Guides: Environmental Monitoring &amp; Technology: Geology & Soils

eBooks

The Australian Soil Classification (2016) "This Second Edition of The Australian Soil Classification includes updates from a working group of the National Committee on Soil and Terrain (NCST), especially in regards to new knowledge about acid sulfate soils (sulfidic materials). Modifications include expanding the classification to incorporate different kinds of sulfidic materials, the introduction of subaqueous soils as well as new Vertosol subgroups, new Hydrosol family criteria and the consistent use of the term reticulate. All soil orders except for Ferrosols and Sodosols are affected by the changes." --Publisher's description.
Continuous Emission Monitoring Discusses how CEM systems work, their advantages and limitations, and the regulatory requirements governing their operation Covers both the historical framework and technological basis of current CEM regulatory programs and standards in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia
Soils for landscape development : selection, specification and validation Soils for Landscape Development provides a clear, practical and systematic template for specifying landscape soils based on scientific criteria. The soil specifications provide essential information and a universally applicable method for landscape architects and designers, specification writers, landscape contractors and soil supply companies to ensure quality and fit-for-purpose soils. A strong emphasis is placed on reducing environmental impacts by reuse of on-site soil, promoting appropriate minimal soil intervention, and using recycled products.
Understanding soils in urban environments Soil properties such as water retention, salinity and acidity are not just issues for agriculture and forestry. They are equally as significant in creating environmental and structural problems for buildings and other engineering works. As an increasing proportion of the world's population is living in cities, and building and related infrastructure development continues, these problems assume ever-greater importance.
Where Rivers Meets Sea Exploring Australia's Estuaries The book's many photographs, maps, case studies and diagrams will help Australians to better understand, appreciate and wisely use these natural areas.

Books in the library

Amazing facts about Australia's iconic landscapes
Australian Geographic South West Australia: oncluding Perth and Margaret River "Explore the wonderful diversity in this beautiful part of Australia ... includes sections on geography, wildlife and culture, the tall forest country, Perth and Fremantle, Rottnest Island, the wonderful beaches along the spectacular southern coastline ..." -- Back cover.
The Geology of Australia The Geology of Australia provides a vivid and informative account of the evolution of the Australian continent over the past 4400 million years. Starting with the Precambrian rocks which hold clues to the origins of life and the development of an oxygenated atmosphere, it then covers the warms seas, volcanism and multiple orogenies of the Palaeozoic, which built the eastern third of the Australian continent. This illuminating history then details the breakup of Gondwana and the development of the continental shelves and coastlines. Separate chapters cover the origin of the Great Barrier Reef, the basalts in Eastern Australia and the geology of the Solar System. From Uluru to the Great Dividing Range, from sapphires to the stars, The Geology of Australia is a comprehensive exploration of the timeless forces that have shaped this continent and that continue to do so.

Geology and Landforms of the Perth Region

DMIRS: Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) was formed on 1 July 2017, as a result of merging the Department of Commerce and Department of Mines and Petroleum. Its mission is to support a safe, fair and responsible future for the Western Australian community, industry, energy and resources sector.
Geology and landforms of the Perth Region This field guide covers some of the classic geological localities near Perth. The guide describes its landscape and rocks, and gives explanations about how they formed. Close-up photos and diagrams enable readers to recognise and interpret the localities.

Soil Colour Charts

"Soil Color Determination (4)" by Soil Science is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Revised Standard Soil Color Charts

Soil Sampling

ASRIS - Australian Soil Resource Information System ASRIS provides online access to the best publicly available information on soil and land resources in a consistent format across Australia. It provides information at seven different scales
Australian National Soil Information System (ANSIS) The Australian National Soil Information System (ANSIS) provides access to nationally consistent soil data and information to support the sustainable management of soil. ANSIS is the new place to find readily useable soil data and information- Website.
Carbon Farming initiative The Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI) is a voluntary carbon offsets scheme. It is an integral component of the Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) and allows land managers to earn carbon credits by changing land use or management practices to store carbon or reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Case studies in soil acidity management In this section you will find detailed information on various case studies highlighting the long-term benefits of liming and different options used by farmers for incorporating lime.
Guideline: Assessment and management of contaminated sites This document provides guidance on the assessment and management of contaminated sites in Western Australia within the legislative framework of the Contaminated Sites Act 2003, Regulations 2006 and the national site assessment framework provided in the National Environment Protection Measure 1999.
Identification and investigation of acid sulfate soils and acidic landscapes This guideline provides guidance in relation to the minimum level of investigation required to: identify the presence or the absence of acid sulfate soil (ASS) in areas likely to be disturbed by a proposed development or other project; and, if present define the nature and extent of ASS and the amount of existing and potential acidity it contains in order to determine appropriate management measures.
Improving soil carbon storage and measurement Improving soil carbon storage can help reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions. Farmers can increase the carbon stored in soil by changing land management practices. These practices increase the living and decomposing organic matter in soil. Increasing the amount of carbon in soil can also support: improved agricultural productivity protection against drought and erosion improved water quality and biodiversity.
Soil acidity in Western Australia Soil acidity is a major constraint to farming in Western Australia. Extensive surveys of soil pH profiles across the south-west show that more than 70% of surface soils and almost half of subsurface soils are below appropriate pH levels. The majority of growers now place soil acidity in their top three management priorities. Managing soil acidity is both achievable and profitable.
Soil pH You can read about the pH scale, soil pH buffering and measurement of pH
Soil sampling and testing on a small property Accurate soil tests allow small landholders to make sound decisions about fertiliser management for productive crops and pastures. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development provides this information to improve agricultural productivity and reduce environmental problems caused by nutrient leakage.
Soil sampling high rainfall pastures in Western Australia Soil sampling and testing is an essential part of making good fertiliser decisions. Fertilisers are a large cost to farming pastures in high rainfall areas. This page is specific to sampling high rainfall pastures (more than 600mm average annual rainfall) in the south-west of Western Australia.