural practices can mask all surface and air photo pattern evidence of soil change. More commonly though, many soil series form part of a continuum in which soil changes are very subtle, hence it is difficult to place meaningful soil boundaries. In addition, in the Mossman area the mountain ranges are very close to the coast, depositional systems are very short, and piedmont and coastal plain development is very narrow. As a CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102

consequence the geomorphic units associated with these landscapes are compressed into a very small area resulting in frequent soil changes over short distances. In an attempt to improve the accuracy of field interpretation of the mapping, a system of single and multiple symbols has been adopted. For instance in Coom association there are areas which are almost pure Coom series; these are labelled Co. Other areas may have Tully or Timara series as co-dominants. These are labelled Co-Tu and Co-Ti respectively. In addition, all these symbols, i.e. Co, Co-Tu, Co-Ti, may appear in the one unique map area. The symbol placement is not arbitary, it is intended to depict areas in which the soil pattern may be reasonably pure or alternatively to be representative of the complexity of the pattern and indicative of the co-dominance which is occurring. Solid and broken boundary lines are also used to give some indication of the confidence of boundary placement. The shorter the broken line the lower the confidence level. The association descriptions have been grouped on the same basis as the soil series. SOILS FORMED ON BEACH RIDGES Three distinct beach ridge systems and one dune system are clearly evident and indicate several stages of coastline development. Sands of the Hull Association form the youngest system and occur as an almost continuous barrier along the coastline. The Brosnan Association occupies an older series of ridges and generally occurs immediately behind the Hull sands. These ridges were probably once much more extensive as it is evident that some areas have been destroyed by stream migration and to a lesser extent by shoreline erosion. The Daintree Association sands occur only on the chenier plain of the Daintree River. Morphologically they appear to be spit-forming ridges, however they contain a much higher percentage of fine sand than do the Hull sands, and, as it is hard to see any major change in the source of the sand it is probably indicitative of some aeolian sorting. Two very small areas of the giant podzol of Kaygaroo series have been identified but their limited extent and location makes it difficult to determine their relationship to other ridge systems. A series of discontinuous low ridges to the north of and running parallel with the Daintree River have been mapped as a separate Miscellaneous soil unit. Only one site

Table 2. Soils formed on beach ridges. SERIES LANDFORM MAJOR DISTINGUISHING FEATURES TOOLAKEA Frontal beach ridges Little profile development beyond organic accumulation in the A horizon. HULL Beach ridges, Very weakly developed podzol; A2 immediately behind weakly developed or absent; no frontal ridges mottling or cementation in B horizon. WONGALING Beach ridges, Well developed podzol; bleached A2; usually immediately bright red and yellow B horizons; behind the Hull some cemented patches in B horizon. ridges KAYGAROO Beach ridge with Well developed podzol with thick to thick dune capping very thick, very strongly bleached A2 horizon. DAINTREE Older ? dune sands Well developed podzol with dark Al, pale A2 horizon and dark brown or black B horizon. BROSNAN Beach ridges Red, uniform or gradational textured soils, massive B horizons. SPANOS Beach ridges Yellow uniform textured sands. CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102 7

was accessible and at the time of examination that had a water table at 5 cm depth so adequate description was not possible. This is obviously an older ridge system formed along the coastline when the mouth of the Daintree River was at or upstream of the ferry crossing. Seven soil series have been identified on the beach ridges. Only one new series (Daintree) was identified in the Mossman area but several new variants have been described. Their major distinguishing features are summarised in Table 2.

TOOLAKEA SERIES Little profile development beyond organic accumulation in the A horizon REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G.1 P.P.F.2 S.T.3 CLASSIFICATION Siliceous Sand, Ucl.21, Quartzipsamment LANDFORM PATTERN Frontal beach ridge REFERENCE SITE Rumula 1:100 000 371722 Horizon Depth (cm) Ap 0-30 Dark grey (10YR3/1) loamy sand; single grain; loose dry; clear change to B-C 30-150+ Light yellowish brown (10YR6/4) sand; single grain, loose dry. RANGE OF CHARACTERISTICS Some profiles contain broken shell and/or coral fragments and pumice may occur on the surface or in bands through the profile.

WONGALING SERIES Well developed podzol; bleached A2; yellow, brown or red mottled B horizons; some cemented patches in B horizon. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. CLASSIFICATION Podzol Uc2.21 LANDFORM PATTERN Beach ridge REFERENCE SITE Rumula 1:100 000 363724 Horizon uepin ton) Al 0-12 Dark grey (10YR5/1) (10YR6/ld) sand; single grain; dry loose; gradual change to A2 12-50/80 Lightgrey(10YR7/l)(10YR8/2d)sand; single grain; dry loose; clear, very irregular change to B 50/80-9 Dark brown (7.5YR3/2) with dark reddish brown (5YR3/3) patches; sand; single grain; slightly coherent although some of the darker patches are weakly cemented; diffuse change to C 90-120+ Yellowish brown (10YR5/4); sand; single grain; dry loose. RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS The variability in horizonation of these soils can only be appreciated in cross-section. Isolatedauger holes will give a thoroughly confusingpicture. The lower boundary of the A2can vary from 50 cm to 100 cm depth. This boundary is irregular with a broad amplitude, there are no clearly defined pipes or tongues of A2 intruding into the B horizon as is common in some of the more strongly developed podzols (see Kaygaroo series). Only one small area of Wongaling series was found in the Mossman area. It occurs inland of the Hull series ridges.

1 Great Soil Group, Stace et al. (1968), 2 Principal Profile Form, Northcote (1979),3 Soil Taxonomy (Soil Survey Staff 1975). CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No.102

HULL SERIES Very weakly developed podzol; A2 weakly developed or absent; no mottling or cementation in B horizon. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. S.T. CLASSIFICATION (Rudimentary) Podzol Uc5.ll/p Haplorthod LANDFORM PATTERN Beach ridge REFERENCE SITE Mossman 1:100 000 305937 Horizon Depth (cm) Ap 0-30 Very dark grey (10YR3/1); sand; single grain; moist loose; clear change to B21hs 30-50 Dark brown (7.5YR3/2); sand; single grain; moist loose; clear change to B22s 50-60 Dark brown (7.5YR3/2); sand; single grain; moist loose; 2-10% 20-60 mm rounded gravel; diffuse change to B3 60-90 Brown (7.5YR4/4); sand; single grain; < 2% 20-60 mm rounded gravel; diffuse change to B3 90-150 Brown (7.5YR5/4); sand; single grain; moist loose; clear change to 2Alb 150-160 Very dark greyish brown (10YR3/2); sand; single grain; moist loose; clear change to 2B-C 160-190 Brownish yellow (10YR6/6); sand (gravelly); single grain; moist loose. RANGE OF CHARACTERISTICS These soils have pale All horizons presumably due to organic depletion. They are commonly 8-10 cm but may be as thick as 20 cm. Texture of the Al 1 and A12 ranges from sand to sandy loam. A2 horizons are present in most profiles but they are weakly developed and are often not apparent from moist colours. The degree of development of the podzol B horizon varies with age of the beach ridge. In all soils the organic and/or iron accumulation appears as a staining of the sand grains. The B horizon become darker, is deeper in the profile and is thicker on the older ridges. B horizon colours range from very dark brown (10YR2/3) to dark yellowish brown (10YR4/6) and dark brown (7.5YR4/4). Principal profile forms encountered include Uc4.23, Uc5.11/p, Uc4.24, and Uc4.22. Hull series grades to Toolakea series on the seaward ridges. On the inland side it may grade to Wongaling series but more often is adjacent to older ridges of Spanos or Brosnan series or wave cut benches of riverine alluvium.

ANALYTICAL DATA Profile T311 Map Reference MOSSMAN 1: 100 000 305937 HULL SERIES Sampled from (cleared grassland site. Depth cm 0-10 10-30 30-50 50-60 60-90 120-150 160-190 Horizon Ap Ap B21hs B22s B3 B3 2B-C PH 5.4 5.7 5.7 5.8 5.6 5.6 5.7 E.C. mS/cm .017 .011 .014 .011 .017 .005 .008 Org. C % 1.04 .04 .03 N% .06 AvP ppm 10 22 18 15 Tot. P % .006 .008 Tot. K % 1.35 1.66 Tot. S % .008 .003 Exchange properties m.e./lOO g soil Ca 1.99 1.00 Mg .47 <.01 K .05 .05 Na .04 .05 H + Al .30 .30 'ECEC'(1) 2.9 1.4 CEC<2) 2.28 1.63 Particle Size % Gr <1 <1 16 10 25 CS 90 93 92 95 94 FS 6 5 6 4 4 Si 2 1 1 1 1 C 3 2 2 1 1 (1) Sum of basic and acidic cations (2) Comp. Exch. CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102

KAYGAROO SERIES Well developed podzol with thick to very thick, very strongly bleached A2 horizon. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. CLASSIFICATION Podzol Uc2.2 LANDFORM PATTERN Beach ridge with dune capping REFERENCE SITE Mossman 1:100 000 291847 (Most of the site has been destroyed by sand extraction, the description below is from Tully-Innisfail Survey, Murtha 1986) Horizon Depth All Light brownish grey (10YR6/2) with many fine black (10YR2/1) patches; 0-20 sand; single grain; loose; many fine roots; gradual to diffuse change to A12 Black (10YR2/1) grading to dark grey (10YR4/1) sand; single grain, dry 20-45 loose; few fine roots; diffuse change to A21 Light brownish grey (10YR6/2) sand; single grain; dry loose; diffuse 45-90 change to A22 Light grey (10YR7/1) (10YR8/ld) sand; single grain; dry loose; abrupt 90-150 very irregular change to A22/B2hs The boundary between A2 and B horizon is very irregular 150-300with tongues or pipes of A2extending to at least 1 m into the B horizon. The pipes of A2are not always vertical, the sides are slightly irregular, and they range from 8 to about 15 cm in diameter. The A2 material is the same as described above. The B horizon is patchy very dark brown (10YR2/2) and brown (7.5YR 4/4) sand; single grain; loose when dry; diffuse change to B3 or B2s Patchy brown (10YR5/3) and brownish yellow (10YR6/8) 300-400 sand; single grain; loose; diffuse change to 400+ Yellow (10YR7/6) sand; single grain; loose. RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS The All horizon ranges from 10to20cm thick and where ground cover is sparse there may be a thin layer (2-3 cm) of lighter coloured rain-washed sand on the surface. The A12 ranges from 10 to 30 cm thick and from black to dark grey, texture is occasionally loamy sand. A2 thickness is extremely variable with an observed range from 50 cm to 4 m. Most inspections have been by auger holes and it is very probable that some of the deeper A2 horizons have coincided with piping as described above. Although Bh and Bs horizons are strongly developed they are only rarely cemented and even then it is very patchy. The thickness of the B horizon ranges from 1 to 3 m. Only two small areas have been identified in the Mossman area. One occurs at the rear of the Brosnan ridges just north of Saltwater Creek and the other is on an isolated ridge that has been partially levelled just to the south of Saltwater Creek. 10 CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No.102

DAINTREE SERIES Well developed podzol on dune sands. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. S.T. CLASSIFICATION Podzol Uc2.2 Aquic Haplorthod LANDFORM PATTERN Dunes ? REFERENCE SITE Mossman 1:100 000 288982 Horizon Depth (cm) Al 0-10 Very dark grey (10YR3/1); loamy sand; single grain; moist very weak; diffuse change to A21 10-20 Dark grey (10YR4/1) with 10-20% 5-15 mm light grey (10YR6/1) mottles; loamy sand (light); single grain; moist very weak; A22 20-33 Light grey (10YR7/1) with 10-20% 5-15 mm distinct grey (10YR5/1) mottles; sand; single grain; moist very weak; clear change to B2h 33-55 Very dark brown (10YR2/2) with 2-10% > 30 mm distinct dark greyish brown (10YR4/2) mottles; sand; single grain; moist very weak; diffuse tongued change to B2h 55-70 Dark greyish brown (10YR4/2) with 2-10% > 30 mm distinct pale brown (10YR6/3) mottles; sand; single grain; moist very weak; B3s 70-105 Brownish yellow (10YR6/6) with 10-20% 15-30 mm prominent very pale brown (10YR7/4) mottles; sand; single grain; moist very weak; diffuse change to B3 105-120 Yellow (10YR7/6) with 10-20% 15-30 mm distinct light grey (10YR7/2) mottles; sand; single grain; moist very weak; diffuse change to B3 120-150 Light grey (2.5Y7/2); sand; single grain; moist very weak; diffuse change to C 150-180 Pinkish grey (5YR7/2); clayey sand; single grain; moist very weak; C 180-210 Pinkish grey (5YR7/2) with 10-20% 15-30 mm distinct brownish yellow (10YR6/6) mottles; clayey sand; single grain; moist very weak. NOTE: Some patches of weakly cemented material from 70-105 cm. RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS Texture of Al horizon ranges from fine sand to loamy sand. The paler All horizon common to most of the beach ridge soils is absent. A2 horizons may be absent and the black or dark gTey Al continues to the top of the Bh horizon which ranges from 30 to 45 cm deep. Profiles with no A2 horizon and thin strongly bleached A2 horizons can occur about 1 m apart with no apparent cause. The top of the Bh may be weakly cemented or alternatively there may be small patches of cemented material throughout the Bh horizon. These soils are morphologically very similar to Kurrimine series and occupy very similar landscapes. They have been differentiated largely because they are predominantly fine sand while Kurrimine series is a coarse sand. Principal profile forms encountered include Uc2.2, Uc51.1/p, and Uc5.1. CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102

ANALYTICAL DATA: Profile T327 Map Reference MOSSMAN 1:100 000 288982 DAINTREE SERIES Sampled in virgin Eucalypt forest. Depth cm 0-10 10-20 20-40 40-55 55-70 70-105 105-120 150-1 Horizon Al A21 A22 B2h B2h B3s B3 C pH 5.1 4.7 4.8 4.7 4.7 4.9 5.1 5.1 E.C. mS/cm .011 .008 .008 .014 .014 .011 .008 .008 Org. C % 2.11 .70 .42 1.01 .66 .24 N% .10 .04 .02 .06 .04 .02 AvP ppm 3 3 5 8 5 5 Tot. P % .001 .004 Tot. K % .19 .52 Tot. S % .009 .007 Tot. Fe% .14 .22 FreeFe% .1 .1 Exchange properties m.e./lOO g soil Ca .28 .05 .0 .03 Mg .44 <.01 <.01 <.01 K .05 .04 .05 .05 Na .08 .03 .03 .02 H + Al 2.7 1.3 1.8 1.1 'ECEC'(1) 3.6 1.4 1.9 1.2 CEC<2) 4.24 2.08 1.8 .95 Particle Size % Gr 0 <1 0 0 0 0 <1 CS 27 29 26 27 27 24 24 FS 63 66 66 58 60 70 65 Si 5 5 6 4 5 4 5 C 5 2 2 12 7 3 6 (1) Sum of basic and acidic cations (2) Comp. Exch. 12 CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No.102

BROSNAN SERIES Red sands on beach ridges. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. S.T. CLASSIFICATION Red earth Um5.52/p Entic Haplumbrept LANDFORM PATTERN Beach ridges REFERENCE SITE Mossman 1:100 000 291795 Dark surface variant Horizon Depth (cm) Apl 0-20 Black (5YR2/1); loam, fine sandy; weak 5-10 mm cast; moist moderately weak; Ap2 20-40 Black (5YR2/1); loam, fine sandy; massive; moist moderately weak; Bl 40-55 Dark reddish brown (5YR3/3); sandy clay loam; massive; moist moderately weak; B2 55-90 Dark reddish brown (5YR3/4) with 20-50% > 30 mm distinct yellowish red (5YR5/8) mottles; sandy clay loam; massive; moist moderately weak; 2- 10% ferromanganiferous nodules; B22 90-120 Dark reddish brown (5 YR3/4) with 20-50% > 30 mm distinct yellowish red (5YR5/8) mottles; sandy clay loam; massive; moist moderately weak; 10- 20% ferromanganiferous nodules; B31 120-150 Yellowish red (5YR4/6) with 10-20% 15-30 mm distinct yellow (10YR7/ 6) mottles; sandy loam; massive moist moderately weak; 10-20% ferromanganiferous nodules; B32 150-180 Yellow (2.5Y7/8) with 10-20% 15-30 mm prominent red (2.5YR4/8) mottles; sandy loam; massive; moist moderately weak; C? 180-210 Light reddish brown (2.5YR6/4) with 10-20% 5-15 mm red (2.5YR4/8) mottles; coarse sand; massive; moist loose. RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS No virgin profiles have been examined and there are very few uncultivated sites that have not been considerably disturbed. Most inspections have been conducted on cultivated land where Al and A2 horizons, if they were present, have been completely destroyed. It is therefore impossible to describe the range of horizon depths which may have occurred. All soils are predominantly medium to coarse sandy loams though both uniform andgradational textured forms occur. No pattern of occurrence has been established. A horizon textures range from loamy fine sand to sandy loam and in the B horizon from fine sandy loam to sandy clay loam. A dark surface variant with a black or dark reddish brown Ap horizon 30 to 35 cm thick is the dominant form in this area. Occasionally there is evidence of a weak podzol B horizon (iron and organic accumulations) forming in the deep subsoil (2.5 - 3+ m). Principal profile forms encountered include Um5.52/p, Uc4.2/p, Gn2.1/p, andUm7.1/p. CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102 13

ANALYTICAL DATA Profile T329 Map Referencei Mossman 1:100 000 291795 BROSNAN SERIES Site has been cultivated and under sugar cane for a number of years. Depth cm 0-20 20-40 40-55 55-90 90-120 120-150 180-210 Horizon Ap Ap Bl B21 B22 B31 C? pH 5.1 5.0 4.6 4.6 5.0 5.3 5.6 E.C. mS/cm .038 .104 .035 .026 .017 .020 .014 Org. C % 3.18 2.59 .70 .08 AvP ppm 156 34 5 4 3 Tot. P % .047 .009 Tot. K % 1.37 1.42 Tot. S % .019 .017 Free Fe% .7 .5 Exchange properties m.e./lOO g soil Ca .43 .07 .05 Mg <01 <.01 <.01 K .33 .07 .07 Na .05 .03 .02 H + Al 1.5 1.3 1.0 'ECEC'(1) 2.3 1.5 1.2 'ECEC7100 g C 15 9 8 CEC<2) 2.38 1.63 1.24 Particle Size % Gr <1 <1 1 <1 2 CS 28 23 27 24 21 FS 44 55 52 55 66 Si 10 6 6 4 6 C 17 16 15 16 8 (1) Sum of basic and acidic cations C2) Comp. Exch 14 CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No.102

SPANOS SERIES Yellow sands on beach ridges. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. ST. CLASSIFICATION Siliceous sand Uc4.21/p Haplumbrept LANDFORM PATTERN Beach ridges REFERENCE SITE Mossman 1:100 000 294827 Dark surface variant Horizon Depth (cm) Ap 0-28 Black (10YR2/1); loamy sand; massive; moist moderately weak; diffuse change to A2 28-40 Dark greyish brown (10YR4/2); loamy sand (heavy); massive; moist moderately weak; gradual change to B21 40-60 Olive yellow (2.5Y6/6); sandy loam (light); massive; moist moderately weak; B22 60-90 Brownish yellow (10YR6/5); sandy loam; massive; moist moderately weak; diffuse change to B31 90-120 Pale yellow (2.5Y7/4) with 2-10% 15-30 mm distinct yellowish brown (10YR5/8) mottles; sandy loam; massive; moist moderately weak; Light grey (10YR7/2) with 10-20% 15-30 mm prominent brownish yellow B32 120-150 (10YR6/8) mottles; sandy loam; massive; moist modeately weak; diffuse change to Light grey (10YR7/2) with 2-10% 15-30 mm faint brownish yellow B33 150-180 (10YR6/6) mottles; sandy loam; massive; moist moderately weak; clear change to Light grey (10YR7/1) with 10-20% 5-15 mm distinct yellowish red (5YR4/ D 180-210 6) mottles; sandy clay (light); massive; moist moderately weak. RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS No virgin sites have been examined and all descriptions are from cultivated soils. The Ap ranges from 25-40 cm thick and while it occasionally grades to a paler horizon that has been called an A2 it often abruptly overlies the bright yellow B horizon. This could be due to truncation of the A horizon in paddock levelling, a common practice in area. As for the Brosnan series many of these soils in the Mossman area have a very dark surface and are recognized as a variant of Spanos series. The texture of the Ap ranges from loamy sand to light sandy clay loam while B horizon textures range from sand to light sandy clay loam. The upper part of the B horizon is always whole coloured. The lower part may or may not be mottled with light grey and/or yellowish red colours becoming more prominent with depth. Soils with bright orange coloured B horizons are common in some areas. They are essentially an intergrade between Brosnan and Spanos series and have not been separately identified. Principal profile forms encountered included Uc4.21/p, Uc5.11, Uc4.24/p, and Uc5.23/p.

ANALYTICAL DATA Profile T328 Map Reference MOSSMAN 1:100 000 294827 SPANOS SERIES Site has been cleared and under sugar cane for a number of years. Depth cm 0-15 15-28 28-40 40-60 60-90 90-120 150-180 Horizon Apl Ap2 A2 B21 B22 B31 B32 pH 4.9 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.4 4.6 E.C. mS/cm .050 .044 .032 .026 .026 .023 .020 Org. C % 2.08 2.08 .79 .14 N% .12 .13 .06 .02 AvP ppm 86 33 12 7 7 Tot. P % .035 .009 Tot. K % 1.42 1.52 Tot. S % .014 .013 Tot. Fe% .51 .54 Free Fe% .3 .1 CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102 15

Depth cm 0-15 15-28 28-40 40-60 60-90 90-120 150-180 Horizon Apl Ap2 A2 B21 B22 B31 B32 Exchange properties m.e./lOO g soil Ca .45 .05 Mg .06 •c.01 K .28 .08 Na .07 .03 H +Al 1.9 1.0 'ECEC1(1) 2.8 1.2 'ECEC/100 g C 19 9 CEC<2> 2.39 1.07 Particle Size % Gr 2 1 2 4 7 15 CS 42 45 45 52 48 60 FS 34 28 29 26 33 26 Si 9 9 9 8 6 6 C 15 18 17 14 12 8 (1) Sum of basic and acidic cations <2» Comp. Exch.

MAPPING UNITS: SOILS FORMED ON BEACH RIDGES Hull Association Hu Hull association occupies the youngest or frontal beach ridge system. It ranges from less than 100 m to about 1.5 km wide and forms an almost continuous zone along the coastline. It is broken by rocky headlands and by the estuaries of streams. In the shallow embayment west of Island Point (Port Douglas) mangroves have colonised the flats to the seaward side of the beach ridges. The ridge-swale topography is clearly evident in some areas but a combination of drainage works and soil movement during sugar cane cultivation has virtually levelled many areas. In addition some areas have been considerably reworked by recent stream migration e.g. the area to the south of the Mowbray River. Toolakea series occurs on the low stabilized berms just above tidal range, on the first, usually the second and possibly the third ridge. It grades to Hull series which exhibits increasing degree of profile development on subsequent ridges. If the full sequence is present Wongaling series occurs on the inland extremity of the unit. Brosnan Association Br This unit generally occurs inland of the Hull association and is restricted to the area between Rocky Point and the Port Douglas road. The area north of Saltwater Creek fronts the present beach line but it is suspected that the Hull series ridges have been removed by a northerly migration of S altwater Creek. At the southern limit of the unit the ridges are very low and have been largely destroyed by migration of Packers and Crees Creeks. At this point these ridges mark the coastline as it existed before the spit development joined Island Point to the mainland. Brosnan and Spanos series occur in about equal proportion with Brosnan series generally occupying the higher better drained areas and Spanos series the lower ridges but in some areas Spanos series may be dominant. Small areas of Kaygaroo series have been included in the unit in the Saltwater Creek area and it is possible that soils of Newell association are included in the area inland of Newell Beach. The surface soil and the topography of these associations are very similar and separation is difficult. The dark surface variants are the dominant soils in most occurrences of this unit in the Mossman area. The organic carbon levels of the dark surface variants are 16 CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102

significantly higher than the lighter coloured counterparts but not as high as might be expected in view of the very strong dark colours. Daintree Association Dt This unit is restricted to the sands immediately to the south of the Baileys Creek Road turnoff. Most of the unit is flat and there is no ridge-swale pattern. The soils are dominantly Daintree series and are very uniform apart from the site variation described in the series definition. On the northern and eastern extremities of the unit some ridge- swale topography is evident and the sands are coarser, indicating a beach ridge rather than aoelian dune origin. In these areas there are some yellow sands similar to Spanos series and some undescribed strongly bleached sands. This sand mass marks a period of stability when the mouth of the Daintree River was near to the point of the present ferry crossing. Miscellaneous Unit 5 M5 This unit is restricted to a series of discontinuous low ridges to the north of and running parallel with the Daintree River. They occur downstream of the present ferry crossing point and probably represent the remnants of frontal beach ridges which formed when the mouth of the Daintree River was at or upstream of the present ferry crossing. Apart from at one point they are inaccessible by land being surrounded by dense mangroves or permanent brackish swamps. The one site examined had a water table at 5 cm so it was impossible to make a complete examination. It was apparent however that the soil was a well developed podzol with a bleached A2 horizon and a prominent dark brown B2h horizon.

SOILS OF BASALTIC ORIGIN No basalt has been mapped in this area but basic volcanics are interbedded in the Hodgkinson Formation and outcrop in a number of areas. In the exposures examined the soils that have developed are very similar to those formed on basalt in the Tully-Innisfail area and hence have been included in this group. Three soil series have been recognized, two have formed in situ while the third occurs on alluvial fans. Their major distinguishing features are summarised in Table 3.

Table 3. Soils of basaltic origin SERIES LANDFORM MAJOR DISTINGUISHING FEATURES PIN GIN Strongly undulating - low Very deep, red, gradational textured hilly soils, very strongly structured B horizons. KIMBERLEY Alluvial fan Red, gradational or uniform texturedsoils, strongly structured Bhorizons. PERA Low hills Red or red brown cracking clays. CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102 17

PIN GIN SERIES Red gradational textured soils formed on basic volcanics. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. S.T. CLASSIFICATION Krasnozem Gn3.11 Tropeptic Haplorthox LANDFORM PATTERN Low hills REFERENCE SITE RUMULA 1:100 000 272705 Horizon Depth (cm Al 0-15 Dark reddish brown (5YR3/4) clay loam; strong cast 2-5 mm size; friable moist; many fine tree roots; gradual change to Bl 15-40 Dark red (2.5YR3/6) clay loam increasing to light clay; weak fine subangular blocky; many fine pores; friable moist; many fine tree roots; diffuse change to B21 40-90 Dark red (2.5YR3/6) medium clay; weak to moderate fine polyhedral; friable moist; few tree roots; diffuse change to B22 90-150 Dark red (2.5YR3/8) medium clay; strong fine polyhedral; firm moist; diffuse change to B23 150-200 Reddish brown (2.5YR4/4) medium clay; strong fine polyhedral; firm moist; diffuse change to B-C 200-300+ Patchy reddish brown, dark red and reddish grey; medium clay; strong fine polyhedral; friable-firm moist; although there is no sign of weathered rock the grey mottles have a speckled appearance and has the appearance of rock fabric. RANGE OF CHARACTERISTICS Only one small area has been mapped and apart from some minor variation in horizon thickness all profiles examined are similar to that described above.

ANALYTICAL DATA GGM 382-386 Map Reference RUMULA 1:100 000 272706 PIN GIN SERIES Sampled in virgin rain forest. Depth cm 0-15 15-30 40-60 60-90 90-120 Horizon Al Bl B21 B2 B22 pH 5.1 5.3 5.3 5.4 5.4 E.C. mS/cm .068 .039 .021 .015 .012 Org. C % 3.45 1.80 N% .372 .225 AvP ppm 12 11 19 11 15 Exchange properties m.e./100 g soil Ca 1.79 .13 .04 Mg 1.24 .19 .11 K .15 .05 .04 Na .09 .05 .04 H+Al .50 .20 .04 'ECEC'(1) 3.77 .62 .27 'ECEC/100 g C 5 <1 <1 CEC'2) 3.35 Particle Size % CS 4 2 2 FS 9 10 8 Si 14 17 8 C 74 71 81 (1) Sum of basic and acidic cations (2) Comp. Exch. 18 CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No.102

PERA SERIES Red or red-brown cracking clay on basic volcanics. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. S.T. CLASSIFICATION Red Clay Ug5.37 Udic Chromustert LANDFORM PATTERN Low hills REFERENCE SITE RUMULA 1:100 000 221576 Horizon Depth (cm) Al 0-24 Dark brown (7.5YR3/2) light clay; strong medium blocky; hard when dry; moderate coarse gravels; diffuse change to B2 24-54 Dark red (2.5YR3/6) heavy clay; strong fine blocky; hard when dry; few fine FeMn nodules; diffuse change to B3 54-74 Red (2.5YR4/6) medium clay; moderate medium blocky; firm when moist; diffuse change to C 74-90+ Strong brown (7.5YR5/6) light clay; massive; firm when moist; much soft weathered parent material. RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS Only one profile has been described and only one small area south west of Weatherby has been delineated. Similar soils with reddish brown (5YR4/ 3) B horizons (Ug5.32) are common on lower slopes.

ANALYTICAL DATA GGM 362-366 Map Reference RUMULA 1:100 000 221576 PERA SERIES Sample site is undisturbed Eucalypt open woodland. Depth cm 0-10 10-20 20-30 30-60 60-80 Horizon Al Al B2 B2 B3 pH 5.5 5.7 6.0 5.9 6.8 E.C. mS/cm .039 .030 .024 .021 .012 Org. C % 4.14 1.79 N% .295 .139 AvPppm 11 16 Exchange properties m.e./100 g soil Ca 16.3 14.5 12.1 15.3 Mg 7.66 7.55 7.89 12.0 K .12 .07 .05 .04 Na .07 .09 .09 .11 H + Al .30 .30 .20 .80 'ECEC'(1) 24.4 22.5 20.3 28.2 'ECEC/100 g C 38 30 29 134 CEC<2) 30.4 23.8 26.9 Particle Size % CS 5 2 2 23 FS 13 10 10 26 Si 18 14 16 29 c 65 74 71 21 (1) Sum of basic and acidic cations <2) Comp. Exch.

KIMBERLEY SERIES Red gradational or uniform textured soils formed on alluvial fans derived from basalt. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. S.T. CLASSIFICATION Krasnozem Gn3.11 Typic Eutropept LANDFORM PATTERN Alluvial fan REFERENCE SITE Mossman 1:100 000 354012 CSIRO Division ol Soils Divisional Report No. 102 19

Horizon Depth (cm) Al 0-10 Dark reddish brown (5YR3/2); clay loam (heavy); strong 5-10 mm cast; 20- 50% 60-200 mm, gravel; dry very firm; many roots; diffuse change to Bll 10-20 Reddish brown (5YR4/3); light clay (heavy); moderate 10-20 mm subangular blocky; 2-10% 6-20 mm, gravel; dry very firm; common roots; diffuse change to B12 20-30 Reddish brown (5YR4/4); light clay; moderate 5-10 mm angular blocky; dry very firm; diffuse change to B2 30-45 Dark red (2.5YR3/6); medium clay; moderate 5-10mm angular blocky; dry very firm; diffuse change to B2 45-60 Dark red (2.5YR3/6); medium clay; moderate 5-10 mm angular blocky; dry very firm; 20-50% 60-200 mm, gravel; diffuse change to B2 60-80 Darkred(2.5YR3/6);mediumclay;moderate5-10mmangularblocky;dry very firm; 50-90% 60-200 mm, gravel. Note: The gravels are basic volcanics from the Hodgkinson formation. RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS The Al horizons range from 10-15 cm thick but otherwise these soils are very uniform apart from the amount of coarse fraction. Gravel-free soils are rare but some may have no gravel in the surface or B1 horizons. A yellow variant is common on lower slopes. This has a brown Al horizon and reddish yellow or yellowish red medium or heavy clay B horizons. On the basis of field morphology these soils look as if they have formed wholly from basalt. Analytical data clearly shows that this is not the case. Clay levels are considerably lower than in the basalt soils and the sand fraction is largely fragmentedmetamorphicrockmaterials. The gravels that may occur through the profile are dominantly of basic volcanic origin but gravels of metamorphic rock may also occur.

ANALYTICAL DATA Profile T308 Map Reference MOSSMAN 1:100 000 354012 KIMBERLEY SERIES Sampled from undisturbed rainforest Depth cm 0-10 10-20 20-30 30-45 45-60 60-80 Horizon Al Bll B12 B21 B22 B23 pH 5.6 5.6 5.8 5.9 5.6 5.8 E.C. mS/cm .086 .059 .023 .017 .068 .014 Org. C % 2.65 .92 .42 N% .48 .16 .08 AvP ppm 22 8 9 14 14 30 Tot. P % .095 .047 Tot. K % 1.12 1.32 Tot. S % .055 .017 Tot. Fe% 4.5 6.0 Free Fe% 3.8 4.6 Exchange properties m.e./lOO g soil Ca 6.70 1.08 .66 Mg 2.14 .64 .57 K .35 .15 .14 Na .19 .07 .05 H + Al .30 .20 .30 'ECEC'm 9.7 2.1 1.7 'ECEC7100 g C 28 6 5 CEC(2) 11 3 2 CEC/100 s C(2) 31 8 6 Base Sat(3> 85 65 71 CEC<4) 9.0 2.7 2.1 Particle Size % Gr 32 13 8 CS 13 12 15 FS 17 18 21 Si 35 34 28 C 35 36 35 (1) Sum of basic andacidic cations (3) Bases x 100 {A) Comp. Exch (2) NH.OAcCEC NH . OAc CEC 20 " CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No.102

MAPPING UNITS: SOILS OF BASALTIC ORIGIN Pin Gin Association Pg Only one small area of Pin Gin association has been mapped and that occurs near the crest of the Cassowary Range on the Mossman-Mt Molloy road. The dominant soils are Pin Gin series and are similar in most respects to those formed on the basalts in the Innisfail area. Small areas may occur throughout the Bicton and Galmara Associations and in the metamorphic rock mountainous unit Ml.

Pera Association Pe Again only one small area has been delineated and that occurs on the road to the south west of Weatherby homestead. Pera series have formed on basic volcanic rocks and represent the dry equivalents of the Pin Gin series. Small areas may occur throughout the Weatherby association.

Kimberley Association Kl This unit is restricted to the coalescing fans on the lower slopes of the Thornton and Alexandra ranges. Kimberley series is the dominant soil. The soils on the upper slopes are very gravelly but the amount progressively decreases downslope. The chief associated soil is Mission series and this occurs where the sediments of the Hodgkinson Formation are the primary parent material of the fan deposits. Small areas of Boobah series occur on lower slopes where this unit abuts the Coom association. Small areas of Innisfail and Tully series occur on minor stream alluvium that may be included in the unit.

SOILS OF METAMORPHIC ROCK ORIGIN Amos and de Keyser (1964) describe the Hodgkinson Formation as a thick sequence of generally fine grained sediments and where they have been intruded by the Mareeba granites they are weakly metamorphosed and are called the Barron River Metamorphics. In the area covered by this survey it is difficult to recognise in the field any apparent difference between outcrops of the Hodgkinson Formation and those of the Barron River Metamorphics in the Innisfail area. These units have thus been considered as one for the purpose of this survey and have been loosely referred to as metamorphics in the text and in some of the soil descriptions. Eleven soil series have been identified on the metamorphic uplands. Galmara, Bicton, Weatherby, Molloy and Euluma series are formed in situ although it is obvious that there has been some downslope movement of surface materials on the steeper slopes. Galmara and Bicton are the dominant soils in the wetter areas while Weatherby and Molloy dominate the drier areas. Mission, Buchan, Dagmar, Clifton and Miallo series are formed on the alluvial fans forming the short piedmont slopes on the coastal lowlands. The major distinguishing features of each soil are summarised in Table 4. Six soil associations have been mapped. Three occur on the alluvial fans of the piedmont slopes and three on the low hilly to mountainous uplands. CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102 21

Table 4. Soils of metamorphic rock origin. SERIES LANDFORM MAJOR DISTINGUISHING FEATURES GALMARA Low-high hilly Red, uniform or gradational textured soils formed in situ. BICTON Low hilly-hilly Yellow, gradational textured soils formed in situ. WEATHERBY Undulating-low hilly Acid duplex soils, mottled brown or yellow brown B horizons. MOLLOY Low hilly Acid duplex soils, red B horizons. EULUMA Undulating-low hilly Nodular, yellow, gradational textured soils. MISSION Alluvial fans Red, massive, gradational textured soils. BUCHAN Alluvial fan Yellow, massive, gradational textured soil. BOOBAH Foot slopes and alluvial fans Mottled, yellow or red gradational textured soils. CLIFTON Alluvial fan Strongly bleached gradational textured soils. DAGMAR Alluvial fan Uniform or gradational textured, bright red or yellow mottled B horizons. MIALLO Alluvial fan Soils formed on seepage areas, mottled grey subsoils.

GALMARA SERIES Red, uniform or gradational textured soils formed on Hodgkinson Formation metasediments. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. CLASSIFICATION Red Podzolic Soil Gn3.14 LANDFORM PATTERN Low hills - hills REFERENCE SITE Rumula 1:100 000 212661 Horizon Depth (cm) A 0-20 Very dark greyish brown (10YR3/2) clay loam; moderate cast 5-10 mm; firm dry; diffuse change to Bl 20-60 Strong brown (7.5YR5/6) clay loam; massive; earthy fabric; hard dry; diffuse change to B21 60-95 Yellowish red (5YR5/6) light clay; massive to weak subangular blocky; hard dry; diffuse change to B22 95-120+ Red (2.5YR4/6) medium clay; weak to moderate subangular blocky 5-10 mm; 2-10% quartz 6-20 mm; hard dry. RANGE OF CHARACTERISTICS The Al horizon ranges from 10-25 cm thick and from sandy clay loam to light clay texture. Many Al horizons are redder than the described profile but they usually occur on steeper slopes. This is probably a result of active erosion. All soils have a transitional horizon between the Al and the B2 horizon. In some soils this horizon just makes an A2 on Northcote's (1979) criteria but more often they are only slightly paler and more redder than the Al and are not as well structured as the B2 horizon. This horizon has been variously labelled A3 or Bl. The depth to the B2 horizon ranges from 30 to 60 cm and the thickness from 30 to 80 cm. Texture ranges from light clay to medium clay and many soils have a prominent fine sand or silt fraction. There may occasionally be some weak fine mottling in the lower B2 or B3 horizons. Some very strongly weathered substrate gravels occur throughout the profile in almost all soils. Solum depth averages about 1.5 m and ranges from .8 to 2.0 m. The solum overlies a deeply weathered saprolite which is commonly in excess of 5 m thick. Principal profile forms encountered include Gn3.11, Gn3.14, Gn3.71, Gn3.5/p,andUf6.4/p. 22 CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No.102

BICTON SERIES Yellow gradational textured soils formed on Hodgkinson Formation metasediments. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. S.T. CLASSIFICATION Xanthozem Gn3.74 Aquic Dystropept LANDFORM PATTERN Low hills - hills REFERENCE SITE RUMULA 1:100 000 271697 Horizon Depth (em) 0-10 Dark greyish brown (10YR4/3) clay loam; strong 5-10 mm cast; friable Al moist; 2-10%, 20-60 mm quartz gTavel; abundant fine roots; gradual change to 10-22 Yellowish brown (10YR5/4) heavy clay loam; moderate 5-10 mm Bl subangular blocky; friable moist; 2-10%, 20-60 mm quartz gravel; common fine roots; diffuse change to 22-48 Strong brown (7.5YR5/6) with faint fine few yellowish red (5YR4/5) B21 mottles; light clay; strong 5-10 mm subangular blocky; firm moist; 2-10% 20-60 mm quartz gravel; few fine roots; diffuse change to 48-65 Brownish yellow (10YR6/6) with distinct fine common yellowish brown B22 (10YR5/8) mottles; medium clay; strong 5-10 mm subangular blocky; firm moist; 2-10% 20-60 mm quartz gravel; diffuse change to 65-90 Yellow (10YR7/6) with distinct fine common white (10YR8/2) and B23 yellowish red (5YR4/8) mottles; medium clay; strong 5-10 mm subangular blocky; firm moist; diffuse change to 90-120 White (10YR8/2) with distinct fine common yellow (10YR7/6) mottles; B3 light clay; strong 10-20 mm angular blocky; friable moist; diffuse change to 120-150 Brownish yellow (10YR6/8) with distinct fine many white (10YR8/2) and C yellowish red (5YR4.8) mottles; light clay; strong 10-20 mm angular blocky; hard moist; much strongly weathered parent material, bedding clearly evident. RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS Al horizons range from 8-18 cm in thickness and from fine sandy loam to A1 clay loam in texture. The colour ranges from dark greyish brown (10YR4/ 18 2) to light olive brown (2.5YR5/4). The yellower colours are more common B1 on steeper sites, probably because of increased erosion. 30 The subsurface horizon has been called Bl in the above description but meets the requirements of an A2 in the Factual Key. In some profiles the subsurface is much lighter in colour and is definitely an A2 horizon but is B2 only very rarely bleached. Thickness ranges from 12 to 30 cm and textures range from fine sandy or silty loam to light clay. B horizons are always mottled although the mottle is often faint and very 150 fine. Yellowish red and light grey are the common mottle colours. Texture ranges from light to medium clay and solum depth ranges from 60 to about 150 cm. Principal profile forms encountered include Gn3.71, Gn3.74, Gn3.81 and Gn3.84.

ANALYTICAL DATA Profile T296 Map Reference RUMULA 1:100 000 271697 BICTON SERIES Sampled in Acacia dominant closed forest. Depth cm 0-10 10-22 22-48 48-65 65-90 90-120 120-150 Horizon Al Bl B21 B22 B23 B3 C PH 4.5 4.6 4.6 4.2 4.4 4.5 4.2 E.C. mS/cm .068 .032 .029 .029 .032 .026 .029 Org. C % 3.73 1.47 .79 N% .36 .16 .11 AvP ppm 19 22 10 17 6 7 16 Tot. P % .024 .011 Tot. K % .83 1.40 Tot. S % .056 .017 Tot. Fe% 3.10 3.10 Free Fe% 2.5 2.6 CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102 23

Depth cm 0-10 10-22 22-48 48-65 65-90 90-120 120-150 Horizon Al Bl B21 B22 B23 B3 C Exchange properties m.e./100 g soil Ca .23 <.O2 <.O2 Mg 1.0 .03 .16 K .19 .06 .04 Na .16 .08 .09 H + Al 6.8 5.4 10.8 'ECEC'(1) 8.4 5.6 11.1 'ECEC7100 g C 25 16 26 CEC(2> 11 10 CEC/100 s C(2) 32 23 Base Sat(3r 14 3 CEC<4) 4.8 3.5 7.4 Particle Size % Gr 45 19 13 <1 CS 18 18 13 1 FS 20 21 21 8 Si 28 27 30 48 C 34 34 36 43 Mineralogy of Depth cm ChV% 1% Ka% Go/Ha% the clay fraction 65-90 10-20 1-5 40-50 30-40

(1) Sum of basic and acidic cations <3) Bases x 100 m Comp. Exch. (2) NH.OAcCEC NH.OAcCEC

BUCHAN SERIES Yellow massive earths formed on alluvial fans. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. CLASSIFICATION Yellow earth Gn2.6/p LANDFORM PATTERN Alluvial fan REFERENCE SITE Mossman 1:100 000 259861 Horizon Depth (cm) Ap 0-35 Dark greyish brown (10YR4/2); sandy loam; massive; moist friable; light amounts of substrate gravel to 10 cm size; clear change 35-50 Yellow (2.5Y7/6) with yellowish red (5YR5/8) faint fine few mottles; clay B21 loam sandy; massive; light amounts weathered substrate gravel; diffuse change 50-80 Yellow (2.5Y7/6) with red (2.5Y4/8) faint medium few mottles; clay loam; B22 massive; friable moist; moderate amounts weathered substrate gravel; diffuse change 80-100+ Yellow (2.5Y7/6); light sandy clay loam; massive; friable moist; much B-C weathered substrate (metamorphic rock) gravel. RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS Surface textures range from sandy loam to sandy clay loam. B horizons are commonly whole coloured and grade to yellowish red B3-BC horizons from 70-90 cm. These soils occur downslope of the Mission series and the two soils grade from one to the other over a distance of 10-20 m. All profiles examined have been cultivated so the original nature of the A horizons is unknown. Principal profile forms encountered include Gn2.6/p and Gn2.2/p. 24 CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No.102

WEATHERBY SERIES Acid duplex soils formed on Hodgkinson Formation metasediments. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. S.T. CLASSIFICATION Soloth Dy3.41 Udic Kanhaplustalf LANDFORM PATTERN Undulating-low hilly REFERENCE SITE RUMULA 1:100 000 213621 Horizon Depth (cm) 0-15 Dark greyish brown (10YR4/2); clay loam (light); moderate 10-20 mm Al subangularblocky;; 2-10% angular gravel; moist moderately weak; 2-10% manganiferous nodules; common 1-2 mm roots; gradual change to 15-28 Greyish brown (10YR5/2), (10YR7/4d); clay loam (gravelly); moderate 10- A2 20 mm subangular blocky; 50-90% angular gravel; moist moderately weak; few <1 mm roots; clear change to 28-45 Strong brown (7.5YR5/8) with 10-20% <5 mm faint yellowish red (5YR4/ B21 8) mottles; light medium clay; weak 10-20 mm subangular blocky; moist moderately weak; 2-10% angular gravel; 2-10% manganiferous nodules; diffuse change to B22 45-65 Strong brown (7.5YR5/6) with 10-20% <5 mm distinct red (2.5YR4/8) mottles; heavy clay; moderate 10-20 mm subangular blocky; moist very firm; diffuse change to BC 65-90 Red (2.5YR4/8) with 20-50% 5-15 mm distinct reddish yellow (7.5YR6/6) mottles; medium clay (gravelly); moist very firm; diffuse change to BC 90-120 Red (2.5YR4/8) with 20-50% 5-15 mm distinct reddish yellow (7.5YR6/6) mottles; medium heavy clay; much weathered parent material; moist very firm. RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS Texture of the A horizon ranges from fine sandy loam to loam and occasionally clay loam. Thickness ranges from 14 to 20 cm. The A2 horizons may be strongly bleached and a sporadic bleach may often occur from the soil surface. Quartz gravels may occur throughout the A horizon, often with moderate to high concentrations in the A2 horizon. 60 Depth to the main B horizon ranges from 30 to 50 cm. It is always mottled; bright yellow colours dominate with fine yellowish red and light grey 80 mottles. The structure of the upper part of the B horizon ranges from weak to very strong and while the primary structure is always subangularblocky many soils have a prismatic secondary structure which may only be evident in dry exposures. Weathered parent material may be apparent from 50 cm and solum depth rarely exceeds 100 cm. Principal profile forms encountered include Dy3.41 and Dy3.21.

ANALYTICAL DATA Profile T297 Map Reference RUMULA 1:100 000 213621 WEATHERBY SERIES Sampled from undisturbed Eucalypt woodland. Depth cm 0-15 15-28 28-45 45-65 65-90 90-120 Horizon Al A2 B21 B22 BC BC PH 4.8 5.1 5.2 5.6 5.6 5.3 E.C. mS/cm .047 .017 .098 .029 .029 .038 Org. C % 1.58 .88 .35 N% .12 .07 .04 AvP ppm 20 18 11 9 4 3 Tot. P % .014 .014 Tot. K % .75 .78 Tot. S % .016 .009 Tot. Fe% 3.1 4.0 Free Fe% 2.6 3.4 CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102 25

Depth cm 0-15 15-28 28-45 45-65 65-90 90-120 Horizon Al A2 B21 B22 BC BC Exchange properties m.e./100 g soil Ca .21 .06 .02 Mg .57 1.19 2.2 K .07 .04 .07 Na .15 .31 .22 H + Al 1.9 1.2 1.0 'ECEC'(1) 2.9 2.8 3.5 'ECEC/100 g C 15 10 8 CEC(2) 4 3 4 CEC/100 a Cp) 20 11 9 Base Sat(3r 25 53 62 CEC(4) 2.75 2.38 4.17 Particle Size % Gr 14 61 24 13 CS 10 12 11 7 FS 47 44 40 29 Si 24 22 22 20 C 20 22 28 44 (I) Sum of basic and acidic cations (3) Bases x 100 m Comp. Exch. <2) NH4OAcCEC NH4OAcCEC

DAGMAR SERIES Red and yellow mottled soils on alluvial fans. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. CLASSIFICATION Red-Yellow Podzolic Soil Uf6.3/p LANDFORM PATTERN Alluvial fan REFERENCE SITE Mossman 1:100 000 253010 Horizon Depth (cm) Ap 0-25 Dark brown (7.5YR4/4); light clay; weak subangularblocky; friable moist; light quartz gravel; gradual change B21 25-50 Yellowish red (5YR5/8); light medium clay; moderate fine subangular blocky; firm moist; light quartz and substrate gravel; diffuse change B22 50-85 Reddish yellow (5YR6/8) with dark red (2.5YR3/6) faint fine common mottles; medium clay; moderate fine angular blocky; firm moist; light quartz and substrate gravel; diffuse change B3 85-110+ Brownish yellow (10YR6/8) with yellowish red (5YR5/8) faint fine few motdes; medium clay; strong fine angular blocky; moderate quartz and substrate gravel.

RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS All sites that have been examined have been ploughed, hence the nature of the texture profile is uncertain. Uniform profiles have been described but this may be due to loss of the A horizon by erosion and/or mixing of the A and B horizons during cultivation. The dominant B horizon colour ranges from yellowish red, to reddish yellow or brownish yellow. Quartz and metamorphic rock gravels can occur throughout the profile. In some soils they are strongly layered with high concentrations in the top of the B horizon. Principal profile forms encountered include Uf6.3/p, Uf6.4/p, and Gn3.7/p. 26 CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No.102

MOLLOY SERIES Red duplex soil formed on Hodgkinson Formation metasediments. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE P.P.F. S.T. CLASSIFICATION Soloth Dr3.21 Aquic Oxic Paleustalf LANDFORM PATTERN Low hilly REFERENCE SITE RUMULA 1:000 000 278646 Horizon Depth (cm) Al 0-10 Dark greyish brown (10YR4/2); clay loam (light); weak 5-10 mm subangular blocky; moist moderately weak; 2-10% 6-20 mm, angular gravel; <2% ferromanganiferous nodules; gradual change to A2 10-20 Yellowish brown (10YR5/4), (10YR6/3d); clay loam (heavy); massive; moist moderately weak; 10-20% 20-60 mm, angular gravel; clear change to Bl 20-30 Strong brown (7.5YR5/6); light medium clay; weak 5-10 mm subangular blocky; moist very firm; 2-10% 20-60 mm, angular gravel; gradual change to B21 30-45 Red (2.5YR4/8) with 10-20% < 5 mm distinct light grey (5YR7/1) mottles; medium clay (heavy); strong 5-10 mm subangular blocky; moist very firm; diffuse change to B22 45-60 Red (2.5YR5/8) with 10-20% < 5 mm distinct light grey (5YR7/1) mottles; heavy clay; strong 10-20 mm subangular blocky; moist very firm; diffuse change to B31 60-100 Red (2.5YR5/6) with 10-20% < 5 mm distinct light grey (5YR7/1) mottles; heavy clay; strong 10-20 mm subangular blocky; moist very firm; diffuse change to B32 100-125 Reddish yellow (7.5YR6/6) with 20-50% 5-15 mm distinct white (5YR8/1) mottles; medium heavy clay; moderate 10-20 mm subangular blocky; moist very firm. RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS A horizon textures range from fine sandy loam to clay loam. A2 horizons are always prominent but only occasionally are sporadically bleached. Solum depth ranges from 60 to 110 cm. Principal profile forms encountered include Dr3.21 and Dr3.31. 37

60

ANALYTICAL DATA Profile T299 Map Reference RUMULA 1:100000 278646 MOLLOY SERIES Sampled from undisturbed Eucalypt woodland Depth cm 0-10 10-20 20-30 30-45 45-60 60-100 100-125 Horizon Al A2 Bl B21 B22 B31 B32 PH 5.1 5.1 5.2 5.2 4.9 4.9 4.6 E.C. mS/cm .029 .029 .014 .014 .020 .020 .020 Org. C % 2.23 1.33 .42 N% .19 .10 .05 AvP ppm 7 6 7 7 5 3 4 Tot. P % .011 .005 Tot. K % .64 1.48 Tot. S % .023 .006 Tot. Fe% 3.7 6.0 Free Fe% 2.8 4.1 CS1R0 Division ol Soils Divisional Report No. 102 27

Depth cm 0-10 10-20 20-30 30-45 45-60 60-100 100-125 Horizon Al A2 Bl B21 B22 B31 B32 Exchange properties m.e./100 g soil Ca .06 .02 <.O2 .04 Mg .48 .85 .95 .92 K .09 .06 .05 .05 Na .10 .09 .10 .17 H + Al 4.8 5.0 11.4 15.4 'ECEC'(1) 5.5 6.0 12.5 16.6 'ECEC'/lOOgC 19 16 25 33 CEC(2) 19 9 12 15 CEC/100 K C<2) 66 24 24 29 Base Sat™ 4 11 9 8 CECt4) 3.6 5.0 10.1 15.7 Particle Size % Gr 6 39 42 1 <1 CS 10 13 11 4 1 FS 33 30 25 15 9 Si 28 25 26 20 39 C 29 32 38 50 51 (1) Sum of basic and acidic cations (3) Bases x 100 (4) Comp.Exch. (2) NH4OAcCEC NH .OAcCEC

EULUMA SERIES Nodular yellow earths formed on Hodgkinson Formation metasediments. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. CLASSIFICATION Yellow earth Gn2.34 LANDFORM PATTERN Undulating-low hilly REFERENCE SITE RUMULA 1:100 000 287617 Horizon Depth (cm) Al 0-8 Dark greyish brown (10YR4/2); sandy loam; massive; hard dry; light Qz gravel and FeMn nodules to 2 cm size; clear change to A2 8-20 Brown (1OYR5/3) (10YR7/2d); light sandy clay loam; massive; hard dry; moderate to high quartz gravel and FeMn nodules to 3 cm size; diffuse change to 20-80 Yellowish brown (10YR5/4); sandy clay loam; massive; high amounts FeMn nodules. RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS The A2 horizon may or may not be bleached. The Al is often gravel and nodule free but there are always high concentrations in the B horizon and in all profiles examined they have been impenetrable by hand auger beyond 80 cm depth so the nature of underlying material is unknown although it is suspected that the nodular horizon may be underlain by mottled clays. The latter may be a D horizon or it is possibly a B horizon and the materials described above are A1-A2-A3/B1 horizons of a duplex texture profile. 28 CSIRO Division ot Soils Divisional Report No. 102

MISSION SERIES Red massive earths formed on alluvial fans. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. S.T. CLASSIFICATION Red Earth Gn2.1/p Typic Haplorthox LANDFORM PATTERN Alluvial fan REFERENCE SITE Rumula 1:100000 301743 Hoizon Depth (cm) Ap 0-10 Reddish brown (5YR4/4); clay loam (heavy); massive; moist moderately weak; Ap 10-30 Reddish brown (5YR4/4); light clay (heavy); massive; moist moderately weak; clear change to B21 30-60 Yellowish red (5YR5/6); light medium clay (heavy); massive; moist moderately weak; diffuse change to B22 60-90 Red (2.5YR5.6); medium clay; massive; moist moderately weak; 2-10% 20- 60 mm, subangular gravel; clear change to B23 90-120 Red (2.5YR4/6); medium clay; weak 10-20 mm subangular blocky; moist moderately weak; 2-10% 20-60 mm, subangular gravel; diffuse change to B31 120-150 Red (2.5YR5/8); medium clay; weak 10-20 mm subangular blocky; moist moderately weak; 2-10% 20-60 mm, subangular gravel; diffuse change to B32 150-210 Red (2.5YR4/6) with 2-10% 5-15 mm distinct brownish yellow (10YR6/6) mottles; medium clay; weak 10-20 mm subangular blocky; moist moderately weak; 2-10% 20-60 mm, subangular gravel; RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS Surface texture may be as light as loamy fine sand but is more commonly fine sandy loam with a very gradual increase to fine sandy clay in the main B horizon. Soil structural development is evident at depth (2+ m) in most soils although they generally still retain the very porous character. Strongly weathered substrate gravels (metamorphic rock) may occur at any depth below 30 cm. In exposed sections it is obvious that the gravels have no orientation and are often strongly stratified. Principal profile forms encountered incude Gn2.1/p, Gn2.11, and Gn2.14.

ANALYTICAL DATA Profile T321 Map Reference RUMULA 1: 100 000 301743 MISSION SERIES Sampled in cultivated paddock. Depth cm 0-10 10-30 30-60 60-90 90-120 120-150 150-180 Horizon Ap Ap B21 B22 B23 B31 B32 pH 5.1 5.1 4.6 4.6 4.8 5.1 5.0 E.C. mS/cm .053 .050 .050 .032 .026 .023 .023 Org. C % .65 .15 N% .08 .05 AvP ppm 57 54 6 7 5 Free Fe% 2.1 2.0 Exchange properties m.e./lOO g soil Ca .89 .14 .67 Mg .20 <.01 <.01 K .27 .10 .10 Na .04 .03 .02 H + Al 1.0 1.8 1.1 'ECEC'(1) 2.4 2.1 1.9 'ECEC/100 g C 9 8 6 CEC<2> 3 2 3 CEC/100 2 C(2) 11 7 9 Base Sat™ 40 15 27 CEC™ 2.5 1.8 2.1 CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102 29

Depth cm 0-10 10-30 30-60 60-90 90-120 120-150 150-180 Horizon Ap Ap B21 B22 B23 B31 B32 Particle Size % Gr <1 0 6 3 CS 3 3 4 3 FS 42 45 43 40 Si 26 24 20 22 c 28 27 34 35 (1) Sum of basic and acidic cations <3> Bases x 100 (4) Comp. Exch. (2> NH OAcCEC NH OAc CEC

MIALLO SERIES Soils formed on seepage areas on the alluvial fans. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. CLASSIFICATION ?Gleyed Podzolic Soil Gn3.9/p LANDFORM PATTERN Alluvial fan REFERENCE SITE Mossman 1:100 000 257865 Horizon Depth (cm) Ap 0-30 Greyish brown (10YR5/2); silty clay loam; moderate fine subangular blocky; friable moist; clear change B21 30-50 Light yellowish brown (2.5Y6/4); silty light clay; moderate fine subangular blocky; friable moist; few soft FeMn concretions; diffuse change B22 50-80 Light grey (2.5Y7/2). with brownish yellow (10YR6/6) and red (2.5YR4/8) distinct fine mottles; silty clay; moderate fine blocky; friable moist; diffuse change B23 80-95+ White (10YR8/1) with red (2.5YR4/8) distinct medium mottles; medium clay; moderate fine blocky; firm moist; red mottles are slightly hardened; free water from 90 cm. RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS These soils are wet for long periods and few have been described in detail. The Ap usually has prominent root-line gleying throughout and may often have a sporadic bleach. The surface of these soils has a high degree of dilatancy i.e. they go into a liquid form when a small amount of force is applied and hence have a very low bearing strength when wet. 30 CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No.102

BOOB AH SERIES Mottled, yellow or red gradational or duplex textured soils on alluvial fans. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. S.T. CLASSIFICATION Yellow Podzolic Soil Dy3.31 Typic Albaquult LANDFORM PATTERN Alluvial fan REFERENCE SITE Mossman 1:100 000 250813 Horizon Depth (cm) Al 0-10 Dark grey (10YR4/1); clay loam; weak 10-20 mm subangular blocky; moist moderately weak; 2-10% 20-60 mm, gravel; common 2-5 mm roots; clear change to A2 10-20 Grey (10YR5/1) with 20-50% <5 mm distinct light brownish grey (10YR6/ 2) mottles; clay loam; weak 10-20 mm subangular blocky, moistmoderately weak; 2-10% 20-60 mm, gravel; common 2-5 mm roots; abrupt change to B21 20-34 Yellow (2.5Y7/6) with 2-10% <5 mm distinct light brownish grey (10YR6/ 2) mottles; medium clay (light); weak 20-50 mm subangular blocky; moist moderately weak; 2-10% manganiferous concretions; few 1-2 mm roots; diffuse change to B22 34-47 Light grey (10YR7/2) with 10-20% <5 mm distinct brownish yellow (10YR6/8) mottles; medium clay; moderate 10-20 mm subangular blocky; moist moderately weak; 10-20% 20-60 mm, gravel; 2-10% manganiferous concretions; B23 47-70 Light grey (10YR7/2) with 20-50% <5 mm distinct brownish yellow (10YR6/8) primary and red (2.5YR4/8) secondary mottles; medium clay; moderate 10-20 mm subangular blocky; moistmoderately weak; 2-10% 20- 60 mm, gravel; 2-10% manganiferous concretions; diffuse change to B3 70-90 Light grey (10YR7/1) with 20-50% 5-15 mm distinct dark red (2.5YR3/6) mottles; medium clay; moderate 10-20 mm subangular blocky; moist moderately weak; 2-10% 20-60 mm, gravel. RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS The Al horizon ranges from 15-20 cm thick and from sandy loam to clay loam texture. A2 horizons are well developed and are sporadically or conspicuously bleached in most soils. Total A horizon thickness ranges from 25 to 70 cm. The B horizons are almost always strongly mottled but the dominant colour ranges from brownish yellow (most common) or yellow to olive yellow and occasionally reddish yellow. Texture ranges from fine sandy clay to light or medium clay. The main B horizon always has a weak to moderate grade of structure but transitional horizons (A3 or B1) are usually massive. Low to moderate amounts of quartz and/or metamorphic rock gravels are common throughout the profile and in the upper part at least are often impregnated with iron. In sections lhat have been observed the gravels can vary in type and concentration over very short distances and are often layered. Principal profile forms encountered include Dy3.31, Dy3.4/p and Uf6.4/p. The Uf form is probably a result of cultivation and erosion. CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102 31

ANALYTICAL DATA Profile T303 Map Reference MOSSMAN 1:100 000 250813 BOOBAH SERIES Sampled from undisturbed Eucalypt forest. Depth cm 0-10 10-20 20-34 34^7 47-70 70-90 Horizon Al A2 B21 B22 B23 B3 pH 4.5 4.7 4.9 4.7 5.2 5.1 E.C. mS/cm .047 .020 .011 .056 .008 .001 Org. C % 1.68 .89 .30 N% .11 .08 AvP ppm 17 19 16 40 10 25 Tot. P % .009 .008 Tot. K % .75 .72 Tot. S % .016 .013 Exchange properties m.e./lOO g soil Ca .06 <.O2 <.O2 Mg .29 .06 .24 K .08 .05 .05 Na .11 .05 .08 H +Al 2.3 2.3 2.1 •ECEC'(1> 2.8 2.5 2.5 'ECEC'/lOOgC 18 10 7 CEC(2) 5 3 3 CEC/100 E C(2) 31 12 9 Base Sat(3T 10 7 13 CEC(4) 2.8 2.0 2.7 Particle Size % Gr 4 8 8 10 CS 9 10 9 6 FS 37 37 32 26 Si 38 34 35 33 C 16 20 24 34 (1) Sum of basic and acidic cations (3) Bases x: 100 « Comp. Exch 2) NH.OAcCEC NH. OAc CEC 32 CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No.102

CLIFTON SERIES Strongly bleached gradational textured soils on alluvial fans. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. S.T. CLASSIFICATION ?Yellow Podzolic Soil Gn2.94 Aerie Kandiaquult LANDFORM PATTERN Alluvial fan REFERENCE SITE Rumula 1:100 000 360721 Horizon Depth (cm) Al 0-05 Very dark grey (10YR3/1), 10YR7/2d); loam, fine sandy; weak 5-10 mm subangular blocky; moist moderately weak; clear change to A2 5-10 Light brownish grey (10YR6/2), (10YR8/2d); sandy clay loam (heavy); massive; moist moderately weak; gradual change to Bl 10-30 Light brownish grey (2.5Y6/3), (5Y7/3d) with 10-20% 5-15 mm faint olive yellow (2.5Y6/8) mottles; clay loam, fine sandy; massive; moist moderately weak; gradual change to B21 30-60 Pale olive (5Y6/4) with 10-20% 5-15 mm distinct olive yellow (2.5Y6/8) mottles; light clay; massive; dry moderately weak; gradual change to B22 60-90 Olive yellow (2.5Y6/6) with 20-50% 5-15 mm prominent light grey (5Y7/ 2) mottles; light medium clay; massive; dry very firm; clear change to D 90-120 Grey (5Y6/1) with 20-50% 5-15 mm distinct yellowish brown (10YR5/6) mottles; heavy clay; strong 20-50 mm angular blocky; dry very strong; 2- 10% ferromanganiferous concretions; diffuse change to D 120-210 Grey (10YR6/1) with 20-50% 5-15 mm distinct yellowish brown (10YR5/ 6) motdes; heavy clay; strong 20-50 mm angular blocky; dry very strong; 2-10% ferromanganiferous concretions; RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS The texture of the A horizon ranges from fine sandy loam to silty clay loam. In cultivated soils the AP may be heavier textured due to mixing of some B horizon material. The A2 horizons are usually very strongly bleached but there are occasional soils with an A2 horizon that is not bleached. The main B horizon textures range from silty clay to light, medium or heavy clay although the latter are uncommon. The heavier textures are usually accompanied by weak or moderate subangular blocky structure. The soil described above occurs on the lower end of the fan. The D horizon clays are common in this situation and they appear to be buried marine clays. On the upper slopes these soils grade to Buchan yellow earths and overlie stratified gravels or deep subsoil materials common to the Buchan and Mission series. Principal profile forms encountered include Gn2.94, Gn2.6/p, Gn2.8/p, Gn3.0/p, Gn3.74 and Gn3.84. ANALYTICAL DATA Profile T312 Map Reference RUMULA 1:100 000 360721 CLIFTON SERIES Sample from undisturbed Melaleuca open forst. Depth cm 0-5 5-10 10-30 30-60 60-90 90-120 120-150 150-180 Horizon Al A2 Bl B21 B22 D D D pH 5.4 5.6 5.7 5.9 5.6 5.5 5.8 6.3 E.C. mS/cm .044 .026 .023 .020 .074 .389 .654 .800 Org. C % 2.09 .027 N% .15 .04 AvP ppm 15 10 3 5 3 3 3 Tot. P % .006 .003 Tot. K % .91 1.50 Tot. S % .020 .009 Tot. Fe% 1.5 Exchange properties m.e./lOO g soil Ca 1.74 .37 .22 .5 1.5 1.07 1.16 Mg 1.31 .96 2.18 6.5 5.5 4.49 3.3 K .13 .03 .04 .05 .03 .03 .06 Na .21 .21 .18 .45 2.1 1.55 .07 H+Al .60 .16 <.O2 .05 .07 .02 .04 'ECEC'0) 4.0 1.7 2.16 7.6 9.2 7.2 3.6 'ECEC7100 g C 31 9 11 26 12 CEC<2) 6 2 3 7 6 CEC/100 e C(2) 46 11 13 19 20 Base Sat(3r 57 77 71 59 CEC<4) 3.9 2.2 2.7 7.1 7.1 6.3 7.2 CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102 33

Depth cm 0-5 5-10 10-30 30-60 60-90 90-120 120-150 150-180 Horizon Al A2 Bl B21 B22 D D D Particle Size % Gr 0 13 2 1 CS 4 5 7 2 5 FS 54 49 42 22 28 Si 29 28 28 39 38 C 13 18 23 36 30 (1) Sum of basic and acidic cations <3) Bases x 100 (4) Comp. Exch. (2) NH4OAcCEC NH^OAcCEC

MAPPING UNITS: SOILS OF METAMORPHIC ROCK ORIGIN Mountainous Unit M1 Topography ranges from high hilly to mountainous and the greater part of the unit is covered by dense rainforest and is very inaccessible. Apart from some of the low hilly outliers the boundary between the mountainous lands and the piedmont slopes has been delineated steroscopically at about the upper limit of cultivation. In most areas this is marked by a sharp change in slope. The lower slope ranges from 5 to 10% while the upper slope is generally greater than 20%. The red soils of Galmara series are dominant and while they have been described as having formed in situ at least the upper part of all profiles on the steeper slopes show evidence (stone lines) of layering. It is obvious that down-slope movement is an important part of profile formation in this landscape. The yellow soils of Bicton series are the most common associate. Pin Gin and/or Kimberley series will occur on any areas of basic volcanics that have been included and in areas such as the Alexandra Range they may be dominant. Undescribed shallow gravelly loams are common on very steep slopes and on ridge crests.

Bicton association Bi This unit occupies the better watered low hilly to hilly lands of the Julatten uplands. The boundary between the Bicton and Weatherby soils is very diffuse but probably coincides with the rain forest - Eucalypt forest boundary. As much of the country has been cleared this change is often difficult to accurately determine. The yellow gradational textured soils of Bicton series occupy about 90% of the unit. Red gradational textured soils of Galmara series make up the balance of the unit. Minor surface colour and textural differences and variation in solum depth can be attributed to changes in parent material which can occur over very short distances. The sediments of the Hodgkinson Formation are often thinly bedded, and strongly folded. As a result where the rocks are steeply dipping there can be abrupt and frequent changes in soil parent material lithology.

Weatherby association We Weatherby association also occurs on low hilly to hilly Julatten uplands but occupies the drier country to the south and west of the Bicton association. The soil pattern is also complicated by the often near vertical dip of the metasediments. Acid yellow duplex soils of Weatherby series are dominant and occupy about 80% of the unit. Red duplex soils of Molloy series occur in close association. Their 34 CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No.102

distribution is probably controlled by parent material rather than by other factors such as drainage or age of the surface. The nodular yellow earths of Euluma series occur in discrete areas and may have formed on a more siliceous facies of the parent sediments but are also possibly remnants of an older land surface. Throughout the unit there is little difference in solum depth between soils low or high in the landscape although very shallow gravelly soils occupy the narrow crests of the higher ridges.

Mission association Ms This unit occupies the upper (5-10%) slope of the alluvial fans. The dominant soil, Mission series, is present to a greater or lesser degree on almost all slopes but in some areas the occurrence is too narrow to be delineated at the map scale. The main associated soils are Galmara and Bicton series. These are the structured soils formed on the metamorphic rocks. The boundary between hard rock and fan deposits is often very difficult to define but as the soils have many attributes in common and have similar land use limitations, the distinction is not particularly important. Yellow massive earths of Buchan series occur downslope of the red Mission series and small areas of Boobah or Clifton series, which occur on the lower slopes, may be included.

Clifton association Cl This unit is extremely variable. It occurs on the alluvial fans surrounding the uplands of the Hodgkinson Formation sediments. In the southern part of the Mossman mill area it is restricted to the lower slopes of the fans. Here Clifton series occupies about 80% of the unit. Small areas of Mission and/or Buchan series may be included on the upper slopes. The lower slopes are very gentle (less than 1 %) and in places overlie marine sediments. Small areas of the duplex soils of Holloway series may be included where this unit abuts the coastal landforms. In the northern part of the area the fan slopes are generally very short, in places les s than 150 m long. Mission series is dominant on the steeper upper slopes. This grades through a narrow zone of Buchan series to Dagmar series which occupies the upper half or two thirds of the midslope. This then grades to Clifton or Boobah series and a range of similar gleyed soils. If the adjacent riverine alluvium is poorly drained, i.e. with Coom or Timara series, the footslope soils will also be poorly drained and it is often difficult to distinguish between the two. Where the adjacent soils are freely draining e.g. on the beach ridges, Buchan or Dagmar series may extend to the footslopes. Small areas of Miallo series occur in seepage areas. These are usually in mid or lower slope sites and may be wet for most of the year. In many areas there has been severe erosion of the fan and foothill slopes since cultivation. On the upper slopes the B horizons are exposed in many places and the footslopes and adjacent alluvium may be overlain by up to 50 cm of recent deposits. In the area north of the Daintree River some soils very similar to Tully series are included. These appear to be on fan materials but are possibly remnants of a high terrace.

Galmara Association Ga The only areas mapped in this unit occupy small areas of lower relief Hodgkinson Formation meta sediments to the north of the Alexandra Range. Galmara series is the only soil that has been identified as occurring in these areas but small areas of Bicton and Kimberley series may occur. CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102 35

SOILS OF GRANITIC ORIGIN An area of Mareeba granite occurs on the central western boundary of the survey area and another around Thornton Peak to the north of the Daintree River. Both areas are virtually inaccessible rain forest-clad mountains and have no potential for arable agriculture and only limited potential for forestry. Two soil series have been definitely identified and a third is also likely to occur. The major distinguishing features of each soil are summarised in Table 5.

Table 5. Soils of granitic origin. SERIES LANDFORM MAJOR DISTINGUISHING FEATURES UTCHEE High hilly -mountainous Red, structured, gradational textured soils. TYSON Upper slopes of alluvial fans Red, massive, gradational textured soils. THORPE Mid slopes of alluvial fans Yellow, massive, gradational or uniform textured soils.

UTCHEE SERIES Red gradational textured soils formed on granite. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. CLASSIFICATION ?Rcd Podzolic Soil Gn3.14 LANDFORM High hilly - mountainous REFERENCE SITE Rumula 1:100 000 196662 These soils have been examined but not described in detail. The following description is taken from the Tully-Innisfail report (Murtha 1986). Horizon Depth (cm) 0-15 Dark reddish brown (5YR3/4); fine sandy clay loam; weak cast 5 mm size; Al friable moist; gradual change to 15-80 Red (2.5YR5/8); fine sandy clay loam increasing to light sandy clay; Bl massive; very porous; firm moist; diffuse change to 90-180 Red (2.5YR4/6); sandy clay; moderate medium blocky; firm moist; some B2 weathered granite from 160 cm; diffuse change to 180-250+ Red (2.5YR5/8) with brown (7.5YR5/6) faint medium few mottles; sandy B3 clay decreasing to sandy clay loam; weak coarse blocky; low increasing to high amounts of weathered granite. RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS Although Utchee series has been defined as having formed in situ there is no doubt that there is some downslope movement of at least the upper part of the profile. Texture of the A1 horizon ranges from sandy loam to fine sandy clay loam. A2 horizons where present are generally weakly developed. The texture of the main B horizon ranges from sandy clay loam to sandy clay. Structure is often difficult to determine due to the coarse quartz grains present. All soils are very porous and many appear to be massive although when the soil is moist clay skins are clearly evident surrounding the quartz grains. Solum depth ranges from 1 to about 5 m and there may be up to 5 m of saprolite. 36 CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102

TYSON SERIES Red gradational textured soils formed on alluvial fans from granite. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. CLASSIFICATION Red Earth Gn2.14 LANDFORM Alluvial fan These soils have not been examined in the Mossman area but it is highly likely that they would be present. The following description is taken from the Tully-Innisfail report (Murtha, 1986). Horizon Depth (cm) Al 0-20 Dark reddish brown (5YR3/2); sandy loam; weak coarse crumb grading to weak fine blocky; friable moist; high amounts of fine grass roots, gradual change to A2 20-30 Dark reddish brown (5YR3/4); sandy loam; massive; moist friable; low amounts of grass roots; gradual change to Bl 30-45 Darkred (2.5YR3/6); light sandy clay loam; massive; moist friable; some patches of dark reddish brown A2 material; gradual change to B2 45-120 Dark red (2.5YR3/6); sandy clay loam; massive; moist friable; very porous; diffuse change to 120-210+ Dark red (2.5YR3/8); sandy clay loam; massive; moist friable; very porous; this continues with no change to 450 cm. RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS By air photo interpretation it is apparent that there are many small alluvial fans around the steeper granite country. These were inaccessible at the time of the survey so no ground observations were made. 30

THORPE SERIES Yellow massive gradational or uniform textured soils formed on alluvial fans from granite. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. CLASSIFICATION Yellow Earth Gn2.24 LANDFORM PATTERN Alluvial fan REFERENCE SITE Mossman 1:100000 208865 This soil has been examined but not described in detail in the Mossman area. The following description is taken from die Tully-Innisfail report (Murtha, 1986). Horizon Depth (cm) Al 0-20 Very dark grey (10YR3/1); sandy loam; moderate cast 5-10mm size; friable moist; much fine granitic grit and some granite gravel to 2 cm size; some B horizon material in worm casts in lower part; gradual change to Bl 20-30 Yellowish brown (10YR5/5); coarse light sandy clay loam; massive; moist friable; much fine granite grit; very porous; some A horizon material in worm casts; diffuse change to B2 30-45 Brownish yellow (10YR6/6); coarse sandy clay loam; massive; friable moist; very porous; much fine granite grit; diffuse change to B3 45-120+ Very pale brown (10YR8/3) with pale brown (10YR7/4) faint medium fine mottles; coarse sand; single grain; friable moist; free water at 120 cm. RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS These soils were examined in only one area and insufficient profiles were described to establish a range of properties. CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102 37

MAPPING UNITS: SOILS OF GRANITIC ORIGIN Mountainous Unit M2 This unit includes all of the granitic mountains. It is very rugged with little access and the soils have been examined at only two sites. The red gradational textured soils of Utchee series are dominant but similar undescribed yellow soils may be locally prominent. The latter have been described as the Severin series on the Atherton Tableland (Laffan, 1988). The red massive earths of Tyson series probably occur on the lower colluvial slopes or on small alluvial fans included in the unit.

Thorpe Association Only one small area has been mapped in the upper reaches of Whyanbeel Creek. There are a number of areas of similar soils upstream of this occurrence but they are too small to delineate at map scale and have been included with Liverpool association. In this area the soils are formed on local alluvium rather than on fan slopes. Granite boulders are common on the surface and throughout the profile.

Miscellaneous Unit M4 This unit occupies what appears to be a very large landslip in the upper catchment of Cooper Creek. The surface of the unit is concave in shape with slopes of 3-5% near the base of the slip rising to about 20% at its upper extremities. It is strongly dissected with numerous steep sided gullies entrenched to a depth of 10-15 m. Large granite tors are common over the mid and upper slopes of the unit. At the time of field mapping, access to this unit was very restricted so only a small section was examined. Soils similar to Galmara and Mission series with a predominance of metamoprhic rock gravels in the solum occur on the lower slopes while massive red earths of Tyson series and occasional structured red soils of Utchee series occur on the mid and upper slopes. The latter are largely of granitic origin but some metamorphic gravels occur throughout the profile. 38 CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No.102

WELL DRAINED SOILS FORMED ON ALLUVIUM The distinction between the well drained and poorly drained alluvium is of necessity very arbitary. In many areas the soils form a continuum and some series may be included in either grouping. For convenience they have been included in the grouping containing the soils with which they are most commonly associated. Fifteen soil series have been included in this group. Two series, Gariock and Rumula, have formed on alluvium from the Hodgkinson Formation. All other soils are of mixed granitic and metamorphic rock origin with varying contribution from each. In addition some areas of the Hodgkinson Formation contains large bodies of basic volcanics and these contribute some local enrichment to the alluvium. Japoon, Liverpool, and Lerra series occur on lower terraces or recent stream levees. Tully, Innisf ail, and Mossman series are the major soils of the larger flood plains. Virgil and Ponzo series occupy small high terrace remnants while Somerset, Silkwood, Goolboo, and Dayman series are generally restricted to prior channel infills and to levees associated with prior stream systems. The field relationship of these soils is shown on Fig. 3 and the major distinguishing features are summarised in Table 6.

Table 6. Well drained soils formed on alluvium.

SERIES LANDFORM MAJOR DISTINGUISHING FEATURES TULLY Stream levees flood Bright yellow, uniform or gradational plain and terraces textured profile, silty clay loam to silly clay range INNISFAJL Stream levees and Brown or reddish brown colours, uniform or flood plain gradational textured profile, silty clay loam to medium clay range MOSSMAN Alluvial plain Similar to Tully series with a deep dark Al - Ap horizon. JAPOON Low channel bench Gravelly sands on recent alluvium. LIVERPOOL Low flood plains and levees Yellowish brown, uniform textured fine sandy

LERRA Alluvial plain (low terrace) Strongly stratified soils; sand, sandy clay loam or silty clay loam textures. SILKWOOD Low rises, channel infill or Gradational textured soils with black A prior stream levees. horizon and red, massive B horizon. VIRGIL Alluvial plain (terrace) Uniform or gradational textured soils with whole coloured or mottled red B horizons; usually massive. PONZO Alluvial plain (high terrace) Uniform fine textured soils with shallow highly sodic D horizons. SOMERSET Alluvial plain (high terrace) Gradational or uniform textured soils, brown or olive brown B horizons. GOOLBOO Channel infill Coarse uniform sands. RUMULA Alluvial plain Gradational or duplex textured soils; yellow and brown structured B horizons. GARIOCH Alluvial plain Alkaline duplex soils. JULATTEN Alluvial plain (levee) Gradational textured soils with structured brown or yellow brown B horizons. DAYMAN Alluvial plain (channel infill) Soils with black loamy surface and massive brown sandy clay loam B horizons. CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102 39

JAPOON SERIES Gravelly sands on recent alluvium. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. CLASSIFICATION Alluvial Soil Uc5.ll/p LANDFORM PATTERN Low terrace REFERENCE SITE Rumula 1:100,000 258747 Horizon Depth (cm) Ap 0-25 Brown (10YR5/3); sandy loam; massive, moist friable; occasional rounded cobbles to 200 mm size; gradual change to B-C 25-50 Yellowish brown (10YR5/4); coarse sand; single grain; loose moist and dry; many rounded cobbles to 200 mm size; impenetrable gravel at 50 cm. RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS These are very juvenile soils with little profile development beyond accumulation of organic matter in the A1 horizon. The texture of the A1 can A1 range from loamy sand to loam and all soils are strongly stratified. Coarse 30 rounded gravels to 30 cm size may occur on the surface and throughout the profile.

SILKWOOD SERIES Red gradational textured soils on channel infill. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. Red earth CLASSIFICATION Gn2.1/p LANDFORM PATTERN Alluvial plain (prior stream levees) REFERENCE SITE Horizon Depth (cm) Mossman 1:100 000 262813 Ap 0-30 Black (10YR2/1); sandy clay loam (light); massive; moist friable; clear change to Bl 30-40 Brown (7.5YR4/4); sandy clay loam; massive; moist friable; diffuse change to B2 40-80 Yellowish red (5YR5/6); sandy clay (light) massive; moist friable; diffuse change to B3 80-120 Red (2.5YR4/8); sandy clay loam (light);massive; moist friable. RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS These soils are characterised by a very thick dark Al horizon over brown or yellowish red transitional A3 - Bl horizons and bright red B2 horizons. The Al is black or very dark greyish brown, sandy loam, loam or sandy clay loam texture and thickness ranges from 25-55 cm. The A3 or B1 horizons are dark brown, brown, or yellowish red and texture ranges from sandy loam to sandy clay loam. Some of these may be called an A2 horizon by the Factual Key definition. B2 horizons are whole coloured, red or yellowish red and sandy clay loam to light sandy clay texture. They are always massive and very porous. Depth to the B2 ranges from 40 to 80 cm with a thickness of 40 to 60 cm. They grade to mottled gritty clay loam or sandy loam stratified alluvial sediments. Principal profile forms encountered include Gn2.1/p, Dr2.5/p, Gn2.2/p. 40 CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102

TULLY SERIES Uniform or gradational texture profile, bright yellowish whole coloured upper B horizon. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. S.T. CLASSIFICATION No provision. Uf6.34/p Oxic Dystropept LANDFORM PATTERN Alluvial plain REFERENCE SITE Mossman 1:100 000 268998 Horizon Depth (cm) Apl 0-10 Brown (10YR5/3); light clay; weak 5-10mm subangular blocky; moist very firm; 2-10% 6-20 mm, gravel; 2-10% ferruginous nodules; diffuse change to Ap2 10-20 Brown (10YR5/3); light clay; moderate 5-10 mm subangular blocky; moist very firm; 2-10% ferruginous nodules; clear change to B21 20-60 Yellowish brown (10YR5/5); light clay; weak 10-20mm sub-angular blocky; moist moderately weak; diffuse change to B22 60-120 Brown (7.5YR5/4); medium clay; moderate 5-10 mm subangular blocky; moist very firm; gradual change to Dl 120-180 Brown (1QYR5/3); heavy clay; strong 10-20 mm angular blocky; moistvery firm; gradual change to D2 180-200 Yellowish brown (10YR5/6) with 10-20% <5 mm faintpale brown (10YR6/ 3) mottles; heavy clay; weak 10-20 mm angular blocky; moist very firm. RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS Tully series is characterised by pale coloured Al horizons and bright yellowish coloured friable silly clay loam to light medium clay B horizons. In ploughed fields the soil surface has a distinct yellowish colour and is usually about 10YR7/3 or 10YR7/4 when dry. The profile described above is from a well drained site hence the absence of mottling in the upper part of the B horizon. Red, brown and light grey mottling is common in the lower B2 horizon and becomes progressively shallower with poorer drainage. Profiles with fine brown or yellowish red mottling in the upper part of the B horizon are included in Tully series whereas the soils with grey mottles in the upper B are grouped with Coom series. Surface textures range from clay loam or silty clay loam to light clay. B horizon textures range from silty clay loam to medium clay and the texture profile may be uniform or gradational. At depth the Tully series usually grades to uncqnsolidated stratified sandy sediments but in places has been found to overlie strongly gleyed medium or heavy clays and occasionally even peats or other highly carbonaceous materials. Two variants have been recognized. In the Bamboo Creek area most soils have moderate amounts of fine red mottles in the upper B horizon and the mottles harden on drying. They also have 5-10% FeMn nodules in the upper B horizon. This soil is a nodular variant. In the Craiglie area the small area mapped as Tully series has a very pale surface although this may not be apparent in the cultivated soil (pale surfaced variant). Principal profile fans encountered include Uf6.34/p, Um6.34/p, Uf6.4/p, Gn3.71,andUm6.4/p.

ANALYTICAL DATA Profile T325 Map Reference MOSSMAN 1:100 000 268998 TULLY SERIES Sampled from cultivated sugarcane field. Depth cm 0-10 10-20 20-30 30-60 60-90 90-120 120-150 Horizon Apl Ap2 B21 B21 B22 B22 Dl pH 4.9 4.7 4.8 5.0 5.2 5.0 4.8 E.C. mS/cm .068 .041 .032 .020 .020 .026 .017 Org. C % 1.43 .47 N% .13 .06 AvP ppm 27 10 5 4 5 Tot. P % .037 .029 Tot. K % 1.80 2.0 Tot. S % .022 .012 Free Fe% 1.4 1.6 1.9 CSiRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102 41

Depth cm 0-10 10-20 20-30 30-60 60-90 90-120 120-150 Horizon Apl Ap2 B21 B21 B22 B22 Dl Exchange properties m.e./100 g soil Ca .24 .04 .14 Mg .29 .12 .13 K .46 .05 .07 Na .07 .06 .08 H + Al 2.2 2.1 2.6 'ECEC'(1) 3.3 2.4 3.0 'ECEC'/lOOgC 14 10 12 CEC(2) 5 4 4 CEC/100 e C(2) 22 17 16 Base Sat(Jr 22 8 10 CECH) 2.8 2.5 2.6 Particle Size % Gr 0 0 0 0 CS 4 1 1 1 FS 48 52 53 39 Si 26 23 26 35 C 23 23 20 25 Mineralogy of Depth cm ChV% 1% Ka% G% Go/Ha% the clay fraction 60-90 5-10 20-30 40-50 1-5 5-10 (1) Sum of basic and acidic cations (3) Bases x 100 <4) Comp.Exch. (2) NH^OAcCEC NH4 OAc CEC

LERRA SERIES Sandy soils on low terraces. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE P.P.F. CLASSIFICATION Alluvial Soil No provision LANDFORM PATTERN Alluvial plain (low terrace) REFERENCE SITE Rumula 1:100 000 221627 Horizon Depth (cm) 0-15 Brown (10YR5/3); loamy sand; massive; friable moist; clear change to 15-30 Greyish brown (10YR5/2); fine sandy clay loam; weakfineblocky; friable moist; gradual change to 30-45 Brown (10YR5/3); loamy sand; massive; friable moist; gradual change to 45-60 Brown (10YR5/3); silty clay loam; weakfineblocky; friable moist; diffuse change to 60-100+ Yellowish brown (10YR5/4); silty clay loam; moderate fine blocky; friamoisl. RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS These soils occur on the low terrace of streamsoriginating in granite uplands and are subject to frequent flooding. No horizonation Textures range from coarse sand to silty clay loam and all soils generally show marked stratification although textures may be coarse sand throughout. Strongly Stratified 42 CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No.102

INNISFAIL SERIES Uniform or gradational texture profile; brown or reddish brown B horizon. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. S.T. CLASSIFICATION No provision Uf6.34/p Oxic Dystropept LANDFORM PATTERN Alluvial plain REFERENCE SITE Mossman 1:100 000 248878 Horizon Depth (cm) Ap 0-10 Yellowish brown (10YR5/4); light medium clay; weak 10-20 mm subangular blocky; moist moderately weak; Ap 10-30 Brown (10YR5/3); medium clay; weak 10-20 mm subangular blocky; moist moderately weak; B21 30-60 Strong brown (7.5YR5/6); medium heavy clay; strong 10-20 mm subangular blocky; moist moderately weak; diffuse change to B22 60-90 Brownish yellow (10YR6/6); medium heavy clay; moderate 10-20 mm subangular blocky; moist moderately weak; diffuse change to B3 90-160 Light yellowish brown (2.5Y6/4) with 10-20% 5-125 mm distinct strong brown (7.5YR5/6) mottles; medium heavy clay (gravelly); moderate 10-20 mm subangular blocky; moist very firm; diffuse change to Dl 160-190 Light yellowish brown (2.5Y6/4) with 10-20% 5-15 mm distinct strong brown (7.5YR5/6) mottles; fine sandy loam; weak 5-10 mm subangular blocky; moist moderately weak; clear change to D2 190-200 Light brownish grey (2.5Y6/2); coarse sand; weak 10-20 mm subangular blocky; moist loose; sharp change to D3 200-210 Light brownish grey (2.5Y6/3); coarse sand; single grain; moist loose. Note: Sand lenses 1-2 cm thick are common between 160-190 cm. RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS Innisfail series soils are similar in mostproperties to Tully series but they are much browner in colour. The dry ploughed surface colour is also brown and slighdy darker; about (10YR6/3) or (10YR6/4). Surface texture ranges from sandy or silty clay loam to light medium clay most commonly light clay. B horizon textures range from light clay to medium heavy clay. Occasional profiles may be gradational textured. Bright yellowish red and/or light grey motding often occurs at depth and the yellowish red mottle may occasionally occur in the upper part of the B horizon. Innisfail series occur on well drained alluvium of mixed origin. It grades to Liverpool series on younger alluvium and to Coom series as drainage becomes poorer. Principal profile forms encountered include UF6.34/p, Uf6.4/p and Gn3.91.

ANALYTICAL DATA Profile T310 Map Reference MOSSMAN 1:100 000 248878 INNISFAIL SERIES Sampled from cultivated sugarcane field. Depth cm 0-10 r-30 30-60 60-90 90-120 120-160 160-190 Horizon Ap «p B21 B22 B3 B3 Dl pH 5.0 4.8 5.0 5.0 5.1 5.0 4.9 E.C. mS/cm .041 .068 .029 .020 .020 .023 .020 Org. C % .78 .84 .25 .18 N% .09 .09 .04 AvP ppm 67 150 19 11 9 10 Tot. P % .065 .023 Tot. K % 2.40 2.32 Tot. S % .023 .027 Free Fe% 1.3 1.8 CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102 43

Depth cm 0-10 10-30 30-60 60-90 90-120 120-160 160-190 Horizon Ap Ap B21 B22 B3 B3 Dl Exchange properties m.e./lOO g soil Ca .98 1.33 .70 Mg .80 .15 <.01 K .34 .08 .06 Na .05 .05 .05 H + Al 1.5 1.99 2.3 'ECEC'(1) 3.7 2.6 3.1 'ECEC/100 g C 10 6 9 CEO2' 6 4 4 CEC/lOOe C(2' 16 10 11 0 Base Sat ' 37 40 20 CEC(4) 3.5 2.6 3.0 Particle Size % Gr 0 0 0 16 CS 4 1 6 32 FS 26 22 30 30 Si 32 35 28 21 C 38 42 36 18 (1' Sum of basic and acidic cations (3) Bases xlOO (4) Comp. Exch. C2) NH, OAc CEC NH, OAc CEC

GOOLBOO SERIES Coarse sands of channel infill. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. CLASSIFICATION Siliceous sand Uc5.ll/p LANDFORM PATTERN Alluvial plain (channel infill) REFERENCE SITE Mossman 1:100 000 273814 This soil has been examined but not described in the Mossman area. The following description is taken from the Tully-Innisfail report (Murtha, Horizon Depth (cm) 1986). Ap 0-35 Yellowish brown (10YR5/6); gritty loamy sand; single grain; loose moist; diffuse change to B 35-75 Yellowish brown (10YR5/4); coarse sand; single grain; loose moist; much fine quartz gravel; diffuse change to 75-120+ Brownish yellow (10YR6/6) with pale brown (10YR6/3) faint fine common mottles; coarse sand; single grain; loose moist. RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS No virgin sites have been examined. These soils occur on low rises from 5- 20 m across and in cultivated sites they have been modified by deliberate levelling or by gradual levelling during cultivation. In many areas the Ap horizon is part of the original B horizon. 44 CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No.102

MOSSMAN SERIES Uniform or gradational textured soils with dark A horizons and bright yellowish whole coloured upper B horizons. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. S.T. CLASSIFICATION No provision Uf6.34/p Oxic Dystropept LANDFORM PATTERN Alluvial plain REFERENCE SITE Mossman 1:100 000 257787 Horizon Depth (cm) Ap 0-30 Dark greyish brown (2.5Y4/2); medium heavy clay; moderate 5-10 mm subangular blocky; clear change to B21 30-60 Olive yellow (2.5Y6/6); medium heavy clay; moderate 5-10 mm subangular blocky; 2-10% 2-6 mm ferromangamferous nodules; B21 60-90 Light olive brown (2.5Y5/6); medium heavy clay; moderate 5-10 mm subangular blocky; 2-10% 2-6 mm ferromanganiferous nodules; diffuse change to B22 90-150 Brownish yellow (10YR6/6) with 2-10% <5 mm distinct red (2.5YR4/8) mottles; medium heavy clay; moderate 5-10 mm subangular blocky; 2-10% gravel; 2-10% 2-6 mm ferromanganiferous nodules; gradual change to Dl 150-180 Olive yellow (2.5Y6/6) with 10-20% 5-15 mm distinct yellowish red (5YR5/8) mottles; sandy medium clay; 10-20% gravel; weak 5-10 mm subangular blocky; 10-20% 2-6 mm ferromanganiferous nodules; diffuse change to D2 180-210 Olive yellow (2.5Y6/6) with 20-50% 5-15 mm distinct yellowish red (5YR5/8) mottles; sandy medium clay; weak 5-10 mm subangular blocky; 20-50% gravel; 10-20% 2-6 mm ferromanganiferous nodules. RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS Surface textures range from clay loam to medium clay but are commonly clay loam or silty clay loam. Some profiles are gradational textured. Fine red mottles may occur from the top of the B horizon. These soils are morphologically similar to Tully and Innisfail series. The chief difference is the deep dark Al or Ap horizon. Principal profile forms encountered include Uf6.34/p, Gn3.7/p, and Uf6.4/ P-

ANALYTICAL DATA Profile T324 Map Reference MOSSMAN 1:100 000 257787 MOSSMAN SERIES Sampled from cultivated sugarcane field. Depth cm 0-10 10-30 30-60 60-90 90-120 120-150 150-180 180-210 Horizon Ap Ap B21 B21 B22 Dl Dl D2 pH 5.8 5.8 5.5 5.6 5.4 5.2 5.4 5.3 E.C. mS/cm .035 .026 .041 .032 .029 .026 .014 .011 Org. C % 1.05 .44 N% .09 .05 AvP ppm 68 72 12 4 Tot. P % .050 .019 Tot. K % 1.52 2.86 Tot. S % .017 .011 Free Fe% 2.0 2.2 Exchange properties m.e./100 g soil Ca 3.09 1.39 1.44 Mg .20 .03 .09 K .34 .11 .09 Na .07 .06 .05 H + Al .3 1.1 .6 'ECEC'(1) 4.3 2.7 2.3 'ECEC/100 g C 15 8 7 CEC<2) 6 4 CEC/100e C<2) 22 12 Base Sat0'' 67 42 CEC(4) 4.8 2.4 2.4 CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102 45

Depth cm 0-10 10-30 30-60 60-90 90-120 120-150 150-180 180-210 Horizon Ap Ap B21 B21 B22 Dl Dl D2 Particle Size % Gr 0 0 0 1 3 CS 11 7 10 14 20 FS 28 26 27 28 32 Si 34 34 31 26 19 C 27 33 32 32 30 Mineralogy of Depth cm ChV% 1% Ka% G% Go/Ha% the clay fraction 30-60 5-10 20-30 50-65 1-5 5-10 (1) Sum of basic and acidic cations (3) Bases x 100 <4> Comp. Exch. <2) NH4 OAc CEC NH, OAc CEC

GARIOCH SERIES Alkaline duplex soils on alluvium. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. CLASSIFICATION ?Solodic Soil Dy3.43 LANDFORM PATTERN Alluvial plain REFERENCE SITE RUMULA 1:100 000 232560 Horizon Depth (cm) 0- 9 Dark greyish brown (10YR4/2); fine sandy loam; massive; hard dry; Al gradual change to 9-18 Light brownish grey (10YR6/2) (10YR8/2 dry); fine sandy clay loam; A2 massive; hard dry; clear change to 18-60 Brown (7.5YR5/6) with light brownish grey (10YR6.2) distinct fine many B2 mottles; medium clay; moderate medium subangular blocky; hard moist; diffuse change to B2 60-120+ Brownish yellow (10YR6/6) with light grey (10YR6/1) distinct fine common mottles; heavy clay; moderate medium subangular blocky; hard moist. RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS Surface textures range from fine sandy loam to clay loam. In some soils 9 i____^ - «• there may be a sporadic bleach almost from the surface. The grey mottle colour may be dominant in the B2 horizon.Some soils have a concentration of fine FeMn nodules in the lower A2 horizon and upper B2 horizon. Few profiles were examined and this description and range may not be truly representative. The southern boundary of this survey is close to the point where the soils formed on the uplands and on the alluvium change from acid to alkaline reaction trends. A much larger population needs to be examined before a representative modal profile and range could be selected and established. 46 CSIRO Division ol Soils Divisional Report No.102

LIVERPOOL SERIES Uniform fine sandy loams or loams on low alluvial flood plains and levees. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. S.T. CLASSIFICATION Urn No Provision Oxic Dystropept LANDFORM PATTERN Alluvial plain (levee) REFERENCE SITE Mossman 1:100000 270011 Horizon Depth (cm) All 0-20 Dark brown (10YR3/3); sandy clay loam fine sandy (light); strong 5-10 mm cast; moist moderately weak; clear change to AI2 20-30 Dark yellowish brown (10YR3/4); sandy clay loam fine sandy (light); weak 5-10 mm cast; moist moderately weak; diffuse change to B2 30-60 Light olive brown (2.5Y5/4); sandy clay loam (light); massive; moist loose; diffuse change to B3 60-180 Yellowish brown (10YR5/6); fine sandy loam; massive; moist loose; diffuse change to C 180-210 Light yellowish brown (10YR6/4) with 10-20% 5-15mmdistinctlight olive grey (5Y6/2) mottles; sandy clay loam (light); massive; moist loose. RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS The characteristic features of these soils are their very friable nature and brown colour. Surface and subsoil textures range from sandy loam to silty clay loam and stratified sandy sediments can occur as shallow as 50 cm depth. A series of low benches are common on the lower floodplains on which these soils occur. The lighter textured soils generally occur on the lower of these and the soils become progressively finer on the higher benches. Although this series embraces a wide range of principal profile forms it is remarkably uniform in its general character. The differences in classification can be attributed largely to very subtle textural differences. Many profiles have a reverse texture trend, i.e. finer in the Al or Ap horizon and becoming progressively coarser with depth, e.g. grading from fine sandy loam to sandy loam to loamy sand to sand. There is no provision for such soils in the Factual Key. Other soils that are loam or fine sandy clay loam throughout have weak or moderate, fine blocky structure in the A horizon and massive, weakly coherent B horizons. These soils likewise have no provision in the Factual Key. Principal profile forms encountered include Um with no further subdivision, similar Uc soils, Uc5.11, Gn2.4/p, andGn4.5. CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102 47

ANALYTICAL DATA Profile T322 Map Reference MOSSMAN 1:100 00C1 270011 LIVERPOOL SERIES Sampled in rainforest. Depth cm 0-10 10-20 20-30 30-60 60-90 90-120 120-150 150-180 Horizon All All A12 B2 B3 B3 B3 C pH 4.2 4.2 4.0 4.4 4.2 4.4 4.6 4.5 E.C. mS/cm .095 .095 .080 .035 .047 .041 .026 .041 Org. C % 2.19 1.36 .36 N% .22 .13 .05 AvP ppm 5 5 3 5 7 5 Tot. P % .029 .020 Tot. K % 1.74 1.82 Tot. S % .035 .014 Tot. Fe% 1.9 2.0 Free Fe% 1.2 1.2 Exchange properties m.e./lOO g soil Ca .18 .32 Mg .37 <.01 K .10 .05 Na .23 .05 H + Al 2.7 2.1 'ECECl(1) 3.6 2.5 'ECEC/100 g C 24 16 CEC(2) 7 3 CEC/100 e Cw 47 19 Base Satc3T 13 13 CEC(4) 3.6 2.1 Particle Size % Gr 0 0 0 0 0 0 CS 7 7 8 13 13 3 FS 58 57 54 52 66 72 Si 20 20 21 19 12 15 C 15 16 17 16 8 10 (1) Sum of basic and acidic cations (3) Bases xlOO (4) Comp. Exch. <2) NH. OAc CEC NH OAcCEC 48 CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102

VIRGIL SERIES Uniform or gradational textured, red, or mottled red soils on high terraces. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. S.T. CLASSIFICATION Red Earth Um Oxic Dystropept LANDFORM PATTERN Alluvial plain (terrace) REFERENCE SITE Mossman 1:100000 262026 Horizon Depth (cm) 0-14 Dark greyish brown (10YR4/2); sandy clay loam (light); moderate 5-10 mm Al cast; moist moderately weak; many 1-2 mm roots; clear change to 14-30 Yellowish brown (10YR5/5); sandy clay loam (light); massive; moist Bll moderately weak; common 1-2 mm roots; diffuse change to 30-40 Yellowish brown (10YR5/6); sandy clay loam; massive; moist moderately B12 weak; few 1-2 mm roots; 40-60 Strong brown (7.5YR5/6); sandy clay loam; massive; moist moderately B13 weak; few 1-2 mm roots; diffuse change to B2 60-120 Yellowish red (5YR5/8); sandy clay loam; massive; moist moderately weak; few 1-2 mm roots; diffuse change to B3 120-210 Reddish yellow (5YR6/8) with light yellowish brown (10YR6/4) 10-20% 5- 15 mm faint mottles; sandy clay loam (light); massive; 2-10% 6-20 mm, gravel; moist moderately weak; RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS Soils on the high terraces of S tewarts Creek and on the upper reaches of the Daintree River are generally heavier textured (light clay to light medium clay) throughout and have faint mottling in the B2 horizon. The heavier textures are accompanied by weak to moderate grade of fine subangular blocky structure. These soils are similar to Tully series but are redder in colour, lighter textured, and usually have a more earthy fabric. Principal profile forms encountered include Um (with no further provision), Gn2.2/p, andUf4.43. CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102 49

ANALYTICAL DATA Profile T307 Map Reference MOSSMAN 1:100 000 262026 VIRGIL SERIES Sampled from pasture (cleared rainforest;) Depth cm 0-14 14-30 3040 40-60 60-90 90-120 120-150 180-210 Horizon Al Bll B12 B13 B2 B2 B3 B3 pH 4.8 4.9 4.9 4.8 4.9 4.8 4.8 5.0 E.C. mS/cm .023 .014 .014 .011 .011 .011 .011 .011 Org. C % 1.37 .73 .28 .15 N% .11 .06 .02 AvP ppm 14 9 9 7 9 Tot. P % .009 .005 Tot. K % .68 .65 Tot. S % .014 .006 Free Fe% .6 .8 Exchange properties m.e./lOO g soil Ca .11 <.O2 <.O2 Mg .07 <.01 <.01 K .07 .06 .05 Na .05 .03 .02 H + Al 1.5 1.1 .80 'ECEC>(1> 1.8 1.2 .9 'ECEC'/lOOgC 14 8 8 CEC'2' 3 1 1 CEC/100 g C<2> 23 7 8 Base Sat(3) 10 10 10 CEC'4' 2.0 1.4 .9 Particle Size % Gr 0 0 0 8 20 CS 34 30 37 34 50 FS 38 39 37 40 24 Si 15 16 14 13 9 C 13 15 12 13 18 (1) Sum of basic and acidic cations (3> Bases x 100 m Comp. Exch. c2) NH. OAcCEC NH. OAc CEC 50 CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102

JULATTEN SERIES Well drained soils on levees of minor streams. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. ST. CLASSIFICATION No suitable group Gn3.21 Ustic Dystropept LANDFORM PATTERN Alluvial Plain (levee) REFERENCE SITE RUMULA 1:100 000 236632 Horizon Depth (cm) All 0-10 Very dark grey (10YR3/1); clay loam (heavy); moderate 5-10 mm cast; moist moderately weak; many 1-2 mm roots; diffuse change to A12 10-22 Very dark grey (10YR3/1); clay loam (heavy); weak 5-10 mm cast; moist moderately weak; common 1-2 mm roots; diffuse change to A3 22-45 Brown (10YR4/3); clay loam; massive; moist moderately weak; diffuse change to Bll 45-60 Dark yellowish brown (10YR4/4); clay loam; weak 10-20 mm subangular blocky; moist very firm; diffuse change to B12 60-90 Brown (7.5YR4/4); light clay; weak 10-20 mm subangular blocky; moist very firm; diffuse change to B21 90-120 Brown (7.5YR4/4); light medium clay; weak 10-20 mm subangular blocky; moist very firm; diffuse change to B22 120-180 Strong brown (7.5YR5/6); medium clay; weak 10-20 mm subangular blocky; moist very firm. RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS These are well drained soils occurring on the levees of minor streams. The only variation that has been observed to the profile described above is in B horizon colour which ranges from brown to yellowish red and minor variation in thickness of the Al horizon. Principal profile forms encountered are Gn3.21 and Gn3.71. CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102 51

ANALYTICAL DATA Profile T300 Map Reference RUMULA 1:100 000 236632 JULATTEN SERIES Sample site has been cleared but not cultivated. Depth cm 0-10 10-22 22^5 45-60 60-90 90-120 120-150 150-180 Horizon All A12 A3 Bll B12 B21 B22 B22 pH 5.2 5.0 5.0 5.2 5.2 5.4 5.6 5.5 E.C. mS/cm .071 .035 .014 .011 .008 .008 .011 .008 Org. C % 2.54 ;1.01 .49 N% .21 .08 .05 AvP ppm 21 10 7 7 5 11 7 9 Tot. P % .055 .240 Tot. K % .99 .97 Tot. S % .029 .006 Tot. Fe% 2.9 3.7 FreeFe% 2.3 2.5 Exchange properties m.e./lOO g soil Ca 2.60 .32 .10 .04 Mg 3.04 .55 .35 .75 K .19 .04 .04 .04 Na .15 .05 .05 .10 H +Al 1.3 3.11 4.0 3.9 'ECEC'(1) 7.3 4.1 4.5 4.8 'ECEC'/lOO g C 25 15 20 17 CECra 12 8 6 4 CEC/100 e C(2) 41 30 22 14 (3T Base Sat 50 12 8 22 CECm 7.5 5.0 3.8 4.3 Depth cm 0-10 10-22 22-45 45-60 60-90 90-120 120-150 150-180 Horizon All A12 A3 Bll B12 B21 B22 B22 Particle Size % Gr 0 0 0 0 0 0 CS 1 1 0 1 2 2 FS 28 32 36 41 39 36 Si 42 39 36 35 31 34 C 29 28 27 23 28 28 (1) Sum of basic and acidic cations (3) Bases x 100 <4) Comp. Exch. (2) NH.OAcCEC NH.OAcCEC 52 CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No.102

PONZO SERIES High terrace soils with sodic D horizons. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. S.T. CLASSIFICATION ?Soloth Uf6.41/p ?Aquultic Oxic Haplustalf LANDFORM PATTERN Alluvial plain (high terrace) REFERENCE SITE Rumula 1:100 000 263742 Horizon Depth (cm) Apl 0-10 Brown (10YR5/3); light medium clay; moderate 2-5 mm cast; clear change to Ap2 10-30 Lightyellowish brown (2.5Y6/4) with 10-20% <5 mmdistinctred (2.5YR4/ 6) mottles; medium heavy clay; moderate 2-5 mm subangular blocky; diffuse change to B21 30-60 Light yellowish brown (2.5Y6/4) with 20-50% 5-15 mm prominent red (2.5Y4/6) mottles; heavy clay; strong 2-5 mm angular blocky; gradual change to B22 60-90 Light brownish grey (2.5Y6/2) with 10-20% 5-15mmdistinctred(2.5YR4/ 6) mottles; heavy clay; strong 5-10 mm angular blocky; gradual change to D 90-120 Light brownish grey (2.5Y6/2) with 10-20% 15-30 mm distinct dark greyish brown (10YR4/2) primary and red (2.5YR4/6) secondary mottles; heavy clay; strong 5-10 mm angular blocky; 10-20% ferromanganiferous concretions; gradual change to D 120-150 Light olive brown (2.5Y5/6) with 20-50% 15-30 mm prominent grey (5Y6/ 1) mottles; heavy clay; strong 5-10 mm angular blocky; 2-10% manganiferous concretions; gradual change to D 150-180 Olive yellow (2.5Y6/6) with 10-20% 5-15 mm distinct olive grey (5Y5/2) mottles; heavy clay; weak 5-10 mm angular blocky; diffuse change to D 180-210 Olive yellow (2.5Y6/6) with 10-20% <5 mm distinct grey (10YR5/1) mottles; medium heavy clay; massive; 10-20% ferromanganiferous concretions. * No virgin soils have been examined but it is strongly suspected that these were duplex soils before cultivation hence they have been classified as having an argillic horizon although morphological and laboratory data might suggest otherwise. RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS The only significant variation from the profile described above is the depth to the D horizon. The shallowest recorded is 40 cm and deepest 120 cm. In gully sections D horizons overlie stratified sediments which are predominantly clayey but may contain high amounts of coarse granitic grits. 40 These materials may be exposed on the terrace scarps. The surface texture in some ploughed fields may be as heavy as medium clay but that is probably the result of incorporation of B horizon material in the Ap horizon. CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102 53

ANALYTICAL DATA Profile T323 Map Reference RUMULA 1:100 000 263742 PONZO SERIES Sampled in cultivated sugarcane field. Depth cm 0-10 10-30 30-60 60-90 90-120 120-150 150-18C Horizon Apl Ap2 B21 B22 D D D pH 5.1 4.9 4.8 5.0 5.6 5.9 6.2 E.C. mS/cm .089 .065 .056 .056 .071 .056 .044 Org. C % 1.41 .25 N% .12 .05 AvP ppm 65 6 11 10 Tot. Fe% 2.9 Exchange properties m.e./lOO g soil Ca 4.51 1.33 .43 .07 Mg .77 .20 3.30 4.74 K .88 .09 .10 .06 Na .09 .21 .84 1.68 H + Al .40 5.1 3.5 .30 'ECEC'(1) 6.7 6.9 8.2 6.9 'ECEC'/lOOgC 19 14 22 20 CEC<2) 8 8 9 6 CEC/100s Cp) 23 17 24 17 Base Sat™ 79 22 52 CECW 6.9 4.8 9.1 7.3 Particle Size % Gr 0 <1 0 0 0 CS 2 1 1 1 9 FS 21 15 12 18 24 Si 41 40 40 44 33 C 35 43 48 37 35 Mineralogy of ]Depth cm ChV% 1% Ka9io Go/Ha% the clay fraction 30-60 5-10 20-30i 40-50 10-20

(1) Sum of basic and acidic cations (3) Bases x 100 (4) Comn. Exch (2) NH, OAc CEC NH, OAc CEC 54 CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No.102

SOMERSET SERIES Soils formed on alluvium of mixed origin. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. S.T. CLASSIFICATION No provision Gn3.04 Udic Ustochrept LANDFORM PATTERN Alluvial plain REFERENCE SITE RUMULA 1:100 000 208620 Horizon Depth (cm) 0-10 Dark grey (10YR4/1); clay loam (heavy); moderate 5-10 mm subangular Al blocky; moist moderately weak; 2-10% manganiferous nodules; gradual change to 10-20 Dark greyish brown (10YR4/2), (10YR7/2d); clay loam (heavy); moderate A3 5-10 mm subangular blocky; moist moderately weak; 2-10% manganiferous nodules; clear change to 20-30 Brown (10YR5/3); sandy light clay; moderate 10-20 mm subangular Bl blocky; moist moderately weak; 2-10% 2-6 mm angular quartz gravel; diffuse change to 30-90 Light olive brown (2.5Y5/4); light medium clay; weak 10-20 mm B2 subangular blocky; moist very frim; 2-10% 2-6 mm angular quartz gravel; diffuse change to 90-120 Greyish brown (2.5Y5/3); light medium clay; weak 10-20 mm subangular B3 blocky; moist very firm; 2-10% 2-6 mm angular quartz gravel; diffuse change to C 120-150 Brown (1OYR5/3); sandy clay; massive; moist moderately weak; C 150-180 Pale brown (10YR6/3); coarse sandy loam; massive; moist moderately weak. RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS These soils have formed on alluvium of mixed granitic and metamorphic rock origin and the texture profile can vary considerably over short distances across the valley deposits. There is probably a need for more than one series but insufficient sites have been examined to warrant further subdivision. Surface textures range from sandy loam to clay loam and in the main B horizon from sandy or silty clay loam to light medium clay. In many soils the B horizons are massive and earthy but weak to moderate structural development may be evident in the heavier textures. All soils are characterised by the presence of coarse granitic grits and many overlie stratified granitic sands at shallow depth. Principal Profile forms encountered include Gn3.04, Uf6.3/p, Um6.3/p, Gn3.7/p, Gn3.71, Gn2.2/p, and Gn2.24. CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102 55

ANALYTICAL DATA Profile T302 Map Reference RUMULA 1:100 000 208620 SOMERSET SERIES Sampled from pasture which may have been cultivated and ferti Depth cm 0-10 10-20 20-30 30-60 60-90 90-120 Horizon Al A3 Bl B2 B2 B3 pH 5.5 5.7 5.7 5.7 5.6 5.3 E.C. mS/cm .071 .029 .020 .014 .014 .014 Org. C % 1.68 .73 N% .11 .24 AvP ppm 41 21 14 14 19 21 Tot. P % .064 .032 Tot. K % 3.43 3.26 Tot. S % .035 .014 Tot. Fe% 2.0 2.2 Free Fe% 0.7 0.8 Exchange properties m.e./lOO g soil Ca 3.54 1.54 1.76 Mg 1.24 .92 .91 K 1.01 .39 .21 Na .04 .03 .03 H + Al .40 .50 .90 'ECEC'(1) 6.2 3.4 3.8 'ECEC'/lOOgC 19 10 11 CEC(2) 8 6 5 CEC/100 e Ca) 25 18 14 Base Sat(3T 72 48 54 CEC(4) 7.0 4.3 4.0 Particle Size % Gr 5 4 4 6 CS 19 18 18 25 FS 30 30 25 23 Si 19 18 20 20 C 32 34 36 32 (1) Sum of basic and acidic cations (3) Bases xlOO (4) Comp. Exch <2) NH. OAc CEC NH. OAc CEC 56 CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No.102

RUMULA SERIES Mottled yellow gradational or duplex texture soils on alluvium derived from metamorphic rocks. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. S.T. CLASSIFICATION ?Soloth Dy3.41 Udic Aquic Ustochrept LANDFORM PATTERN Alluvial plain REFERENCE SITE RUMULA 1:100 000 242629 Horizon Depth (cm) All 0-20 Very dark grey (10YR3/1); clay loam; strong cast; wet moderately weak; many 1-2 mm roots; diffuse change to A2 20-35 Greyish brown (10YR5/2), (10YR7/2d); clay loam (heavy); weak cast; wet moderately weak; gradual change to B21 35-60 Yellowish brown (10YR5/6) with 10-20% <5 mm distinct light grey (10YR7/1) mottles; medium heavy clay; strong 20-50 mm prismatic; wet moderately firm; diffuse change to B22 60-90 Yellowish brown (10YR5/8) with 10-20% 5-15 mm distinct light grey (10YR7/1) primary and red (2.5YR4/6) secondary mottles; medium clay; weak 5-10 mm subangular blocky; wet moderately firm; diffuse change to B3 90-120 Brownish yellow (10YR6/6) with 10-20% 5-15 mm distinct light grey (10YR7/1) primary and strong brown (7.5YR 5/6) secondary mottles; fine sandy clay; 2-10% 20-60 mm, angular gravel; wet moderately sticky. RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS The Al horizon ranges from 10-15 cm thick, from loam to clay loam texture and may have weak medium blocky or cast structure. The colour ranges from very dark grey (10YR3/1) to brown (10YR5/3). The A2 horizon is extremely variable, it is commonly conspicuously bleached and there may often be a sporadic bleach to the surface. Textures are commonly clay loam or silty clay loam. Total A horizon thickness ranges from 25 to 35 cm. The transitional B1 horizon is usually whole coloured, clay loam to light clay in texture and may be massive or have weak fine blocky structure. The B2 horizon is always mottled, usually brownish yellow dominant with fine light grey and occasionally yellowish red mottling. Structure ranges from moderate to strong fine blocky and texture is light medium to medium heavy clay. There is often a concentration of quartz gravel in the A2 or B1 horizon and occasionally fine FeMn nodules occur throughout the profile. Principal profile forms encountered include Dy3.41, Gn3.84 (most common), Gn3.71, Dy3.31, Gn3.74, Gn3.91, and Gn3.04. CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102 57

ANALYTICAL DATA Profile T298 Map Reference RUMULA 1:100 000 242629 RUMULA SERIES Sampled from undisturbed Melaleuca open forest. Depth cm 0-10 10-20 20-35 35-60 60-90 90-120 Horizon All All A2 B21 B22 B3 pH 4.8 4.9 5.2 5.8 5.9 6.8 E.C. mS/cm .077 .053 .023 .017 .020 .020 Org. C % 5.20 1.50 .20 N% .45 .14 .04 AvP ppm 13 11 7 6 5 9 Tot. P % .011 .005 Tot. K % 1.58 .55 Tot. S % .055 .004 Tot. Fe% 2.6 1.9 Free Fe% 1.2 1.0 Exchange properties m.e./lOO g soil Ca .49 .02 <.O2 Mg 1.22 .68 1.24 K .22 .07 .04 Na .22 .22 .16 H + Al 5.20 2.72 .80 'ECEC'(1) 7.4 3.7 2.3 'ECEC7100 g C 15 10 14 CEC(2) 19 7 2 CEC/100 s C(Z) 40 19 12 Base Sat(3T 12 14 75 CEC(4> 4.4 2.8 2.2 Particle Size % Gr 0 0 0 0 1 0 CS 3 4 4 8 16 23 FS 7 8 16 26 38 40 Si 44 44 42 40 28 22 C 46 44 38 26 18 14 (1) Sum of basic and acidic cations (3) Bases xlOO m Comp. Exch <2) NH. OAcCEC NH. OAc CEC 58 CSIRO Division ol Soils Divisional Report No.102

DAYMAN SERIES Soils with black loamy surface, brown B horizons and gradational texture profile. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. S.T. CLASSIFICATION Yellow Earth Gn2.24 ?Tropohumult* LANDFORM PATTERN Alluvial plain (? channel infill) REFERENCE SITE Mossman 1:100 000 279830 Horizon Depth (cm) Al 0-20 Black (10YR2/1); loam; moderate 5-10 mm cast; moist very weak; many <1 mm roots; diffuse change to A31 20-30 Very dark grey (10YR3/1); loam; massive; moist very weak; common <1 mm roots; A32 30-45 Dark grey (10YR4/1); clay loam (light); massive; moist very weak; common <1 mm roots; diffuse change to Bl 45-60 Brown(10YR5/3);clayloam(light);rnassive;moistveryweak;few

ANALYTICAL DATA Profile T3O5 Map Reference MOSSMAN 1:100.000 279830 DAYMAN SERIES Sampled in cleared uncultivated native pasture. Depth cm 0-10 10-20 20-30 30-45 45-60 60-85 120-150 180-210 Horizon Al Al A31 A32 Bl B21 B3 B3 PH 5.0 5.1 5.5 5.2 5.1 5.0 5.6 4.9 E.C. mS/cm .029 .020 .011 .008 .014 .011 .014 .017 Org. C % 4.99 2.37 .08 N% .30 .22 .14 .02 AvP ppm 27 11 7 5 6 6 6 5 Tot. P % .024 .008 Tot. K % .59 .49 Tot. S % .036 .009 Tot. Fe% .80 .96 Free Fe% .4 .4 Exchange properties m.e./lOO g soil Ca .36 <.O2 <.O2 <.O2 Mg .52 .36 .33 .18 K .09 .05 .05 .07 Na .08 .06 .04 .07 H+Al 2.6 1.6 2.1 1.4 'ECEC'(1) 3.7 2.1 2.5 1.7 'ECEC7100 g C 17 8 7 7 CEC<2' 18 4 3 3 CEC/100 e C(2) 82 15 9 13 Base Sat™ 6 12 13 10 CECW 3.3 2.2 2.6 1.8 Particle Size % Gr 7 5 10 17 15 14 CS 30 28 27 30 26 26 FS 32 32 27 34 33 12 Si 15 14 11 14 10 13 C 22 26 34 23 32 49 (1> Sum of basic and acidic cations (3) Bases xlOO (4) Comp. Exch. <2) NH. OAcCEC NH. OAc CEC CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102 59

MAPPING UNITS: WELL-DRAINED SOILS FORMED ON ALLUVIUM Tully Association Tu This unit occurs on high level alluvium which is for the most part above present flood level. The largest areas mapped are on the Daintree River and Whynabeel Creek with smaller areas on the South Mossman River, Crees and Rifle Creeks. Tully series is dominant throughout but the pattern of associated soils differs in each area. In the Daintree area Liverpool series is probably the most common associated soil. Downstream of Virgil Island it occurs on the narrow stream levee while upstream it occupies the low terraces. Coom series is common in the depressions of the old river meanders. Small areas of Virgil series occur in the units north of the Daintree River and around Daintree township. These areas have been mapped as Tully association as the nodular variant of Tully series is the dominant soil and the terrace level does not appear to be compatible with that on which the Virgil series occurs further upstream. In the Whyambeel Creek area the most common associated soils are the Tully series nodular variant and small areas of Innisfail and Mossman series. Liverpool series occurs on the small areas of low terrace that may be included. Along the South Mossman River small areas of the dark surfaced Mossman series are associated. The Crees Creek area is chiefly the Tully series pale-surface variant with red earths of Silkwood series occurring on relic stream levees. The soils along Rifle Creek are not as strongly structured as the modal Tully series but are otherwise very similar. This area is broken by numerous meander channels. Stratified fine sands and clays occur in some of the partially filled channels. Mossman Association Mn This unit also occurs on high level alluvium and is confined to the Mossman and South Mossman Rivers and to Saltwater creek. The Mossman series, which apart from the deeper and darker Al-Ap horizons are very similar to Tully series, are the dominant soils. Along the upper reaches of Saltwater Creek some small high terraces with Somerset series have been included. Downstream Somerset series occurs on low elongate rises that are probably old channel infills. Some Innisfail series also occurs in the same area. The area north of the Mossman River is gently undulating and consists of a series of benches, relic levees and channel infills. Tully series may be co-dominant on some of the lower terraces while Silkwood and Somerset series and coarse sands of Goolboo series occur on the levees and channel infills. Liverpool series occurs on small areas of low terrace that may be included. Liverpool Association Li This unit is intended to include all soils on the low terraces that are subject to frequent flooding. These terraces occur along virtually every stream but in places are too small to delineate at the map scale. All soils exhibit minimal profile development and are subject to depositional and erosive processes. The Japoon series soils are the most juvenile and occur on low benches just above normal flow levels. The coarse textured Lerra series is common on streams rising in the granite and occurs on the low terraces where these streams emerge from the ranges. Lerra series is particularly common along the Mossman River where it occurs up to two km downstream of the Mossman Gorge aboriginal reserve. It also occurs along the South Mossman River and Bushy Creek. The Liverpool series soils are finer textured 60 CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No.102

and occupy the low terraces downstream of Lerra series and on the low terraces of streams originating in the Hodgkinson Formation. Somerset Association So Somerset series has been mapped as the dominant soil on the older alluvium of Bushy Creek. The unit occupies the two higher terrace levels upstream of the Mount Moloy-Mossman road crossing near Julatten and the whole of the flood plain downstream of that point. Although Somerset series has been mapped as dominant the pattern slowly changes. Downstream fining of the sediments is obvious but lateral fining is not as clear cut particularly in the upper catchments of the streams on which this unit occurs. Upstream of Julatten, Somerset and Rumula series occur on both terrace levels and although there is no pattern evident their occurrence is probably controlled by depositional history. Downstream of Julatten, Somerset series occupies the whole of the flood plain for some distance but becomes restricted to the levees and meander cutoffs immediately downstream of Mount Molloy. In this area the finer texture Rumula series becomes dominant on the flood plain. Virgil Association VI This is a minor unit occupying a number of small high terrace remnants in the Stewart Creek and Daintree River valleys. Many of these terraces are strongly dissected. Small terraces with similar soils also occur in the South Mossman River valley but they are too small to delineate at the map scale. The chief associated soil is the nodular variant of Tully series. Some of the low level alluvium of the Mowbray River has been included in this unit. The soils are similar morphologically but are obviously much younger.

Rumula Association Ru This unit is confined to alluvium derived wholly from the Hodgkinson Formation metasediments. It includes local alluvium as well as the deposits of some of the major streams. Rumula series is dominant on the local alluvium and on the upper parts of all catchments. Julatten series occurs on the narrow levees along the lower reaches of Devil Devil, Boggy and Rifle Creeks. The alkaline duplex soils of Garioch series have only been described on some of the broader alluvium low in the catchment of Rifle Creek and along Spear Creek where they may be dominant. The coarse sandy and gravelly soils of Devil Devil series occur in isolated pockets along Devil Devil Creek. In some places they occur as slightly higher remnants of an older depositional plain but most often they are on the same level as the modem flood plain. They are unlike any other deposits from the Hodgkinson Formation and are probably of granitic origin. The Mareeba granite of the Mount Carbine Tableland may once have formed part of the catchment of Devil Devil Creek.

Ponzo Association Po This unit occupies high terrace levels along the southern side of the S outh Mossman River and along Cassawary Creek. These terrace levels appear to be of similar height to those on which the Virgil soils occur. The subsoils of Ponzo series are highly dispersive hence many of the terraces have been very strongly dissected. Many of the soils occurring in the area are exposed B or D horizons and bear little resemblence to the described modal profile. CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102 61

Garioch Association Gi This is a minor unit in this survey area. It occurs on the alluvium of minor streams in the drier south western portion of the Julatten uplands and would occupy much of the minor stream alluvium to the south and south east of Mt Molloy. The solodic soils of Garioch series were the only soils examined but the intensity of observation in this area was very low and other soils could occur.

POORLY DRAINED SOILS FORMED ON ALLUVIUM Seven soil series have been included in this group. Timara, Coom and Hewitt series occur marginal to the fresh water swamps. Holloway series is restricted to the very narrow coastal plain between the Mossman and Mowbray Rivers. In some areas it is marginal to swamp lands while in other areas it occurs on the narrow near-level plain between the piedmont slopes and the mangroves. Newell and Carson series occur in close association. Although they generally occupy a slightly elevated landscape they are obviously poorly drained. Devil Devil series is restricted to small areas on the alluvium of some of the streams on the Julatten uplands. The field relationships of the major soils are shown on Figure 3 and the major distinguishing features are summarised in Table 7.

Fresh water Swamps

Flood plain Figures. Schematic section showing soil/geomorphicrelationshipson the alluviumof the coastal lowlands.

Table 7. Poorly drained soils formed on alluvium.

SERIES LANDFORM MAJOR DISTINGUISHING FEATURES COOM Alluvial plain (back plain) Uniform or gradational textured soil, mottled light grey and brownish yellow B horizons, seasonally saturated. TIMARA Alluvial plain (swamp margins) Gradational or uniform textured soil, light grey B horizons, saturated for long periods each year. HEWITT Freshwater swamp Gleyed duplex soils with a very dark organic surface. HOLLOWAY Alluvial plain (swamp margins) Mottled grey and yellow duplex soils with conspicuously bleached A2 horizon. NEWELL Alluvial plain Soils with black loamy A horizons and bright yellow mottled medium clay B horizons. CARSON Alluvial plain Soils with black loamy A horizons and pale grey clayey B horizons. DEVIL DEVIL Alluvial plain Coarse bleached sands overlying organic D horizons. 62 CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No.102

HOLLOW AY SERIES Mottled grey and yellow duplex textured soils with conspicuously bleached A2 horizon. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.R CLASSIFICATION Soloth Dy3.41 LANDFORM PATTERN Alluvial plain (marginal to swamp lands) REFERENCE SITE Mossman 1:100 000 295780 Horizon Depth (cm) 0- 14 Very dark greyish brown (10YR3/2) (10YR6/2d); loam; massive; hard dry; Al gradual change 14-30 Light brownish grey (10YR6/2) (10YR8/2d); silty clay loam; massive; A2 hard dry; some yellowish brown gley mottling; clear change 30-75 Grey (10YR5/1) with strong brown (7.5YR5/6) distinct fine few mottles; B2 heavy clay; moderate coarse subangular blocky; hard dry; diffuse change 75-120+ Greyish brown (2.5Y 5/2) with brown (7.5YR4/4) distinct medium common B3 mottles; heavy clay; strong coarse subangular blocky; hard dry. RANGE OF CHARACTERISTICS A horizon thickness ranges from 20 to 60 cm and is most commonly about A1 30 cm. Texture ranges from loam to silty clay loam. 20 The B horizons always have medium to coarse blocky structure and hard A2 consistence. Some profiles may grade towards the gley colours. Low to 60 moderate amounts of fine FeMn nodules are common in the upper part of the B2 horizon. 65 B2 Principal profile forms encountered include Dy3.41, Dy3.42, and Dy3.4/p. Mottled gB&B/HC-SC 90

B3

COOM SERIES Uniform or gradational texture profile, mottled B horizons, seasonally waterlogged. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. S.T. CLASSIFICATION Gleyed Podzolic Soil Gn3.94 Typic Tropaquept LANDFORM PATTERN Alluvial plain (back plain) REFERENCE SITE Mossman 1:100 000 268848 Horizon Depth (cm) Al 0-10 Dark greyish brown (10YR4/2); clay loam; moderate 5-10 mm cast; moist moderately weak; gradual change to A2 10-20 Grey (10YR5/1), (10YR6/2d); light clay; strong 5-10 mm cast; moist very firm; clear change to A2/B2 20-30 Mixture of A2 and B2 material; diffuse change to B21 30-60 Grey (2.5Y6/1) with 10-20% 15-30 mm distinct brownish yellow (10YR6/ 6) mottles; medium clay; weak 10-20 mm subangular blocky; moist very firm; diffuse change to B22 60-90 Light grey (N7/0) with 10-20% 15-30 mm distinct brownish yellow (10YR6/6) mottles; heavy clay; weak 10-20 mm subangular blocky; wet; moderately plastic, normal plastic; clear change to B31 90-180 Light grey (N7/0) with 10-20% 15-30 mm prominent strong brown (7.5YR5/6) mottles; medium clay; weak 10-20 mm subangular blocky; wet; moderately plastic, normal plastic; diffuse change to B32 180-210 Light grey (N7/0) with 2-10% 5-15 mm distinct yellowish brown (10YR5/ 8) mottles; light clay; weak 10-20 mm subangular blocky; moist moderately weak. CS1R0 Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102 63

RANGE OF CHARACTERISTICS Coom series is characterized by brightly coloured, mottled B horizons. The G/CL-LC A1 colour changes from yellow dominant with grey and possibly some red 15 towards the better drained Tully series end of the continium, to grey A2 dominant with yellow and strong gley colours towards the poorly drained ii Timara end. 45 The surface texture is most commonly light clay but ranges from clay loam 50 or sisiltl y clay loam to medium and heavy clay although the latter occurs only B2 i ploughed land. Swamp hummock micro-relief is common on virgin sites. On the mounds the Al horizons are darker and range from 10-15 cm 110 ^coloured thick. In the depressions they are lighter in colour and usually have strong B3 root line gleying. Principal profile forms encountered include Gn3.94, Uf6.4/p (most common), Uf6.3/p, and Um6.34.

ANALYTICAL DATA Profile T306 Map Reference MOSSMAN 1:100 000 268848 COOM SERIES Sample site cleared palm forest, uncultivated. Depth cm 0-10 10-20 20-30 30-45 45-60 60-90 90-120 120-150 180-210 Horizon Al A2 A2/B2 B21 B21 B22 B31 B31 B32 pH 5.6 5.6 5.2 4.9 4.6 4.6 4.4 4.7 4.6 E.C. mS/cm 107 .056 .041 .035 .044 .038 .032 .014 .026 Org. C % 1.91 2.43 .19 N% .12 .11 .03 AvP ppm 29 22 14 10 6 Tot. P % .015 .003 Tot. K % .61 1.07 Tot. S % .020 .010 Tot. Fe% .87 .96 Free Fe% .3 .2 Exchange properties m.e./lOO g soil Ca 3.42 1.48 <.O2 .11 Mg .97 .97 .22 .23 K .25 .23 .04 .04 Na .12 .43 .17 .18 H + Al .45 1.31 2.9 3.4 'ECEC'a) 5.2 4.4 3.3 3.9

'ECEC'/lO O g£ C 32 18 12 14 CEC(2) 6 6 4 4 CEC/100 & C(2) 38 25 15 15 Base Sat(3T 79 52 10 12 CECTO 4.3 4.1 3.0 3.7 Particle Size % Gr 0 0 0 0 0 0 CS 2 2 1 1 2 11 FS 38 24 26 26 42 51 Si 43 50 47 47 35 23 C 16 24 27 27 20 15 Mineralogy of Depth cm ChV% Ka% the clay fraction 45-60 10-20 20-30 50-65 (1) Sum of basic and acidic cations (3) Bases xlOO m Comp. Exch. <2) NHOAcCEC NH, OAc CEC 64 CSIRO Division ol Soils Divisional Report No.102

TIMARA SERIES Gradational or uniform textured profile with 1 ght grey B horizons. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. CLASSIFICATION ?Humic Gley Gn3.91 LANDFORM PATTERN Alluvial plain (swamp margins) REFERENCE SITE Mossman 1:100000 287789 Very few profiles were described in the Mossman area. The following description is from the Tully Innisfail area (Murtha, 1986). Horizon Depth (cm) 0-20 Dark greyish brown (10YR4/2); clay loam; strong fine subangular blocky; Al plastic wet; many fine tree roots; gradual change to 20-30 Light brownish grey (10YR6/2); light clay; strong fine angular blocky; Bl plastic wet; diffuse change to 30-60 Grey (5Y4/1); medium clay; moderate coarse angular blocky; plastic and B2 sticky when wet; diffuse change to 60-90 Dark grey (10YR4/1); medium to heavy clay; moderate coarse angular B3 blocky; water table at 80 cm. RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS Surface textures of virgin soils range from sandy clay loam to medium clay DgB/CL-MC A1 while cultivated sites are invariably medium or heavy clay. Al horizons range from 15 to 27 cm thick and are very pale coloured when dry. 27 The B2 horizons range from sandy clay to medium clay or heavy clay B1 texture. They are predominantly pale grey or gley coloured and are usually Mottled 40 whole coloured in the upper part of the B horizon but may have coarse LG&yBWIC-HC yellow or yellow red mottles at depth. Timara series occurs in very poorly drained areas and is flooded for a B2 considerable period each year. Prominent swamp hummock microrelief is a feature of most areas. Permanent water tables occur at shallow depth; Waler 100 usually less than 1 m. Principal profile forms encountered include Gn3.91 and Uf6.7/p.

NEWELL SERIES Soils with a black loamy surface and bright yellow mottled B horizons. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. S.T. CLASSIFICATION ?Humic Gley Dy5.21/p Aquic Kandihumult* LANDFORM PATTERN Alluvial plain REFERENCE SITE Mossman 1:100 000 265817 Horizon Depth (cm) Ap 0-10 Black (10YR2/1); loam (organic); massive; moist moderately weak; few 1- 2 mm roots; Ap 10-15 Black (10YR2/1); loam; massive; moist moderately weak; few 1-2 mm roots; Ap 15-30 Very dark grey (2.5Y3/1); loam; massive; moist moderately weak; few 1- 2 mm roots; Al 30-45 Black (10YR2/1); loam; massive; moist moderately weak; few 1-2 mm roots; A3 45-50 Dark grey (10YR4/1); loam; weak 5-10 mm subangular blocky; wet; moderately sticky; few 1-2 mm roots; abrupt change to B21 50-90 Pale brown (10YR6/3) with 2-10% <5 mm faint yellow (10YR7/6) mottles; medium heavy clay; moderate 10-20 mm subangular blocky; wet; moderately sticky; B22 90-120 Light yellowish brown (10YR6/4) with 10-20% 5-15 mm distinct red (2.5YR4/6) primary and yellow (10YR7/6) secondary mottles; medium heavy clay; weak 10-20 mm subangular blocky; wet; moderately sticky; diffuse change to B3 120-180 White (10YR8/1) with 20-50% 15-30 mm prominent red (10R 4/6) primary and yellow (10YR7/6) secondary mottles; heavy clay; strong 10-20 mm subangular blocky; moist moderately weak. *May not meet particle size criteria for Kandihumult but this is confused by lack of data and disturbance by ploughing. CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102 65

RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS Texture of the Al or Ap horizon ranges from loam to light sandy clay loam BI/L-CL Ap and most soils are very organic. The black Ap horizon ranges from 25 to 45 cm thick and usually grades to a dark grey or dark brown loam to clay loam 45 A3 or B1 horizon. In some soils the latter may meet the Factual Key criteria A3-B1 for an A2 horizon. 60 The dominant B horizon colour ranges from light yellowish brown to B2 brownish yellow and the upper part may be whole coloured. Texture of the 90 B horizon is most commonly light clay or sandy clay. Some soft FeMn nodules may occur in the B horizon and the fine red mottles in the lower B B3 often harden on exposure. Principal profile forms encountered include Dy5.21/p, Dy5.1/p, Dy3.2/p, Gn3.7/p,andUf6.3/p.

ANALYTICAL DATA Profile T309 Map Reference MOSSMAN 1:100 000 265817 NEWELL SERIES Sample site in cultivated sugarcane field. Depth cm 0-10 10-15 15-30 30-45 45-50 50-90 90-120 120-150 Horizon Ap Ap Ap Al A3 B21 B22 B22 pH 3.9 3.9 4.4 4.7 5.0 4.7 4.8 4.8 E.C. mS/cm 1.812 .630 .086 .071 .032 .035 .026 .023 Org. C % 6.55 4.13 1.83 .28 N% .25 .10 .04 AvP ppm 900 800 200 61 27 14 23 Tot. P % .500 .020 Tot. K % 2.12 1.10 Tot. S % .080 .015 Tot. Fe% 1.90 1.80 Free Fe% .6 .5 Exchange properties m.e./lOO g soil Ca 1.03 .47 .43 Mg .34 .06 .11 K 3.84 .44 .06 Na .28 .05 .09 H + Al 5.1 3.6 2.9 'ECEC'(1) 10.6 4.6 3.6 •ECEC/100 g C 34 12 9 CEC<2) 29 15 17 5 CEC/100 e C(2) 94 38 57 13 Base Sat™ 19 7 14 CEC^ 5.2 3.6 3.4 Particle Size % Gr <1 <1 <1 <1 2 CS 6 4 2 6 4 FS 27 26 25 31 14 Si 36 32 43 25 31 C 31 39 30 38 51 Mineralogy of Depth cm ChV% 1% Ka% G% the clay fraction 50-90 5-10 <1 65-80 10-20 (1) Sum of basic and acidic cations (3) Bases xlOO (4) Comp. Exch. (2) NH. OAcCEC NH. OAc CEC 66 CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102

HEWITT SERIES Gleycd duplex textured soil with very dark organic surface. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G P.P.F. CLASSIFICATION Humic Gley Dg2.5/p LANDFORM PATTERN Fresh water swamp REFERENCE SITE Mossman 1:100000 307771 Horizon Depth (cm) Ap 0-40 Very dark grey (10YR3/1); organic loam; weak 10-20 mm subangular blocky; moist moderately firm; gradual change to B2 40-65 Light grey (10YR7/2) with 10-20% <5 mm distinct brownish yellow (10YR6/8) mottles; sandy clay loam fine sandy; massive; moist moderately weak; gradual change to Dl 65-90 Light brownish grey (10YR6/2); fine sandy loam; massive; diffuse change to D2 90- + Light brownish grey (10YR6/2) with 10-20% <5 mm distinct yellowish brown (10YR5/8) mottles; sandy clay loam fine sandy (heavy); massive. RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS Most areas of Hewitt series soils are flooded for a considerable period each VDG/OCL-L A1 year and water tables can be encountered at shallow depth even when the 15 VDG/OCL-L surface is dry. A2 The dominant feature of these soils is the very dark organic surface but it is 30 Mottled not a peat and does not meet the criteria of an organic soil (Northcote 1979). LG&bY/SCLFS-MC The A horizon ranges from 10 to 30 cm thick and although many profiles 55 B2 have been described as not having an A2 this could be due to the wet conditions and the difficulty in making a proper observation and description. It has been observed also that in many soils and A2 horizon LbG/SC even on the criteria of Northcote (1979) is not evident on wet soil colours 100 but is clearly evident when the soil is dry. B horizon colours are dominantly light grey but may or may not be on the Munsell gley chart. Textures range from light to heavy clay and may be silty orfinesandy. Stratifiedcoarsesedimentsareoftenencounteredataboutl m depth.

CARSON SERIES Soils with a black loamy surface and pale grey B horizons. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. S.T. CLASSIFICATION ?Humic Gley Dg4.21 Umbric Tropaquult LANDFORM PATTERN Alluvial plain REFERENCE SITE Mossman 1:100 000 282830 Horizon Depth (cm) Ao 5+-0 Leaf litter All 0-10 Black (10YR2/1); loam; strong 5-10 mm cast; moist moderately weak; many 2-5 mm roots; diffuse smooth change to A12 10-23 Black (10YR2/1); loam; strong 5-10 mm cast; moist moderately weak; many 2-5 mm roots; diffuse smooth change to A3 23-38 Dark grey (10YR4/1); clay loam (light); massive; moist moderately weak; few 1-2 mm roots; clear wavy change to B2 38-64 Grey (5Y6/1) with 2-10% 15-30 mm distinct brownish yellow (10YR6/6) mottles; silty light clay; strong 5-10 mm subangular blocky; moist moderately weak; few 1-2 mm roots; clear wavy change to Dl 64-80 Greyish brown (10YR5/1) with fine sandy loam; massive; moist very weak; D2 80-120 Light grey (10YR7/1) with 2-10% <5 mm faint yellow (10YR7/6) motdes; clay loam, fine sandy; massive; moist very weak. CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Raport No. 102 67

RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS Texture of the A horizon ranges from loam to light sandy clay loam and A1-Ap thickness from 25 to 40 cm. In some soils there is an abrupt change from the black Ap to light grey B horizons. Other soils have a dark grey transitional B1 horizon from 10 to 15 cm thick. The texture of the B horizon ranges from light clay or silty clay to coarse sandy clay. In the soils with the sandy textures there is no evidence of pedality but all were very wet when examined. Principal profile forms encountered include Dg4.21, Dy2.1/p, Gn2.8/p, and Uf6.4/p.

ANALYTICAL DATA Profile T304 Map Reference MOSSMAN 1:100 000 282830 CARSON SERIES Sampled in undisturbed Melaleuca tall closed forest. Depth cm 0-10 10-23 23-38 38-64 64-80 80-120 Horizon All A12 A3 B2 Dl D2 pH 5.1 4.8 5.1 4.5 5.3 5.2 E.C. mS/cm .011 .050 .014 .083 .008 .011 Org. C % 10.4 5.77 1.13 .23 N% .35 .07 AvP ppm 18 43 40 12 7 7 Tot. P % .065 .005 Tot. K % 1.20 2.22 Tot. S % .110 .012 Tot. Fe% .7 .9 FreeFe% 0.2 <0.1 Exchange properties m.e./lOO g soil Ca .36 <.02 <.O2 Mg .72 .08 .54 K .28 .08 .09 Na .21 .10 .34 H + Al 5.7 2.7 4.0 'ECEC'(1) 7.3 3.0 5.0 'ECEC'/lOOgC 21 14 18 CEC<2) 43 7 6 CEC/100 e CC) 126 33 21 Base Sat(3T 4 4 17 CEC(4) 5.8 3.9 4.4 Particle Size % Gr 5 9 7 10 4 CS 8 12 11 4 20 FS 27 32 40 33 51 Si 30 30 28 36 21 C 34 26 21 28 9 Mineralogy of Depth cm ChV% 1% Ka% G% the clay fraction 38-64 5-10 5-10 50-65 10-20 (1) Sum of basic and acidic cations (3) Bases xlOO ("> Comp. Exch. (2) NH. OAcCEC NH. OAc CEC 68 CSIRO Division ol Soils Divisional Report No.102

DEVIL DEVIL SERIES Uniform coarse sand soils with strongly bleached A2 horizons. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. CLASSIFICATION ?Siliceous sand Uc2 LANDFORM PATTERN Alluvial plain REFERENCE SITE RUMULA 1:100 000 262692 Horizon Depth (cm) 0-28 Very dark grey (10YR3/1); sandy loam; massive; friable dry; moderate Al quartz gravel from 20 cm; gradual change to 28-50 Dark greyish brown (10YR4/2) (10YR6/ld); sandy loam; single grain; A21 loose dry; high amount of quartz gravel; gradual change to 50-80 Greyish brown (10YR5/2) (10YR7/2d); loamy sand; single grain; loose dry; A22 high amounts of quartz gravel; diffuse change to Dl 80-110 Black (10YR2/1) with reddish yellow (7.5YR6/4) distinct medium common mottles; organic clay loam; massive; moist firm; diffuse change to D2 110-150+ Very pale brown (10YR7/4); organic clay loam; massive; moist firm. RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS These soils are of minor occurrence and only a few profiles have been VDG/SL described. Where they occur on low flood plains they may be strongly 15 A1 30 layered and exhibit two or more stages of soil development. The gravels are often impenelrable by hand auger. As these soils appear to overlie buried soils there is no provision in the gBlyS-SL A2 Factual Key beyond Uc2.

70

Gravels 90 or peats

MAPPING UNITS: POORLY DRAINED SOILS FORMED ON ALLUVIUM Newell Association Nl Newell association occurs chiefly between the Mossman River and Saltwater Creek with one small area immediately to the south of Mossman township. It occurs on alluvium which is for the most part higher than the level of the present flood plain and probably represents a depositional plain associated with a higher sea level. A feature of the unit is the black, very organic nature of the A horizons of all soils in the unit. In most soils of this region such A horizons are usually associated with seasonal or prolonged flooding. Although most of these soils have very restricted subsoil drainage only small areas pond water for any significant period so the reasons for the highly organic surface are unclear. Newell series is the dominant soil and occupies about 80% of the unit. Associated soils include Carson series which is much more poorly drained and occurs in slight depressions and Dayman series which is obviously a well drained soil and occurs on what appears to be old stream levees or areas of sandy channel infill. Small areas of Silkwood series occur along the southern boundary of the unit in the vicinity of Mossman North where they occupy an old levee of the Mossman River. Coom Association Co Small areas of this unit occur between the Mossman River and the northern boundary of the survey area. Most occurrences are on low- lying back swamp areas of the flood plains but some very poorly drained areas on the lower end of the fan slopes have been included. CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102 69

Coom series is the dominant soil but the normal sequence is to find Coom, Timara and Hewitt series in close association and occupying progressively wetter sites. In general terms the Coom soils have no extensive surface ponding of water but are saturated for much of the year with ground water at 10 to 20 cm depth. Timara series pond water for short periods (2-3 months) and have shallow ground water for most of the year while there is surface water on the Hewitt series for a prolonged period (6+ months) each year. The units along the highway to the north of Wonga Beach are examples of those occurring on the alluvial fans. They have formed in these sites due to the extensive seepages that occur where lateral drainage waters come to the surface. Hewitt series is not normally mapped as an associate of Coom series but in this area the occurrences are too small to map separately. Holloway Association Ho This is a minor association and has been mapped only in the area to the south east of Mount Beaufort. It occurs on alluvium immediately inland of the younger beach ridges of Hull Association and where recent drainage systems have dissected the older Brosnan ridges. The dominant soils are the duplex soils of Holloway series but soils similar to Hewitt and Timara series may be locally dominant in small areas. Holloway series is also common throughout Clifton Association close to where it abuts the mangroves or beach ridges.

Timara Association Ti This unit has been mapped only in the Cape Tribulation area. It occupies very low lying areas which may be seasonally ponded or which occur as a fringe to the mangrove swamps. Timara series is dominant but some areas of the better drained Coom series and the more poorly drained Hewitt and Bulguru series are also included. Throughout the area Timara and Coom series occur in very close association and some areas mapped as Coom association may be Timara series dominant.

ORGANIC SOILS AND SOILS OF THE TIDAL ZONE Soils dominated by organic matter in the upper part of the profile occur in both freshwater and saltwater environments. Small freshwater swamps are common on the Julatten uplands where they occur as typical alluvial plain back-swamps. On the coast they occur in meander cutoffs, on lower slopes subject to near permanent seepage and more commonly adjacent to mangrove swamps. The latter areas may be subject to occasional tidal influences. Only one soil series has been described for the freshwater swamps and no differentiation has been made of the mangrove soils. Bulguru Association Bu This unit includes all of the fresh and brackish-water swamps. Most areas have permanent water on the surface and access is difficult so few soil inspections have been made. The dominant soil feature is the peaty or highly organic surface over gleyed clay subsoils. Soils similar to Bulguru series are dominant but in some areas the organic surface may overlie reworked beach ridge or dune sands. Small areas of Timara or Hewitt series may occur around the margins of the units. 70 CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No.102

BULGURU SERIES Gleyed soils in Melaleuca swamps. REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE G.S.G. P.P.F. CLASSIFICATION Humic Gley Dy5.41 LANDFORM PATTERN Alluvial plain (swamp) REFERENCE SITE RUMULA 1:100 000 281650 Horizon Depth (cm) Al 0-15 Very dark grey (10YR3/1); organic loam; weak medium subangular blocky; friable moist; clear change to A2 15- 40 Greyish brown (10YR5/2) (10YR7/2d); silty clay loam; massive; hard moist; gradual change to B2 40- 90 Dark grey (10YR4/1) with light grey (10YR7/2) and yellowish brown (10YR5/5) distinct fine common mottles; gritty medium clay; coarse blocky; wet plastic; diffuse change to B3 90-120+ Light yellowish brown (2.5Y6/4) with light grey (10YR7/2) and yellowish brown(10YR5/6)distinctfine common mottles; gritty medium clay; coarse blocky; wet plastic. RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS The thickness of the organic surface horizon ranges from 7 to 45 cm and A1 while some are almost wholly strongly decomposed organic debris most A2 have a high mineral soil content. 45 In many areas these soils have 5-10 cm of stratified recent sediments Mottled overlying the organic materials. In addition the subsoils are often strongly BG+YB/MC B2 stratified sediments which range from coarse sands to clays.

90 Mottled Gleyed MC B3

Mangroves Mg The largest areas of mangroves occur on the Daintxee River estuary and in the embayment on the lee of Island Point. Smaller areas occur around the mouths of all minor streams. The majority of the mangroves are growing on reworked beach ridge sands. In most areas there has been some addition of finer textured deposits which have been largely incorporated by mechanical or biological activity. Textures generally range from clayey sand to sandy clay and it is only on some accretion bends where clays and muds predominate. Some areas are very organic. Leaf and stem litter contribute to the surface although distribution is very patchy. Tidal movements tend to sweep some areas clear while accumulating litter in other areas. Remains of mangrove roots and their slow breakdown in the reducing conditions results in a build up of organic matter in the subsoil and the development of what is loosely described as a mangrove root peat. Some areas are strongly sulphidic particularly where the mangroves abut fresh water swamps or in areas of shallow groundwater.

ANALYTICAL METHODS AND ABBREVIATIONS pH. Determined on a 1:5 soil/water suspension using glass and calomel electrodes and a direct reading meter after shaking for 1 hr. Electrical conductivity. Measured on the above 1:5 suspension. Total nitrogen. Determined by the Honda (1962) modification of the Kjeldahl method. CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102 71

Organic carbon. Readily oxidizable organic matter was determined by the method of Walkley and Black (1934). No factor has been applied. Availble phosphorus. Determined by the method of Kerr and von Stieglitz (1938) by extracting with 0.005 M sulphuric acid for 16 h. Total P, K and S. Determined by X-ray spectrography as described by Stace etal. (1968). Exchangeable cations and Calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium were exchange capacity. extracted by shaking two grams of soil with 20 ml of a mixture of 0.1 M BaCl2and 0.1 M NH4C1 for two hours. The cations in the extract were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. For CEC determination the amount of Mg absorbed by the soil at approximately soil pH and at an ionic strength of 0.006 was measured using a compulsive exchange technique (Gillman, 1979). Acidic cations (H + Al) were extracted with 1 M KC1 (Soil Survey Staff, 1972).

Ammonium Acetate CEC. Air dry soil extracted with 1 M NH4OAc at pH 7.0 (Soil Survey Staff, 1972). Base saturation. Calculated as a percentage, sum of basic cations and ammonium acetate CEC. Particle size. Determined using the pipette and sieve method of Coventry and Fett (1979). Free Fe. Extracted with citrate-dithionite at room temperature (Holmgren, 1967). The texture abbreviations used on the profile diagrams are those specified by McDonald et al. (1984). The colour names are those recommended in the Munsell colour book, a capital is used for the primary colour and lower case for the qualifier, e.g. brown is B, yellowish brown is yB. E.c.mS/cm Electrical conductivity millisiemens per centimeter. Org.C Organic carbon N Total nitrogen Ca Calcium Mg Magnesium K Potassium Na Sodium H + Al Hydrogen + Aluminium CEC Cation exchange capacity 'ECEC Effective cation exchange capacity Base sat Base saturation AvP Available phosphorus Tot. P Total phosphorus Tot. K Total potassium Tot. S Total sulphur Tot. Fe Total iron GT Gravel CS Coarse sand Si Silt 72 CSIRO Division ol Soils Divisional Report No.102

C Clay Fe Free iron Loss lgn Loss on ignition ChV Chloritised vermiculite I Illite Ka Kaolin G Gibbsite Go/Ha Goethite/Haematite

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The author sincerely thanks the Mossman Central Mill Company Limited for the monetary grant made towards this project. Those funds were used to defray all operational costs involved in the field work. Without that funding this survey would not have been possible. Particular thanks are due to Mr A. Ford (Mill Productivity Officer) and Mr A. Rudd (B.S.E.S. Extension Officer) for assistance freely granted throughout the survey, to Mr N. Crees (Pest Control Officer) for assistance in visiting some of the more inaccessible parts of the survey area and to Mr H. Schmid (Field Cane Inspector) for assistance during field operations in the Julatten area. Mr V. Ages (Analyst, Mossman Mill) assisted Mr P. Bakker (CSIRO Division of Soils, Townsville) in the analytical determinations. The maps and figures were prepared by Mr R. Schuster (CSIRO Division of Soils, Adelaide). Mr M.G. Cannon assisted during all of the field operations on the coastal country. Finally, the hospitality shown to myself and Mr Cannon by the Directors and staff of the Mill was greatly appreciated.

REFERENCES Coventry, RJ. and Fett, D.E.R. (1979). A pipette and sieve method of particle-size analysis and some observations on its efficacy. CSIRO Aust. Div. Soils Divl. Rep. No. 38. Gillman, G.P. (1979). A proposed method for the measurement of exchange properties of highly weathered soils. Aust. J. Soil Res. 17, 129-39. Honda, C. (1962). Acceleration of decomposition on nitrogen analysis of soil by the Kjeldahl method. J. Sci. Manure 33(4), 195. Holmgren, G.G.S. (1967). A rapid citrate-dithionite extractable iron procedure. Proc. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. 31, 210-11. Kerr,H.W. andvonStieglitz.C.R. (1938). The laboratory determination of soil fertility. Bur Sugar Exp. Stn. Qld. Tech. Commun. No. 9. Laffan, M.D. (1988). Soils and land use on the Atherton tableland, north Queensland. CSIRO Aust. Div. Soils, Soils Land Use Ser. No. 61. McDonald, R.C., Isbell, R.F. Speight, J.G., Walker, J. and Hopkins, M.S. (1984). 'Australian Soil and Land Survey, Field Handbook'. (Inkata Press: Melbourne). Murtha, G.G. (1975). Soils and land use on the northern section of the Townsville coastal plain, north Queensland. CSIRO Aust. Div. Soils, Soils Land Use Ser. No. 55. Murtha, G.G. (1986). Soils oftheTully-Innisfail area, north Queensland. CSIRO Aust. Div. Soils Divl. Rep. No. 82. Northcote, K.H. (1979). 'A Factual Key for the Recognition of Australian Soils'. 4th Ed. (Rellim: Glenside, S.A.). Soil Survey Staff. (1972). Soil survey laboratory methods and procedures for collecting soil samples. U.S. Dep. Agric. Soil Cons. Service, Soil Survey Investig. Report No. 1. (Govt. Printer: Washington D.C.). CSIRO Division of Soils Divisional Report No. 102 73

Soil Survey Staff. (1951). Soil Survey Manual. U.S.D.A. Agric. Handb. No. 18. Soil Survey Staff (1975). Soil Taxonomy: a basic system of soil classification for making and interpreting soil surveys. U.S. Dep. Agric. Handb. No. 436. (Govt. Printer: Washington, D.C.). Stace, H.C.T., Hubble, G.D., Brewer, R., Northcote, K.H., Sleeman, J.R., Mulcahy, M.J. and Hallsworth, E.G. (1968). 'A Handbook of Australian Soils'. (Rellim: Glenside, S.A.). Thompson, W.P. and Cannon, M.G. (1981). Soils of the north Mulgrave coast, Caims, north Queensland. Qld. Dept. Primary Industries internal report to the Beach Protection Authority, Qld. Tracey, J.G. (1982). 'The vegetation of the humid tropical region of north Queensland'. (CSIRO: Melbourne). Walkley, A. and Black, I.A. (1934). An examination of the Degtjareff method of determining organic matter, and a proposed modification of the chromic acid titration method. Soil Sci. 37,29.