Rural landscapes and soil conservation : this dissertation is submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Diploma of Landscape Architecture, Lincoln College, University of Canterbury

Abstract

This Dissertation relates to the future quality of New Zealand's rural landscape. It reflects an awareness of the importance of sustainable management of landscape resources, especially the thin mantle of soil which is the basis for agricultural systems. The objectives of this study are:

- to investigate soil erosion and how and why perceptions have influenced approaches to soil conservation, and, in turn, how and why this has affected the character and quality of our rural landscapes; - to discuss a wider approach to agricultural landuse that considers a range of values, including those intangible, that landscape encompasses; - to define design principles and propose guidelines for soil conservation planting that both protect and enhance the visual quality of rural landscapes.

A case study is used to substantiate the objectives and illustrate the issues relating to the visual implications of soil conservation plantings.