soil

Soil lays the foundation of all farming productivity. Farmers’ soil management is influenced by multiple factors, especially scientific perceptions. Studies on soil function and productivity are limited or non-existent. This paper highlights farmers’ views, challenges, and the drivers behind their perceptions and management practices.

Internationally increasing soil carbon in agricultural soils has the potential to offset greenhouse gas emissions. This project evaluates the role of soil carbon in relation to farm greenhouse gas emissions in New Zealand. Agricultural soils in NZ have naturally higher levels of carbon than those overseas because they are typically younger and our practices include more restorative pasture and animal phases. Therefore we may not be able to increase soil carbon in the same way as international studies suggest. The aim of this project was to examine the role of soil carbon in NZ and in relation to farm greenhouse gas emissions and policy. Key groups industry stakeholders were identified and interviewed. From the results themes were identified and analysed to answer the study questions.