Priorities for soil science in Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) has a diverse and complex range of soils, climate, and landscapes (Hewitt et al., 2021), with all 12 Orders of USDA Soil Taxonomy present (Fig. 1), along with unique ecological and farming systems. NZ, located on the Pacific tectonic plate boundary, has rapid uplift and erosion, and active volcanism, resulting in a dynamic landscape with relatively young soils. A long period of isolation has resulted in evolution of unique indigenous flora and fauna influenced by <1000 years of human habitation. NZ has a strong soil science research tradition contributing to global understanding of soils as well as local land management. Local soil research and data are vital to sustainable land management in NZ's unique environment.