In collaboration with Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research we have been analysing re-sampled soil profiles from grazed pasture around New Zealand. We demonstrated large losses of total C and N from Allophanic and Gley Soils on flat land. Other soil orders had no detectable change in soil C or N. Conversely, pastures on hill country were gaining carbon. Using this information, we contributed to designing a soil carbon monitoring system for New Zealand that sampled 500 statistically selected sites nationwide. Supported by Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research and the Ministry of Primary Industries.
Mudge, P.; Glover-Clark, G.; McNeill, S.; Dewhurst, Z.; Penny, V.; Rau, J.: McKay, E.; Hedley, C.; Eger, A.; Fraser, S.; Foster, N.; Roudier, P.; McNally, S.; Korth, M.; Koele, N.; Dooley, S.; Laubscher, N.; Reifschneider, L.; O’Brien, L.; Thornburrow, D.; Ward, A.; Caspari, T.; Bingham, M.; Arbuckle, J.; Maule, H.; McCollum, K.; Grealish, G.; Robertson, B.; Greet, M.; Milnes, A.; Schipper, L. (2025). Design and results from a national soil carbon stock benchmarking and monitoring system for agricultural land in New Zealand. Geoderma. 459,117354.
Schipper, L.A.; Parfitt, R.L.; Ross, C.; Baisden, W.T; Claydon J.J.; Fraser S. (2010) Gains and losses in C and N stocks of New Zealand pasture soils depend on land use. Agriculture Ecosystems and Environment. 139: 611–617.
Schipper, L.A.; Parfitt, R.L.; Fraser, S.; Littler R.A.; Baisden, T.W.; Ross, C. (2014) Soil order and grazing management effects on changes in soil C and N in New Zealand pastures. Agriculture Ecosystems and Environment. 184: 67-75.
WaiBER 