Rural land capability mapping

The land capability classification used in this series of 1:100 000 scale maps is the standard eight-class system used by the Soil Conservation Service of New South Wales for evaluating rural land. It is based on an assessment of the biophysical characteristics of the land, the extent to which these will limit a particular type of land use, and the current technology that is available for the management of land.

The classification also incorporates an assessment of the soil erosion hazards, with emphasis on a `safe' level of land use, thus avoiding environmental problems caused by soil erosion and sedimentation.

The capability classes categorise the land in terms of its general limitations. Specific numerical values for individual limitations such as climate, slope gradient, landform types, adverse soil conditions, rock outcrop, drainage and inundation and productivity of crops etc. are not given. Instead, the classification outlines the types of land uses appropriate for a particular area of land and the types of land management practices needed to prevent soil erosion and maintain the productivity of the land.