Water retention methods within rural undulating landscapes: Strategies for future drought resilience : A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment fo the requirements for the Degree of Master of Landscape Architecture at Lincoln University

Abstract

Water is a crucial resource for the productivity of a functioning rural landscape. It is essential for land productivity, vegetation growth and the well-being of livestock. As identified by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (2023), shifts in the hydrologic cycle are expected to increase the frequency of both droughts and intense rainfall events globally. As rainfall intensifies during wet seasons, dry seasons are anticipated to become progressively drier. This is likely to reduce the landscape’s capacity to store and retain moisture during periods of drought. Undulating rural environments are likely to be among the most affected, with impacts including increased surface water runoff, reduced vegetation cover, and decreased agricultural productivity. This dissertation investigates the impacts of future drier climates on rural, undulating landscapes. In particular, it examines how landscape characteristics, such as aspect, soil properties, vegetation, and the interactions between them influence moisture retention. This enables the identification of drier landscape areas within a rural property boundary, in order to develop a series of landscape-based recommendations for improving moisture retention in these areas. This research examines three rural catchments within the Banks Peninsula landscape. Using a qualitative approach, this research combines field observations with digital spatial mapping to examine water movement within a rural property boundary and identify existing areas of low, medium, and high water retention. Each study site contains a distinct combination of landforms, soil types, and vegetation communities, resulting in varied patterns of water retention capacity. Spatial analysis of three properties within the catchment, using aerial imagery, sectional diagrams, and site photographs, identified how interactions between aspect, soil properties, and vegetation influence surface water retention across undulating terrain at a finer scale. The results show that steeper slopes, well-draining soils, and limited vegetation reduce moisture-holding capacity, contributing to persistently drier areas during winter, conditions that are likely intensified during summer. The study identifies specific landscape character areas where natural conditions limit soil moisture, highlighting priority zones for landowners to target interventions. These findings provide practical strategies for rural land owners to improve water retention, enhance vegetation and shade cover, support livestock wellbeing, increase land productivity, and strengthen drought resilience. The framework developed is transferable and applicable to a wide range of rural, undulating landscapes within the New Zealand context.