The National Soils Database (NSD) is a crucial part of our soil data legacy in New Zealand. It is the fundamental dataset that underpins our soil knowledge of New Zealand.

It comprises the profile data collected in over 1,500 soil pits scattered throughout New Zealand. It is the record of almost all we know of the soil chemistry and soil physical properties of our soils. From it we have determined how we classify our soils, interpret our soil maps and understand how soil properties vary with geology, rainfall, vegetation, topography, and land management across the New Zealand landscape.

Sharn Hainsworth is a pedologist with Landcare Research.   One of Sharn’s projects was a study of soil maps, soil data and actual soils in the Ruataniwha Basin in Hawke’s Bay. He found more detailed information about the properties and spatial distribution of soils in the Ruataniwha Plains is required to evaluate the potential changes in productivity, versatility and environmental impacts from the proposed irrigation scheme.

Sharn is a presenter at LandWISE 2014 – Ever Better: Farmers, land and water. He will explain how soil maps and reports and new information products are delivered in S-map Online and he will outline initiatives to continue enhancing the information available.