Acid sulfate soils
Resources
Terms frequently used in literature about acid sulfate soils
- Potential acid sulfate soils (PASS)
- soils or sediments that contain sulfides with the potential to oxidise and become severely acidic.
- Actual acid sulfate soils (AASS)
- soils or sediments that once contained sulfides but that have oxidised and become severely acidic.
- Monosulfidic black oozes (MBOs)/monosulfidic material
- lightweight, gel-like material that is highly chemically reactive. MBOs are often found in the bottom of permanently submerged wetlands, drains and waterways affected by salinity.
- Sulfidic material
- similar meaning to PASS but a more precise definition of soil containing detectable levels of sulfide minerals.
- Sulfuric material
- similar meaning to AASS but a more precise definition of material with a pH of 4 or lower due to sulfide oxidation.
- Pyrite
- an iron sulfide mineral that is a common component of sulfidic material.
More information
For complete definitions of these and other terms see:
Agencies responsible for information and direction on acid sulfate soils
National Committee for Acid Sulfate Soils
The National Committee for Acid Sulfate Soils (NatCASS) is one of the mechanisms by which the Australian, state and territory governments, research institutions and industry are working together to address acid sulfate soil issues.
NatCASS meets twice a year to share information and to work on implementing the National Strategy for the Management of Acid Sulfate Soils.
Guidelines, Tools, Training and other resources
| Resource name | Description |
|---|---|
| General information | |
| ASSAY | National newsletter providing information about current acid sulfate soil issues |
| Catalyst - Saving acid wetlands Fire, Flood and Acid Mud |
Episodes of the ABC Television program Catalyst featuring acid sulfate soil |
| Atlas of Australian Acid Sulfate Soils | Provides nationally consistent data and information on acid sulfate soils |
| OzCoasts - Acid sulfate soils | Information about issues for Australia's coast |
| Assessment and Management | |
| National Guidance for the Management of Acid Sulfate Soils in Inland Aquatic Ecosystems | This document is designed to guide the identification and management of inland acid sulfate soils to reduce or eliminate the risks they pose to the Australian environment and its economy |
| Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre Action Support Tool | The tool is designed to assist on-ground managers deal with sulfidic sediments in inland aquatic ecosystems |
| National Water Quality Management Strategy | Provides national guidelines on water quality management |
| National Strategy for the Management of Coastal Acid Sulfate Soils | This strategy provides assistance in coordinated management in coastal environments |
| Managing Acid and Metalliferous Drainage Handbook | This handbook provides best practice management guidance for the Australian context |
| Global Acid Rock Drainage Guide | Provides best practice management guidance for mining operations and is developed by an industry group, International Network for Acid Protection |
| Research and training | |
| Southern Cross Geoscience | Conducts research and runs professional short courses on acid sulfate soil identification, assessment and management |
| Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre | A multi-disciplinary research centre which conducts work on acid sulfate soils |
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Funding
Caring for our Country funds may be available to assist with managing areas where there is potential for soil acidification.
For funding criteria, see the Caring for our Country Business Plan