On this page: About soil health, Soil management, Pugging and compaction, Rules and compliance, More information
About soil health
The long-term economic viability of any farm depends on the maintenance of soil quality. Environmental and economic performance and sustainability of our agriculture, including forestry, can be greatly influenced by soil quality.
The effects of intensive farming on soil and water quality, and surrounding environment are sometimes causing concern about the long-term viability of our natural resources.
The physical condition of a soil has an important influence on farm economics and environment. It affects processes such as soil erosion and land drainage. Soil physical condition is commonly referred to as ‘soil structure’. Soil structure determines the porosity, strength and stability of a soil.
A well-structured soil has many stable aggregates with a wide range of sizes. It contains a large number of pores both within and between those aggregates, which maintain the correct balance of air and water in the soil and also allows easy emergence of seedlings and growth of plant roots.
Poorly structured soil either does not have aggregates of many different sizes or the aggregates are packed tightly together with few pores. Poor structure in a light textured soil results in unstable aggregates and the soil appears fine and powdery. Poor soil structure can markedly increase the risk of wind erosion.
The Waikato region has a wide range of soils, which include some of the most productive soils in New Zealand. However, even high quality soils can be degraded through some land use practices. Only about 34 per cent of monitored sites fully meet national targets, with compaction and excessive fertility being the main soil quality issues in the intensively farmed areas of the Waikato region.
Soil scientists have documented that a poorly aerated or compacted soil can potentially be reducing 200 kg dry matter per ha per month in pasture production. Once the soil is properly aerated, at correct depth and time, you can increase about 30 per cent dry matter within six months and about 50 per cent of dry matter production after 8 months. The basic issue we need to remember is - soil health is farmers’ wealth.
Soil management
Managing soil fertility - The need to manage soil fertility
Soil management - The need to maintain soil quality
The condition of rural water and soil in the Waikato region - risks and opportunities
Managing peat
Cultivation
Pugging and compaction
Pugging and compaction
Find out how pugging and compaction damage soils, and which soils are more susceptible. Learn how land use and climate makes the Waikato region especially vulnerable to pugging and compaction.
Rules and compliance
Know the rules - Read Waikato Regional Council's rules for erosion control structures, soil disturbance and cleanfill activities.
Permitted activity guides - The permitted activity guides provide a summary overview of a number of our rules for farming activities.
Guidelines for soil disturbing activities
More information
On this website
Soil erosion