Weaving knowledges to understand historical horticultural land use at Pōhatu

Abstract

As Western models of food production are being increasingly relied upon for global food security, urban populations are losing sight of where food comes from, and what is required to produce sufficient, high-quality food. Given the central role of soil in food production, there is a growing need to understand the (dis)connections between soil, food and people. Existing research suggests that individual disciplines alone are unsuitable for addressing these challenges, and that inter- and transdisciplinary research approaches are required. In an Aotearoa New Zealand context, one approach is looking to opportunities that weave together the knowledge streams of soil science and mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge). This research applies a transdisciplinary research approach that weaves together mātauraka Māori and soil science to explore the (dis)connections between soil, food, and people through a study of past food landscapes at Pōhatu (Flea Bay) on Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū (Banks Peninsula). This case study employs the He Awa Whiria, Braided Rivers, framework to weave mātauraka Māori and soil science when addressing the questions of Mana Whenua (the Māori community with customary authority over this land), regarding their past horticultural land use in the bay. Analysis of soil horizons modified with rounded beach gravels and organic matter additions identified phytoliths with a morphotype consistent with kūmara leaves with corresponding trace element elevations, indicating potential sources of nutrients. Our research findings can be used by Mana Whenua in their efforts to re-establish these horticultural practices, thus helping to reconnect soil, food, and people. Furthermore, our transdisciplinary approach provides guidelines for others seeking to move beyond the traditional boundaries of soil science to address challenges related to soil and food security, both in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally