Background
Highly productive soils are a precious and finite resource, critical for food production but also highly valued for climate regulation, water cycling, biodiversity, cultural significance, and recreation. However, research suggests that up to 75 percent (source FAO, 2020) of soils globally, are already degraded. Now more than ever, stakeholders needs to take actions that will firstly, halt further loss of highly productive soil to city expansion, and secondly protect and enhance remaining productive soils.
Methodology
A literature review was completed to understand recent research undertaken both in New Zealand and overseas that addresses the topic of soil health and specifically the importance of soil health as a measure of sustainability. Where possible, direct references to horticulture or fruit production were sought.
A series of semi-structured interviews were carried out to gather a range of perspectives from a diverse, but relatively small group of stakeholders. Thematic analysis was carried out to identify key themes.
Objectives and scope
The main objectives of this research project are to:
- Understand the drivers that influence soil health outcomes in New Zealand
- Understand how growers, industry bodies, researchers and government currently evaluate or manage soil health
- Identify opportunities to improve soil health outcomes in New Zealand and how these may differ from the rest of the world
Key Findings:
Although participants in this project all recognised that soil health is important, their approach toward the management of soil varied widely.
Additional support in the form of education and extension will help to increase further adoption of sustainable practices that enhance soil health
Change in some parts of the sector is slow due to a combination of mindset and economic, or business-related headwinds that must be overcome.
Market demands and industry-led initiatives will increasingly influence grower practices and elevate the importance of soil health.
Recommendations:
- With support, most growers will be capable of making changes to enhance soil health without increasing business risk.
- Industry bodies and product groups should have strategies that elevate awareness of soil health.
- Governments need to place equal emphasis on the protection of productive soils, as well as the enhancement of soil health.
- Policy settings need to include clearly defined soil health objectives and allow local government to set regionally specific goals.
Richard Pentreath
