Soil information for agricultural decision making: a New Zealand perspective |
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| Authors: | A Manderson & A Palmer |
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| Institution: | AgResearch Grasslands, Private Bag 11008, Palmerston North 5301, New Zealand;, and Institute of Natural Resources, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North 5301, New Zealand |
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| Abstract: | Understanding of the soil resource is pivotal to our ability to use, manage and modify soils effectively and responsibly. Yet those who make the most decisions concerning soil use and management – farmers and landholders – rarely have access to reliable soil information at scales suitable for farm decision making. By default, many rely on limited local soil knowledge when making decisions that determine farm performance and environmental impact. Providing detailed nationwide soil information that is appropriate for farm decision making is feasible, as demonstrated by the achievements of several European countries and the USA. For New Zealand, a stratified programme at scales of 1:10 000 for versatile land; 1:25 000 for other agricultural land; and 1:50 000 for non‐domesticated land, would cost NZD $280 million, or NZD $11.2 million per year if spread over the useful life of the information. This investment is small relative to the economic value of agriculture, and necessary if New Zealand is to make meaningful advances in reducing current agri‐environmental trends. |
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| Keywords: | Farming soil survey soil information environmental impact decision making |
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