INTERIM REPORT ON SOILS OF WAIRARAPA VALLEY,

Compiled by J.C. HEINE

From data by H.S. GIBBS &J.D. COWIE

lit. B. MILLER N,Z, SOIL BUREAU RECORD 40 DIAECTOO,

Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Zealand 1975

'(.· New Zealand Soil Bureau Records were previously New Zealand Soil Bureau Information Reports

The information, map and extended legend in this record are interim only, and may not be quoted or cited without the permission of the Director, Soil Bureau, Lower Hutt

A.R. SHEARER, GOVERNMENT PRINTER, WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - 1975 3

CONTENTS

Introduction 5

Physiography 5

Climate 6 Rainfall 6 Wind 6 Temperature 6

Vegetation 7

Soils 8

Soils of the Western Ranges 8 Soils of the Central Plain 8 Soils of the Eastern Hills 9

Soil Legend 10 Extended Legend 12 Explanatory Notes 12

References 16

Appendix 1 List of Published Reports 17

Appendix 2 List of Published Soil Bureau Maps 18

Appendix 3 List of Unpublished Reports 19

Appendix 4 List of Unpublished Soil Maps 20 Extended Legend 22 5

INTRODUCTION

The Wairarapa is dominantly a region of pastoral farming based on sheep but with dairying important in parts of the central plains. Inter­ mittently over the last 30 years much soil work has been done.in the Wairarapa but little of it has been published for the information of the public. Between 1950 and 1968, H. S. ·Gibbs, J. D. Cowie and A. S. Wickens prepared a provisional soil map of the Wairarapa 'Valley'. This map has had limited circulation since. As an extended legend to accompany this soil map has been prepared by J. D. Cowie and H. S. Gibbs, it has been decided to make black and white prints of this updated interim soil map,and the extended legend available through the N.Z. Soil Bureau Record series. Most of the information in this text has been derived from Gibbs (1959) and Department of Industries and Commerce (1968), and the assistance of Professor Gibbs and Mr J.D. Cowie _is acknowledged.

PHYSIOGRAPHY

Wairarapa occupies an area of about 834 600 hectares, in the south-east part of Wellington Peninsula. In the south and east it is bounded by Cook Strait and the Pacific Ocean, in the west by the Tararua and Rimutaka Ranges. The northern boundary is geographically arbitrary but this record and accompanying soil map deals basically with the catchment of the Ruamahanga River and its main tributaries, the Waingawa, Waiohine, and Tauherenikau Rivers. Thus its northern boundary is the watershed between the Ruamahanga River (draining south) and the Mangatainoka River (draining north) . Its western boundary is again the main divide of the Tararua and Rimutaka Ranges but its eastern boundary is the watershed between the Ruamahanga and the eastward-draining catchments of the eastern hills. This region is called the Wairarapa Valley or Basin. Main centres of population are , Carterton, Greytown, Featherston, and Martinborough, which are generally geared to farm servicing, with manufacturing and other activities unrelated to farming now being developed.

The Wairarapa Valley can be divided in three physiographic regions: 1. Western ranges, 2. Central plain, 3. Eastern hills. 6

The valley is up to 30 km wide and some 80 km long. Its southern end, that adjacent to the Cook Strait coastline, is flat and low-lying. The central plain is terraced and these terraces have been correlated with erosion cycles in the later Pleistocene. The eastern hills, between the central plain and the eastern coast, are composed of marine sediments of Tertiary age that increase in age and hardness eastward, and have been uplifted, folded and tilted. The predominant landform is of ridges and valleys that have been finely dissected by streams and rivers that have only small flood plains. This eastern area is prone to accelerated erosion. The western ranges comprise the Tararua and Rimutaka Ranges composed of Mesozoic greywacke rocks.

CLIMATE (from Department of Industries & Commerce 1968)

Rainfall

Parts of the Wairarapa valley are sheltered by the Tararua and Rimutaka Ranges from rain-bearing north-westerlies and rain is fairly general from south-westerly and southerly winds. Winter is the wet season, and summer is dry when high evaporation levels cause serious moisture deficiency problems in shallow and stony soils. In the western ranges, annual rainfalls increase from 1520 mm adjacent to the central plains to 5000 mm on the ranges (1220 m above sea level). Annual rainfalls decrease across the central plain from 1520 to 890 mm to a zone receiving only 890 to 760 nnn around Martinborough. The distribution of this rainfall becomes more and more uneven as it decreases in total. The eastern hills receive about 890 to 1520 nnn.

River flooding is a recurrent problem on the central plains, espec­ ially with heavy rain from southerlies. As well, north-westerlies bring heavy rain to the Tararuas causing rivers draining this range to rise rapidly and cause flooding.

Wind

The prevailing wind at Masterton is south-westerly, with frequent westerlies and north-westerlies. Three-quarters of the stronger winds are from these directions.

Temperature

Summers are rather warm, with a mean daily maximum temperature in February at 24oc at Masterton. Frosts are prevalent in the colder months e.g. Masterton averages 102 days of ground frost a year. June and July are critical months when low soil temperatures, frequent frosts and high soil moisture content cause slow pasture growth. Droughty conditions with high temperatures, low rainfall and high evaporation cause problems for stock and pasture growth during summer. Annual sunshine (2060 hours in Masterton) is about average for . 7

VEGETATION (after Gibbs 1959)

Most of the Wairarapa Valley has been extensively modified by man. For example, the central plain and eastern hills have been" cleared of their original forest and shrub vegetation and they now carry mainly pasture.

1. :r:he western ranges, especially the Tararua Ranges and Haurangi Mountains, carry their original forest vegetation although parts have been modified by fire and sawmilling. The vegetation of the ranges is tussock grassland above 1220 m, silver beech (Nothofagus menziesii) forest below that level grading down through red beech (N. fusca) to hard beech (N. truncata) in the southern part and down to podocarp forest in the northern part. Owing to low fertility and liability to scree and sheet erosion, pastoral farming has not been successful on the ranges. Some timber has been and may still be obtained from the lower slopes near the plains. Elsewhere the western ranges are best kept in permanent pro­ tective forest, especially as considerable erosion in the tussock grass­ land and upper forest has occurred, attributable to accidental fires and to concentrated grazing and browsing by deer and opossum. 2. The original vegetation of the central plain was probably podocarp or beech forest near the western ranges, open totara forest, fern, and grassland on the drier stony plains, podocarp and dicotylous forest on the low terraces and flood plains, with patches of podocarp forest, fern and grassland on the higher terraces.

3. The eastern hills carried a vegetation cover of mainly dicotylous and podocarp forest near the plains and some beech forest in areas of higher rainfall. 8

SOILS

The soil pattern may be described in terms of the three physiographic regions and the rainfall pattern.

1. Soils of the Western Ranges

These are steepland soils, and those that occur above 550 m in the higher rainfall zone (1520-5000 mm) are weakly podzolised and slightly to moderately gleyed. Small areas of soils of rolling and terrace land occur within valleys of the ranges but are not mapped separately. They are yellow-brown earths derived from greywacke or erosion products of greywacke.

2. Soils of the Central Plain From east to west, the pattern consists of:

Soils of the rolling and hilly land, with remnants of an old (probably early Pleistocene) alluvial plain strongly leached yellow-brown earths Soils of the fans, built by the rivers draining the western ranges, are free draining, stony, and only 15-60 cm thick stony soils associated with intergrades between yellow-brown loams and yellow-brown earths

Soils of the swamps, occurring on toes of stony fans and in interfan depressions where water tables are high - gley and organic soils

Soils of the flood plains border the rivers or Lake Wairarapa where accumulation of alluvium is occurring recent and gley recent soils

Soils of river terraces and undulating land, on the eastern side of the plain, that represent remnants of cycles of erosion, probably of late Pleistocene age, and are usually 1 to 2 m thick yellow-grey earths.

The position and age of the physiographic unit on which the soils occur, as well as the rainfall received, is reflected in the classifica­ tion of the soils of the central plain. For example, on the older rolling and hilly land, near the western ranges where rainfall is 1520 to 1000 mm a year, the soils are classified as yellow-brown earths.

However, in the 1140 to 760 mm rainfall zone, on river terraces and undulating land, especially on the eastern side of the plain, soils are classified as yellow-grey earths. This soil group is characterised by the presence of compact claypans in the subsoils. In the Wairarapa, yellow­ grey earths can be subdivided into soils with a less distinct claypan in areas receiving 1140-890 mm rain, and soils with a distinct dense claypan in the 890-760 mm rainfall zone. 9

Soils of the flood plain show only weakly developed profiles because of the short time they have been forming and show little relation­ ship to rainfall. They are classified as recent soils.

All these soils are derived mainly from products of erosion of the greywacke ranges with a small contribution to the recent soils of silt and clay from erosion of the Tertiary sediments to.the east.

3. Soils of the Eastern Hills

Some soils of the river terraces occur in this region but they are not extensive. Most of the soils are of the undulating, rolling and hilly land. Their classification is related to rainfall, parent material, and topography. For example, yellow-brown earths are common only in areas of higher rainfall, i.e. above 1270 mm, but in the 1020-1270 mm zone, soils are more like yellow-grey earths if they have sandy parent materials and occur on rolling slopes.

Soils with parent materials containing limestone occur in this region and are notable for their strongly developed structure; moderately high content of cations, and brown colours. They have the highest natural fertility of all soils of the eastern hills and many sheep and cattle stud farms are located on them. 10 SOIL

Soil Name Classification SOILS OF THE FLOOD PLAINS AND SWAMPS 1 Greytown silt loam and sandy loam lb Ruamahanga sand Recent Soils le Ruamahanga stony sand (Luvic soils) 2 Ahikouka silt loam Gley recent soils 2a Pukeo clay loam (Madenti-luvic soils)

3 * Onoke silty clay Saline gley recent soils (Saline-madenti-luvic soils)

99 Moroa loam and stony loam Gley soils 106 Otukura silt loam (Madentic soils)

107c Taratahi peat, loamy peat and Organic soils peaty loam (Platic soils)

SOILS OF THE SAND DUNES 23 Manihera sand Yellow-brown sands 23b Kumenga mottled sand (Subfulvic soils)

SOILS OF THE RIVER TERRACES AND FANS 12 Martinborough loam Yellow-grey earths (Pallic soils)

29e Bideford loam Intergrade between yellow-grey earths and yellow-brown earths (Fulvi-pallic soils)

75 Tauherenikau silt loam 75a Tauherenikau shallow silt loam 75b Tauherenikau stony silt loam 76c Carterton shallow silt loam Intergrades between yellow-brown 76b Opaki brown stony loam loams and yellow-brown earths 79a Opaki black stony loam (Alvi-fulvic soils), and 78 Kohinui loam associated stony soils 78a Kohinui stony loam

SOILS OF THE UNDULATING, ROLLING AND HILLY LAND 13b Wharekaka fine sandy loam 13a Wharekaka mottled fine sandy loam 13bH Wharekaka hill soils llH Gladstone hill soils Yellow-grey earths 13c Tawaha silt loam (Pallic soils) 13d Kokotau silt loam

* Not mapped separately but occurs in association with Pukeo clay loam 11 LEGEND

Soil Name Classification

SOILS OF THE UNDULATING, ROLLING AND HILLY LAND (continued)

29 Pirinoa silt loam Intergrades between yellow-grey 29H Pirinoa hill soils earths and yellow-brown earths 29fH Kumeroa hill soils (Palli-fulvic soils}

25c Kourarau clay Intergrades between yellow-brown 25cH Kourarau hill soils earths and rendzinas (Fulvi-nigric soils}

25H Waipatiki hill. soils 27c Waimarama sandy loam 27cH Waimarama hill soils 27bH Ashcott hill soils 77 Konini silt loam Yellow-brown earths 77H Konini hill soils (Fulvic soils} 35b Kaikouta silt loam 35bH Kaikouta hill soils 41a Tuhitarata silt loam 41aH Tuhitarata hill soils

SO~LS OF THE STEEP LAND 113S Rangitumau steepland soils Steepland soils related to rendzinas - from limestone (Co-nigric clinic soils, etc.} 114aS Taihape steepland soils Steepland soils related from siltstone to intergrades between, 122S Ponatahi steepland soil· - from greywacke yellow-brown earths and 119S Whareama steepland soils yellow-grey earths (Co­ ,.from argillite fulvi-pallic clinic and siltstone 114dS Hururua steepland soils soils, etc.} from argillite and greywacke

118S Putangirua steepland soil from conglom-. erate 113bS Mauriceville steepland from limestone soil Steepland soils related and sandstone 114bS Turakina steepland soils to yellow-brown earths from siltstone 124bS Mikimiki steepland soils (Co-fulvic clinic from greywacke 123S Tawai steepland soils soils, etc. J from greywacke 124S Ruahine steepland soils from greywacke

T Tararua mountain soils Steepland soils related from greywacke to subalpine gley soils (Co-eldefulvic clinic soils, etc. J 12

EXTENDED LEGEND (on pp. 22-37)

EXPLANATORY NOTES

1. SOIL REFERENCE NUMBER SOIL SET NAME (SOIL SET NUMBER)

The soil reference number is that used on the soil map but the soil set name (and soil set number) refers to the soil set used on the 'Soil map of the North Island', Sheet 8 (N.Z. Soil Bureau 1945,1954) with which the soil is correlated.

2. SOIL NAME (SOIL GROUP)

The soil name is the name of the soil mapping unit, which may be a soil type, hill soil, or steepland soil mapping unit (see Taylor & Pohlen 1970, pp. 135-42). Soil group names, e.g. 'Slowly accumulating recent soil from alluvium', are of the common classification. given in N.Z. Soil Bureau (1968). .

The topographic divisions describe the positions that the soils will occur in the landscape, e.g. 'Soils of the flood plains and swamps'.

3. PHYSIOGRAPHIC LOCATION (ANNUAL RAINFALL) This is a description of the general environment of each soil. Details of localities where the soils occur are given in the column 'Occurrence and extent'. Rainfall is in millimetres per annum.

4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SOIL PROFILE Only the main properties of the soil mapping units are given here as a guide to their most common profile. In places in the field, profiles occur that differ markedly from the one described in properties such as depth, texture, and colour.

5. NUTRIENT STATUS (SB SAMPLE NO,) The nutrient status has been assessed from analyses of soil samples from untopdressed sites. Analyses were made by Soil Analysis Section, Soil Bureau, Lower Hutt.

Ratings are medium unless stated otherwise, but ratings used by Soil Bureau (from Taylor &Pohlen 1970) are given here for convenience. 13

Ratings for Phosphorus (P) mg%), Total Nitrogen (N %), Exchangeable Calcium (Ca: me.%) and Exchangeable Potassium (K me.%)

Rating p N Ca K mg % % me.% me.%

Very high > 22 > 1.0 > 10 > 1.2 High 12-22 0.5-1.0 10-20 0.8-1.2 Medium 6-12 0.2-0.5 5.-10 0.5-0.8 Low 2-6 0.1-0.2 2-5 0.3-0.5 Very low < 2 < 0.1 < 2 < 0.3

The ratings are not intended as fertiliser recommendations. Fertil­ iser recommendations should be obtained by consultat.ion with Farm Advisory Officers, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Masterton.

6. LAND USE SUITABILITY The suitability of the soil mapping unit for different kinds of land use has been assessed, using modern economic conditions.

Kinds of Land use: H Horticultural crops P Protection forestry C Cereal crops R Recreation G Grassland farming U Urban: residential, F Commercial forestry commercial, or light industrial

7. SOIL LIMITATIONS FOR POTENTIAL PASTORAL USE Soil limitations are those used in the classification of Gibbs (1968).

CLASS 1 Soils of flat and rolling land with minimal to slight soil limitations to pastoral use

lA Limitations of nutrients Greytown silt loam and sandy loam Tauherenikau silt loam Carterton shallow silt loam Kohinui loam Kohinui stony loam Kourarau clay Waimarama sandy loam Konini silt loam Kaikouta silt loam 14

CLASS 1 - continued: lB Limitations of drainage and nutrients Ahikouka silt loam Pukeo clay loam Onoke silty clay Moroa loam and stony loam Kumenga mottled sand Martinborough loam Bideford loam Wharekaka fine sandy loam Wharekaka mottled fine sandy loam Tawaha silt loam Kokotau silt loam Pirinoa silt loam

CLASS 2 Soils of flat and rolling land with moderate soil limitations to pastoral use

2A Limitations of insufficient moisture and, to a lesser extent, nutrients Ruamahanga sand Manihera sand Tauherenikau shallow silt loam Tauherenikau stony silt loam Opaki brown stony loam Opaki black stony loam

2B Limitations of texture, structure, or elevation Otukura silt loam Taratahi peat, loamy peat and peaty loam Tuhitarata silt loam

CLASS 3 Soils of flat and rolling land with severe soil limitations to pastoral use

3A, 3B, 3C, 3D - not represented in this survey 3E Limitations of frequent dryness Ruamahanga stony sand

CLASS 4 Soils of hilly and steep land with slight to moderate soil limitations to pastoral use Limitations of nutrients Pirinoa hill soils Kourarau hill soils Waipatiki hill soils Waimarama hill soils Konini hill soils Kaikouta hill soils Rangitumau steepland soils Ponatahi steepland soils Turakina steepland soils Mikimiki steepland soils lS

CLASS S Soils of hilly and steep land with moderate to severe soil limitations to pastoral use

SA Limitations of insufficient or excessive moisture Wharekaka hill soils Gladstone hill soils Ashcott hill soils Mauriceville steepland soils

SB Limitations of erosion Kumeroa hill soils Tuhitarata hill soils Taihape steepland soils Whareama steepland soils Hururua steepland soils

CLASS 6 Soils of hilly and steep land with severe to very severe soil limitations to pastoral use

6A Limitations of nutrients and erosion

Tawai steepland soils Ruahine steepland soils

6B Limitations of rapid soil erosion

Putangirua steepland soils Tararua mountain soils 16

REFERENCES

DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIES &COMMERCE 1968: Economic survey of Wairarapa. Government Printer, Wellington, New Zealand. 314 p. Soils, pp. 43-6; Potential pastoral uses of soils, pp. 112-3 GIBBS, H.S. 1959: Soils of southern Wairarapa district. Proceedings of 11th Soil Bureau Conference (unpublished): 89-90

GIBBS, H.S. 1968: Soil classification for land use. N.Z. Soil Bureau Bulletin 26(1): 124-30. N.Z. SOIL BUREAU 1945: Soil map of the North Island. Sheet 8. 1:253 440. N.z. Soil Bureau Map 12/8. N.Z. SOIL BUREAU 1954: General survey of the soils of North Island, New Zealand. N.Z. Soil Bureau Bulletin (n.s.) 5. 286 p. N,,Z. SOIL BUREAU 1968: Soils of New Zealand. N.Z. Soil Bureau Bulletin 26(1). 142 p. TAYLOR, N.H.; POHLEN, I.J. 1970: Soil survey method. N. z. Soil Bureau Bulletin 25: 212-4. 17

APPENDIX 1. LIST OF PUBLISHED REPORTS

BOOTH, A.K.*; GIBBS, H.S. 1969: Soil and farming patterns in the Wairarapa. Proceedings of the 31st Conference N.Z. Grassland Association (1969): 9-18. COWIE, J.D.; MONEY, S.P.* 1965: Soils and horticulture of the Greytown district, Wairarapa, New Zealand. N.Z. Soil Bureau Report 5/1965. 36 p. DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIES &COMMERCE 1968: Economic survey of Wairarapa. Soils, pp. 43-6; Potential pastoral uses of soils, pp. 112-3. Government Printer, Wellington, New Zealand. 314 p.

DRUCE, A.P. 1957: The vegetation of Mt Kaiparoro. Wellington Botanical Society Bulletin 29: 7-13. GIBBS, H.S. 1965: Soil map of Wharearna catchment, Wairarapa, New Zealand. N.Z. Soil Bureau Map 4/1965. GRANGE, L.I.; GIBBS, H.S. 1945: Soil erosion in New Zealand. 1. Southern half of North Island. N.Z. Soil Bureau Bulletin 1 (n.s.). 28 p. N.Z. SOIL BUREAU 1954: General survey of the soils of North Island, New Zealand. N.Z. Soil Bureau Bulletin 5 (n.s.). 286 p. ORBELL, G.E. 1962: Geology of the Mauriceville district, New Zealand. Transactions of the Royal Society of N.Z. Geology 1(17): 253-67. WELLS, N.W. 1969: A reconnaissance of the element content of Wairarapa pastures and white clover plants. Proceedings of the N.Z. Grassland Association 31: 71-8.

THESES ARBUCKLE, R.H. 1952: A chem-ical and clay mineralogical study of a yellow-grey earth profile from the Wairarapa. M.Sc. University of New Zealand. 117 p. McLAUGHLIN, R.J.W. 1946: The geology of East Palliser Bay. M.Sc. University of New Zealand. ORBELL, G.E. 1961: The geology of the Mauriceville area. M.Sc. Victoria University of Wellington, N.Z. 122 p.

* Not on Soil Bureau staff 18

APPENDIX 2. LIST OF PUBLISHED SOIL BUREAU MAPS

Reference Number 12/8 N.Z. SOIL BUREAU 1945: Soil map of North Island. Sheet 8. 1:253 440. Accompanies ·N.Z. Soil Bureau Bulletin 5 (1954).

13/2 N.Z. SOIL BUREAU 1946: Soil erosion, North Island. Sheet 1. 1:500 000. Accompanies N.Z. Soil Bureau Bulletin l (1948).

51 GIBBS, H.S. 1965: Provisional soil map of Whareama catchment, Wairarapa, New Zealand. Soil Bureau Map 4/65. 1:126 720. $0.50 61 COWIE, J.D. 1964: Soil map of Greytown district, North Island, New Zealand. Soil Bureau Map 5/1965. 1:15 840. $0.50 19

APPENDIX 3. LIST OF UNPUBLISHED REPORTS

BLAKEMORE, L.C. 1959: Notes on tour - Chemistry. Proceedings of 11th Soil Bureau Conference: 91~2.

FIELDES, M. 1959: Notes on clay mineralogy of soils to be seen on Soil Bureau Conference Tour 1959 (Wairarapa). Proceedings of 11th Soil Bureau Conference: 94-7. GIBBS, H.S. 1959: Soils of southern Wairarapa district. Proceedings of 11th .Soil Bureau Conference: 89-90.

GIBBS, H,S. 1958: Soils of the Kourarau rabbit pen. File SB 76/1/­ Soil Surveys: minor soil surveys (1948-1967). GIBBS, H.S. 1964: Physical resources of the Wairarapa region. Report to "Seminar on Regional Planning and Development in the Wairarapa". Department of Adult Education, Victoria University of Wellington, in co-operation with Wairarapa Development Council. 13-15 May.

GIBBS, H.S. 1965: Soils of Masterton district. Legend to accompany Soil map of(351S) Masterton district, scale 1:63 360. File SB 76/1/- Soil surveys: minor soil surveys (1948-1967).

GIBBS, H.S. 1967: Notes on potential cropping soils of the Wairarapa. Proceedings of Cash Cropping Course, Masterton, Wairarapa. Department of Agriculture. GIBBS, H.S. 1968: Soil report. Masterton Borough Council section, Watson's Road, Te Ore Ore. (Not on file)

GIBBS, H.S.; BLAKEMORE, L.C.; FIELDES, M. 1959: Soils of southern Wairarapa district. Proceedings of 11th Soil Bureau Conference: 89-115.

GIBBS,,H.S.; FITZGERALD, P. 1957: Ngaumu State Forest. Interim soil report (to accompany Soil map 556.) (Not on file) 20

APPENDIX 4. LIST OF UNPUBLISHED SOIL MAPS

Map No. File Date Author* Scale Title

352 1949 HSG, JDC, 1:63 360 Provisional soil map of Waira­ ASW rapa Plains Sheet 2 (no legend)

355 1967 HSG 1:250 000 Generalised soil map, Wairarapa, N.orth Island Cfur legend, see N.Z. Soil Bureau 1954)

387 1949 HSG, JDC, 1:63 360 Provisional soil map of Waira­ ASW rapa Plains Sheet 1 (no legend)

514 1952 HSG 1:126 720 Natural vegetation (generalised) for Wairarapa lowlands (legend)

517 1958 HSG 1:63 360 Provisional (soil) map, Eketahuna County (legend) ·

518 1959 HSG 1:63 360 Provisional soil map, County (legend)

547 1958 HSG 1:63 360 Provisional soil map, Maurice­ ville County (legend)

553 1955 HSG 1:250 000 Map showing areas examined during survey of potential market gardens (legend)

556 1957 HSG, PF 1: 15 840 Provisional soil map, Ngaumu state forest (legend)

569 1960 HSG 1:15 840 Soils of Wairongomai-Wairarapa

700 1949 HSG 1:63 360 Provisional soil map of Wairarapa Plains, Sheet 1, showing lime requirement (legend on sheet 2)

701 1949 HSG 1:63 360 Provisional soil map of Wairarapa Plains, Sheet 2, showing lime requirement (legend)

702 1949 HSG 1:63 360 Provisional soil map of Wairarapa Plains, Sheet 1, showing exchange­ able potash (legend on sheet 2)

703 1949 HSG 1:63 360 Provisional soil map of Wairarapa Plains, Sheet 2, showing exchange­ able potash (legend)

704 1949 HSG 1:63 360 Provisional soil map of Wairarapa Plains, Sheet 1, showing avail­ able phosphate (legend on sheet 2) 21

APPENDIX 4 - continued:

Map No. File Date Author* Scale Title

705 1949 HSG 1:63 360 Provisional soil map of Wairarapa Plains, Sheet 2, showing available phosphate (legend)

811 1948 ASW 1: 3 960 Plan of the property of Woodleigh Farm Limited, Te Ore Ore (legend)

2012 HSG, JDC, l: 126 720 Interim soil map of Wairarapa ASW Plains (legend) 2030 1972 JDM 1: 4 752 Soil map of river flats, approx­ imately 1 mile west of Gladstone Hotel, Wairarapa (312L) 1946 HSG 1:63 360· Reconnaissance soil map, Castle­ point County (legend)

(351S) 1949 HSG 1:63 360 Soil map of Masterton district (no legend) (789L) 1957 HSG, JDC, 1: 63 360 Provisional soil map, part ASW Wairarapa South County (legend)

(lllOL) 1965 HSG 1:63 360 Provisional soil map, Akitio County (legend)

(67L) 1944 HSG 1:15 840 Soils of vicinity of Lake Wairarapa and Lake Onoke (3 sheets) SB 76/-/­ 1970 JDR 1:63 360 Soil map of Featherston (no legend)

SB 76/-/- 1970 JDR 1:63 360 Soils of Martinborough (no legend)

(12135) 1971 JDM 1: 3 960 Soil map of proposed new cemetery site, Masterton Borough (legend) (841L) 1958 HSG 1:63 360 Provisional soil map, Awhea and Opouawe catchments (legend)

* Authors: JDC J.D. Cowie PF P. Fitzgerald HSG H.S. Gibbs JDM J.D. Milne JDR J.D. Raeside ASW A.S. Wickens 22

EXTENDED LEGEND OF INTERIM SOIL MAP OF WAIRARAPA VALLEY, NEW ZEALAND:

Soil Referenye Soil Name Phy.siographic Location Brief Descrippton of Nutrient Status5 Number (Soil Group)2 (Annual Rafnfall)3 Soil Profile4 (SB Sample No.)

SOILS OF THE FLOOD PLAINS AND SWAHPS2

1 Greytown silt loam and sandy Free-draining flood plain 15-25cm dark greyish brown N, P, K 1 Ca loam (Slowly accumulating with periodic deposition to greyish brown friable medium to high recent soil from alluvium) of silt and sand silt loam or sandy loam, (4424/5) • (760 - 1520 lDlll) ~alluvium.

1b Ruamahanga sand (Rapidly As for Greytown ail$, 10811. B-15cm greyish brown sand, P, K, Ca accumulating recent soil and sandy loam but ~re ~ grey loose sand, medium to high~ from alluviwil) frequently flooded -8nd gravel, and stones. N low deposits more sand.1' (4436) (760-1520 mm) ,.,.,

Ruamahanga stony sand Stony river bed and 3-8cm dark brown stony Not analysed (Rapidly accumulating flood channel sand,

recent soil from alluvium) (760-1520 mm) ~stones 1 gravel and sand.

2 Ahikouka silt loam Slow-draining flood plain 15-20cm dark brownish N, P, K, ca (Slowly accumulating gley built by periodic grey silt loam, medium to high recent soil from alluvium) deposition or silty ,20-30 cm greyish yellow heavy (818/9) sediments silt loam with yellow (760-1300 mm) JllOttles, over grey siity alluvium.

2a Pukeo clay loam As for Ahikouka silt 8-15cm brownish grey clay N1 P, K, Ca (Sapidly accumulating gley loam, but more frequently loam, medium to high recent soil from alluvium) flooded 12-15 cm yellowish grey clay (3482) (760-1300 mm) loam, over silt and clay sedim.en ts.

3 Onoke silty clay Areas covered with 3-15cm grey end greyish P 1 K 1 Ca

(Rapidly accumulating saline materials dredged out of brown silty clay 1 medium to high,

gley recent soil) the new channel for on bluish grey silty clay. N low 1 Ruamahenga River Associated profiles are High soluble salts ( 1020-1300mm) more sandy or more silty (8218 A-C) in texture and have orange mottles.

99 lloroa loam. and stony loam Slow draining low 15-18cm greyish brown P low (Weakly leached gley soil) terraces with slow loam, (4434/5) accumulation of sediments 20-30 cm greyish yellow sandy and loi:ig periods of high loam with reddish brown

water table. 11.ottles 1 {760-1020mm) 2D!'. silty and stony alluvium. Some profiles are stony to the surface. 23

SUMMARY OF SOIL AND SOME AGRICULTURAL PROPERTIES OF SOIL MAPPING UIHTS

By H. S. GIBBS and J.D. COWIE

Soil Limitations Land Use for Potentia 1 Notes. on Uses and 6 Occurrence and Extent Soil Set Name Sui tabil ity Pastora 1 Use7 Limitations of Soils (Soil Set Number) 1 H C G 1A Excellent soils for cropping Aion'.g all rivers and Manawatu loam , F R U and maximum area should ~ etresma; main areas near sandy loam, retained for agricultural Rangitumau, Masterton, silt loam, and production Gladstone, Greytown and clay loam 1 Kartinborough. Moderate extent

G H 2A Soils of high potential Along most rivers and Esk sand productivity but .~ streams; main areas along 1b liability to flooding and parts of Ruamahanga end to drought limits their Htiangaroa Rivers. Small intensive uae and extent improvement R G 3E Floodways that may a1so Along most rivers and Tukituki sandy loam, be used for periodic streams especia1ly those stony gravel, etc. grazing: pastoral flowing from the Tararua 1c production severely and Rimutaka Ranges. Small limited by very rapid extent draina e G C 1B Excellent for pastora1 Along most rivers and Kairanga silt loam production; slight streams; main areas in the end clay loam limitation of slow drainage lower Whangaehu, Te Whiti, 2 for intensive cropping Dalefield, South Featherston and lower Ruamahanga flood plain. Large extent

G C 1B Excellent eoils !or In flood basins o~ lower Kairanga loam, etc. pasture production; reaches of large rivers - 2a moderate limitations of slow Whengaehu, Taueru, drainag~ and or flooding for Tauherenikau and extensive cropping Ruamahanga. Moderate extent

G C 1B New soils that will be as In TU.hitarata-Lake Onoke Mercer loam, etc. useful as Ahikouka soils aection of new channel of 2o when their organic matter Ruamahenga River. Small content is raised by extent and in association pastoral !:inning with Pu.keo clay loam - not mapped separately

G F 1B Slow drainage and poor Mainly in central areas of Arlington loam aeration are slight the plains east of the 99 limitations to pastoral use stony fans from which much water and moderate limitations to drains laterally. Moderate cropping. Best used in extent conjunction with areas or rapidly draining soils. Soil 24 Reference Soil Name 2 Physiographic Locatjon Brief Description of Nutrient Status5 Numberl (Soil Group) (Annual Rainfall) Soil Profile4 fSR Sample Ntl ) 106 Otukura silt loam Slow draining swampy 18-23 cm dark greyish N high (Moderately leached gley depressions with brown silt loam, P low soil) negligible accumulation 25-30 cm dark grey to grey Cu ? and long periods or high silty clay loam with (4319A/B) water table coarse blocky

( a90;,1300 mm) structure 1 ~ silty alluvium.

107c Taratahi peat, loamy peat Peat swamp in basins 23-45 cm blackish brown N very high

and peaty loam situated on terraces peat, P 1 Cu low (Central organic soil) (890-1300 mm) 20-50 cm purplish~ (pea'l:­ K? stained) clay, ~ stony gravels.

SOILS OF THE SAND DUNES 23 Manihera sand Hummocky dunes east of On dunes: 15-23 cm brown- p low

(Moderately leached central Lake Wairarapa ish black sand 1 Ca low yellow-brown sand) (890-1140 mm) .2.!! yellowish brown loose Cu' sand. '

23b Kumenga mottled sand Depressions be:t.. ·e_l;I 25 cm black sand, j> low (Moderately leached gleyed dunes ~ .Qil. grey sandj yellowish Ca med yellow-brown sand) ( 890-llllO mm) brown mottles to 70-80 cm. K low Cu?

SOILS OF THE RIVER TERRACES g FANS 12 Martinborough loam Imperfectly drained· 20 cm greyish brown P K low (~'oderately leached, weakly terraces consisting of powdery loam, (5878A/C) gleyed central yellow-grey windblown and alluvial 30-50 cm brownish yellow to earth) silts over gravels pale yellow firm fine sandy (760-1020 mm) loam; faint orange and grey mottlings, ~ gravels and atones below 50 cm.

290 Bideford loam As for Martinborough loam 20 cm dark greyish brown P v. low, (Moderately leached, except subsoil is slow soft loam, Ca, K low moderately gleyed intergrade draining 30-60 cm brownish yellow to 6233A/D between central yellow-grey ( 1020-1400 mm) yellow firm clay loam; earths and yellow-brown distinct orange and grey earths) mottling', .2.YJU: gravels and stones below 60 cm.

75• Tauherenikau silt loam Free draining gently 20 cm greyish brown P low (W.oderately leached sloping terraces and powdery ailt loam, (5245A/D) intergrade between yellow­ rans consisting or silts ~S-50' cm pale yellowish brown brown loams and yellow­ and sands over deep stony heavy silt loem; faint brown earths) deposits orange mottles, below (990-1:;00 mm) 45 to 75 cm, on stones, gravels and sands, firm.

75 Tauherenikau shallow silt As for Tauherenikau silt 15 cm blackish brown P 1 Ca low loam loam except that silt and friable silt loam, (4317A/B) (Shallow soil associated sand cover is only 20-30 cm brown to yellowish with intergrades, scrub 15-45 cm thick brown stony heavy silt loam,

melanis·ed, between yellow­ over stones 1 gravels and brown loams and yellow-brown sands, upper 30 cm or which ear>ths} are slightly compacted and have brown coating. Soil Limitations 25 Notes on Uses and Land Use 6 for Potent1a) Soil Set Name Suitability Pastoral Use Limitations of Soils Occurrence and Extent (Soil Set Number) 1 G F 2B As for ftoroa loam except Mainly in valleys near Raumati silt loam soils are heavier and their the western Ranges, 106 limitations to.pastoral or Small extent cropping uses more severe

G C 2B Peaty soils of poor aeration; Mein area in Battersea Ngatea peaty loam surface· sinks when drein.ed: district; narrow strips 10?c best used for pastoral far.ming along depressions of fault displacements across the plains. Small extent G 2A Sand soils with limitation of Sand dunes east of Lake Patea sand very rapid drainage on dunes: Weirarapa and lower 2? liable to wind erooion if reachea of Ruamahanga cultivated River. Small extent

G 1B Sandy soils with slow Sand plains between Whananaki sand drainage dunes east of Lake 23b Weirarapa and lower reaahes of Ruamahanga River. Small extent C G 1B Slight limitations of. nutrients Eastern side of plains, Ohakea loam and of drainage for seed crop· chiefly around 12 and pastoral use; suitable Martinborough. Small for urban use extent

G C 1B Similar to Martinborougb loam Gently sloping terraces Bideford loam UR except has slower drainage and in Taueru and Longbush 29e weaker structure for general valleys and on both sides cropping use of the Lower Wairarapa .valley. Moderate extent

G CU 1A Needs fertilisers· for high In central areas of the Tekapau heavy silt loam F ~ pastoral production; weak plains between stony 75• structure limits annual plains and gley soils. cropping Small extent

G UR 2A Rapid drainage and low fertility In cEintral areas of the Tekapau silt loam and are major limitations to plains bordering stony sandy loam pastoral production; well !ans. Small extent 75 suited to urban w,e 26 Soi 1 Reference Soil Name 2 Physiographic Location Brief Oescriptian of Nutrient Status5 Numberl (Soil Group) (Annual Rainfa11)3 Soil Profjle c5s Sample ya ) 75b Tauberenikau stony silt As for Tauherenikau 15 cm brownish black stony P K low loam (Stony soil associated shallow silt loam except silt loam, Ca ? with moderately leached silt cover is very QS brownish yellow very Co ? intergrades between yellow­ shallow (0-15 cm) and stony silt loam grading (5241) brown loams and yellow-brown excessively drained below 'O cm into stones, earths) gravels and sands, compacted and coated like those under Tauherenikau silt loam.

76c Carterton shallow silt loam As for Tauherenikau 15 cm medium brown powdery P, K low (Shallow soil associated with shallow silt loam except silt loam, Co? intergrades between yellow- that sites have higher 20-30 cm yellow heavy silt (5885A/B) brown loams and yellow-brown subsoil moisture loam, earths,forest-melanised) over stones, gravels and sands. Some areas have a stony topsoil and others ha~e a greyish yellow sub-

76b Opaki brown stony loam As for Tauherenikau stony 15 cm light brown stony loam, P, K low (Stony soil associated with silt loam except that QJl stones, gravels and (5885A/B) strongly leached intergrades average annual rainfall is sand, stained orange brown between yellow-brown loams and higher (1140-;c1~2ar) in upper 25-30 cm. yellow-brown earths, forest­ melanised:l 79• Opaki black stony loam As for Opaki browil.: stony 15 cm brownish black P, Ca low (Stony soil associated with loam excepting· tilt rain­ loam, Co strongly leached inter­ fall is less eVen~ !?!!- stones, gravels and (4318A/B) grades between yellow-brown distributed ~ ~ sands; upper 30 cm of loams and yellow-brown which are stained reddish earths, scrub-melanised) brown to reddish yellow.

78 Kohinui loam (Strongly As for Tauherenikau silt 18-20 cm dark brown to P, Ca low leached intergrade between loam except that average brown friable loam, (5115A/D) yellow-brown loams and annual rainfall is higher gn yellowish brown to yellow-brown earths) ( 1520-2030 mm) yellow fine sandy loam that is massive below 50 cm, over gravels,

7Ba Kohinui stony loam (Stony As for Tauherenikau stony 10-13 cm dark reddish brown Ca v. lov; soil associated with silt loam except that stony loam, P low strongly leached average annual rainfall 20-30 cm reddish yellow intergrades between yellow­ is higher (1520-2030 Diii) friable stony loam, browr. loams and yellow­ ~ stones, gravels and brown earths) sand with dark reddish brown thin ironpans,

SOILS OF THE UNDULATING, ROLLING & HILLY LAND 1Jb Wharekaka fine sandy loam Imperfectly draining 20 cm greyish brown powdery P, K low (b'.oderately leached yellow­ rolling land formed on £ineisandy loam, (8300A/G) grey earth) deposits of loess over 40-60 cm pale yellow compact sandstone and gravel loam; some pale grey and beds, on sites with orange mottles, marked dry season ~ yellowish brown 1760-114-0 mm) strongly compact fine sandy loam. Soil Limitations 27 Land Use for Potential Notes on Uses and 6 ~currence and Extent Soi 1 Set Name Suita6ility ·Pastoral Use7 limitations of Soils (Soil Set Number) 1 U GR 2A Severe limitations of Central stony plains from Takapau stony draughtiness and low fertility Masterton to Tauherenikau. loam are major limitations to La~ge extent 75b pastoral production; well suited to urban use

G F 1A Slight limitations of nutrients In central areas of plains Heretaunga silt UR and draughtiness to high bordering stony plains near loam pastoral production; well Carterton and Masterton. Small 76c suited to for~stry or urban ertent use

GF 2A Moderate limitations of Western edge or plains from Kawhatau stony UR nutrients and draughtiness to Opak:i to Palliser Bay. silt loam high pastoral production; well Moderate extent 76b suited to forestry or urb._use

G F 2A As above, except more windy UpPer end or plains north and Smedley loam UR location and more subject to north-west of Masterton. 79a drought; windthrow a :Moderate extent liability to forestry

G F C 1A Deep friable and moisture­ Upper end of plains north and Kopua silt UR retentive soil that needs north-west of Masterton. loam fertiliser for pastoral or Small extent 78 cropping use; high phosphate retention

G F 1A Good soil for cool 1 wet climate Upper valleys or rivers Kopua stony suitable for forestry or draining the western ranges. loam pastoral use; needs fertilisers Smal.l extent 78a for high production

G CU 1B Compact subsoil, and periodic Eastern side of Wairarapa Plains Halcombe silt wide fluctuations in moisture chiefly near Martinborough, loam are slight limitations to Fonatahi and Gladstone. 13b intensive use for pastoral or Moderate extent arable farming; compact subsoil is a moderate limitation to forestry son 28 Physiographfc Location Brief Description of 5 Reference Soil Name 2 Nutrient Status Numberl (Soil Group) (Annual Ra1nfall)3 Soil Prof1le4 (~B Sample No.) Wharekaka mottled fine sandy As for !liharekaka fine As for Wbarekska fine P, Ca low loam sandy loam except that sandy loam except that (5879A/C) (1!oderately leached, surface is undulating and subsoil is more strongly moderately gleyed central soil is poorly drained mottled and small dark yellow-grey earth) brown concretions occur below 15 cm

_Wharekaka hill soils As for Wharekaka fine As for Wharekaka fine P 1 Ca low (Weakly leached, weakly sandy loam except that sandy loam except that (3473A/D) to moderately gleyed surface is moderately horizon depths, mottling, central yellow-grey earth) steep and soil moder~tely and compaction are more well drained variable

113" Gladstone hill soils Wel.J. drained soil on 15-20 cm dark grey powdery P, Ca low (Moderately leached central moderately steep slopes, sandy loam, few stones, (6>48) yellow-grey earth) formed on sandstone and 20-30 cm pale yellow compact gravel beds, on sites with gravelly sandy loam grading marked dry season into sandy conglomerate. (?60-1020 mm)

13c Tawaha silt loam Similar to Wharekaka 20-25 cm greyish brown P, Ca low (Moderately leached, fine sandy loam .except powdery silt loam, (959A/E) moderately gleyed central loess is less sanay ~d 20-30 cm greyish yellow yellow-grey earth) more silty heavy silt loam, ~ yellow, grey and erange mottled heavy silt loam, moderately compact. 13d Kokotau silt loam Poorly drained Un4ulating 20 cm brownish grey powdery P, Ca low (Moderately leached, land, formed on deep silt loam, K ? strongly gleyed central silty loess over silty 15-25 cm y:eJ.lowish grey silty llo ? yellow-grey earth) and stony alluvium, on clay loam, (754/5) sites with marked dry ~ grey compact clay season loam; some yellow and (890-119-0 mm) orange mottlings.

29 Pirinoa silt loam Imperfectly drained 18 cm dark greyish brown P, Ca low o:oderately leached rolling land, formed on soft silt loam, (5785A/D) intergrade between yellow­ shallow deposits of loess 50-60 cm pale yellowish brown grey earths and yellow­ over fine sandstone and heavy silt loam; ore,nge brown earths) siltstone, on sites with mottling; slightly slight dry season compact~ subao il blocks (1020-1270 mm) (3-5 cm diam.) smaller than those in Wharekaka soils,

~ yellow siltstone. 29F. Pirinoa hill soils As for Pirinoa silt loam As for Pirinoa silt loam P, Ca low (Moderately leached inter­ except that surface is except that horizon depths, Mo ? grade between yelloW-grey moderat~ly steep end mottlings, and compaction (5418A/D) earths and yellow-brown loess cover ranges from are more variable, and earths) very shallow to deep pieces of greyish yellow siltstone may occur in the subsoil 29 Soil Limitations Land Use Notes on Uses aiid 6 for Potentia\ Occurrence and Extent Sofl Set Name Suitability Pastoral Use Limitations of Soils (Soil Set Number) 1 GOU 1B Compact subsoil, and periodic Eastern side Wairarapa Plains Milson silt. wide fluctuations in moisture are chiefly near r.rartinborough. loam slight limitations to intensive Small extent 13• use for pastoral or arable farming; compact subsoil is a moderate limitation to forestry G 5A Periodic wide fluctuations in Associated with Wharekaka fine Halcombe silt moisture and liabilities to sheet sandy loam. Moderate extent loam, hill soil and gully erosion are moderate 13bH limitations to intensive pastoral use

GR 5A As above but Slopes exposed to On hilly land near Gladstone and Raumai sandy north-west are ve'J!Y dry in east of Martinborough. Moderate loam, hill soil summer extent 11R

G C U 1B As for Wharekaka !ine sandy loElll Central and eastern side Marton loam except that internal drainage is Wairarapa Plains from Gladstone 130 slower and surface more ii.able to Otaraia. Large extent to puddling under intensive winter grazing

G C 1B As above: soil is on Taratahi Central and eastern side Kokotau silt experimental block Wairarapa Plains from Landsdowne loam to south of Martinborough, 13d Large extent

G F 1B As for Wharekaka fine sandy Eastern side of Wairarapa Plains Atua silt loam except that moisture from Kapuaranga to Lake ~erry; loom limitations are less restrictive also at Papatahi. Large 29 to intensive use for pastoral extent or arable farming

G F Fluctuation of moistura and Associated with Pirinoa silt Atua silt loam, ' liability to soil erosion are loam. Large extent hill soil slight limitations to intensive 29H use 30 Soil Referenc_e Sofl Name 5 ., 2 physfographic Location Brief Descriptiqn of Nutrient Status Number l (Soil Group) (Annual Rainfall )3 Soil Prof1le4 (SB Sample No.) 29ffi Kumeroa hill soils Imperfectly drained bill' Dark grey friable sandy P, Ca low (Strongly leached intergrade land, formed on slightly loam, (6349) between yellow-grey earths consolidated sandstone, on 4-0-50 cm pale yellow to pale and yellow-brown earths) sites with slight dry yellowish ·brown sandy season loem, large orange (1020-1400 mm) mottles, ellow fine sandstone. 25c Kourarau clay (Weakly Weil drained rolling land, 18 cm dark brown Ca v. high leached intergrade between on limestone, firm clay, K, P high central rendzina and yellow­ with alight dry season 16-30 cm brown to yellowish ) brown earths, from limestone) (1140-1520 mm) brown sticky clay with pieces of limestone that become numerous below 11.0 cm.

25cH Kourarau hill soils As for Kourarau clay Similar to Kourarau clay Ca v. high (Central brown rendzina) except that surface is except it is more variable (5249A/B) moderately steep and in depth, concave mapped areas include sites tend to have deeper small patches oJ 35b~ profiles with yellowish ·~,;· brown subsoils. A Waipatiki hill soils Imperfectly drained 15 cm greyish brown firm P low (heakly leached central moderately steeP hiila heavy silt loam 1 Ca high yellow-brown earth,from formed from siltsto~, 30-11.0 cm yellowish brown to (5882A/C) siltstone) with slight dry seasOn pale yellow firm clay loam; ( 1020-1400 l!IDl) faint orange and grey mottling, over weathering siltstone.

270 '.'iaimare.ma sandy loam Well drained rolling land 20-2,; cm dark brovm P low (Moderately leached central formed from shallow granular fine sandy loam, (5934A/C) yellow-brown earth, from sandstone over limestone, 11.0-50 cm yellowish brown· fine sandstone) no dry season sandy loam, (1140-1520 mm) ~ brownish yellow sandy loam with pieces of limestone.

~7cH Waimarama hill soils As fo~ Waimsrama sandy Similar to Waimarama P low (Moderately leached loam except that surface sandy loam except that ( 5933A/C) central yellow-brown earth1 is moderately Saep sandstone cover varies from fine sandstone) widely in thickness, and in places the limestone rock occurs between 23 to

60 cm 1 or outcrops in a few sites

Ashcott hill soils Well drained moderately 1,;-15 cm brownish grey No analysis (Moderately leached central steep land, on powdery sandy loam, yellow-brown earth, from slightly consolidated ·25-50 cm brownish yellow coarse sandstone) sandstone over :Sandy loam, conglomerate, with over yellow firm sand­ slight dry season stone and conglomerate. ( 1020-1400 mm) Some profiles are stony. 31 Soil Limitations Land Use for Potential Notes on Uses and 6 7 Occurrence and Extent Soil Set Name Suitability Pastoral ·use Limitations of Soils (Soil Set Number) 1 G F 5B Needs heavy and frequent Eastern side of Wairarapa Kumeroa sandy topdressing for intensive Valley chiefly in Gladstone, loam, hill soils pastoral use; liable to rapid Longbush and Dry River districts. 29fH manuka growth and to some slip Moderate extent erosion

G F 1A Seavy clay soil with slight Elevated limestone plateaus on Kourarau silt limitations of nutrients and eastern boundary of Wairarapa loam of moisture for pastoral or ·Valley,· chiefly Kourarau 25c forestry production; moderate district, Small extent limitations of texture for arable croppir:tg

G F 4 Shallow clay hill soils from Eastern side of Wairarapa Valley Kourarau silt limestones with slight chiefly Rangitumau, Kourarau loam, hill soil limitations of nutrients and and Longbush districts. Moderate 25cH of moisture for pastoral or extent forestry production; very_sJigll~ liability to slip erosion ·-~·~

G F 4 First class hill country !o~; _ '~ :Eastern aide of Wairarapa Mangatea clay pastoral uses: slight Valley, chiefly Whangaehu, loam and silt limitations of nutrients ~¢·.~or" Gladstone and Ponatahi districts. loam, hill soil slip erosion to high product_i~: Moderate extent 25H

G F 1A Deep friablP. sandy soils with Elevated plateaus in Waimarama sandy slight limitations of nutrients Ma~riceville-Kopuaranga, and loom for pastora1, cropping or for Hautotara districts. Small 270 forestry production; sink­ extent hole hazard to stock

G F 4 Deep sandy hill soils with Easy hills in Mauriceville­ Waimara.ma sandy

slight limitations of nutrients Kopuaranga and Ruakokopatuna loam 1 hill soil for intensive pastoral or districts. Moderate extent 27oH forestry production; slight liability to slip erosion and to sink-hol~ hazard

G F 5A Shallow sandy hill soils with Moderately steep slopes in Ashcott sandy moderate limitations of Longbush district east of loam, hill soil nutrients, of moisture, and of M_art~borough. Small extent 2'/bH slip erosion to productive pastoral or forestry production 32

Soil 5 Reference Soil Name 2 Physiographic Location Br1ef Description of Nutrient Status · Nuinberl (Soil Group) (Annual Rainfa11}3 Soil Profile4 (SB Sample No.) 77 Konini silt loam Well drained rolling land, 18-23 cm dark brown P, Ca low (Very strongly leached formed from shallow granular silt loam, 0127A/C) central yellow-brown earth, deposits of loess over 40-50 cm brownish yellow from loess and sandstone) sandstone and gravel beds, silt loam; friable, and no dry season grading down to massive, (1400-1900 mm) .2.Yfil': gravels ..

77H Konini bill soils As ·ror Konini silt loam Similar to Konini silt No analysis (Very strongly leached except that surface is loam except for more central yellow-brown earth., moderately steep and variable thickness and from loess and sandstone) Sravelly soils occur in texture of subsoil. places

Kaikouta silt loam Imperfectly drained 13-18 cm brown nut silt P, Ca low (strongly leached central rolling land, formed on loam, (5116A/C) yellow-brown earth, from shallow deposits 0£ loess 30-40 cm browniSh yellow to loess and sandstone) over sandston•, and yellow firm silty clay slight dry SS,SS.~.F loam, (114-0-1520 ~-~ ~ over gravels.

35bH Kaikouta hill soils As for Kaiko~:si\'t loam Similar to Kaikouta silt No analysis (Strongly leache9. central except that s.~~f,-~·~ is loam except for more yellow-brown earth, from moderately s.te_~ ,, variable thickness and loess and sandstone) texture of subsoil

41a Tuhitarata silt loam Imperfectly drained 10-15 cm dark grey P, Ca v. low (Very strongly leached rolling land, formed on powdery silt loam, K low central yellow-brown earth, shallow deposits of loess 15-20 cm pale yellow silty (5383 A/D) from sandstone) over sandstone, and clay loam, slight dry season ~ yellow sand~ clay (1140-1520 mm) loam with some stones.

Tuhitarata hill soils As for Tuhitarata silty As for Tuhitarata silt P v. low (Very strongly leached loam except that surface loam except that topsoil Ca, K low central yellow-brown earth, is moderately steep and is generally less than ( 5121 A/C) from sandstone) unit includes soils 10 cm thick, and formed from greywac~e weathering greywacke rock occurs below 60 cm in many profiles. 33

Soil Limitations Land Use for Potent1a} Notes on Uses and 6 Occurrence and Extent so11 Set Name Suitab1lilty Pastora 1 Use limitations of Soils (Soil Set Number) l GF 1A Western side of Wairarapa Matamau silt Valley north from Carrington loam to Mt Bruce 77 Deep loamy soils with slight Moderate extent limitations of nutrients for intensive pastoral or Iforestry production, GF 4 moderate limitations of Western side of Wairarapa Valley Matamau silt structure, and of soil north from Carrington to Mt loam, hill soils erosion f~r cropping on Bruce. Moderate extent 77H arable slopes

G F 1A Western and northe·rn parts of Porirua sandy Wairarapa Valley, chiefly in loam Silty soils with alight Matahiwi, Kopuaranga and 55• limitations of nutrients Rengit~au districts. for pastoral or forestry Mbderate extent production, moderate Ilimitations of weak G F 4 structure, and of soi-1 Western and northern parts of Porirua sandy erosion for cropping oi;i Wairarapa Valley chiefly in loem, hill soil arable slopes -~· Kaituna-Mikimiki and >5aH :,, Kopuaranga-Rangitwcau districts. Moderate extent F G 2B Southern parts of Wairsrapa Valley Tai ta silt loam chiefly .in Tuhitarats - 41a Silty soils with moderate Turanganui district. Small limitations of nutrients extent and of moisture for pastoral or forestry production; severe limitation of nutri8nts and of soil erosion for _S_o_u_t_h_e_rn__ p_a_r_t_s_o_f_W_a_i_r_a_r_a_p_a_V_a_l_l_e_y __ T_a_i_t_a_s_i_°l_t_l_o_a_m_,_ F G 5B cropping on arable slopes chiefly in V/estern Lake and hill soil or pastoral use of Tuhitarata districts. 4-1aH l moderately steep slopes Moderate extent 34 Soil 5 Referenre Soil Name 2 Physiographic Locatjoo Brief Oescript18n of Nutrient status Number {Soil Group) {Annual Rainfall) Soil Profile (SB Sample No.) SOILS OF THE STEEPLANO 113S Rangitumau steepland soils Steep and very steep 18-23 cm brown friable·· Ca high

(Steepland soil related to limestone slopes with few clay loam 1 P low brovin rendzina, from slip surfaces: excessively 20-30 cm reddish brown (5249A/B) limestone) drained for short periods, ·Sticky clay, (1140-1520 JDlQ) -~ hard shelly limestone.

114a$ Taihape steepland soils Steep "sandy papa slopes 10-15 cm dark greyish P low (Steepland soil,from silt­ with many slip scars, and brown powdery silt loam, ( 1106A/B) stone, related to excessively drained tor 15-30 cm pale yellow silty intergrades between yellow­ moderate periods clay loam; faint orange grey earths and yellow­ (890..:12?0 mm) ~ottling;pieces of brown earths) ~iltstone which become more numerous below 40 cm, and dominant below 60 cm.

122G Ponatahi steepland soils Steep greywacke slopes 18-23 cm dark brownish grey P low

(Steepland soil7 from with some rock outcrops stony silt loam, (5421A/B) greywacke, related to and excessively tl.rai.ned. 21!. pale yellow stony silt intergrades between yellow­ for moderate perioda-~fi loam which below 40 cm grey earths and yellow­ (890-12?0 mm) ' grades into massive

brown earths) greywa~ke,

119G Whareama steepland soils Steep argillite and ;l 10-15 cm grey heavy silt Ca high (Steepland soils, from siltstone slopes w±'th some loam, P low argillite and siltstone, rock gullies and, 15-30 cm.pile yellow stony (1107A/C) related to intergrades excessively drained for clay loam; faint orange between yellow-grey earths moderate periods and grey mottles, and yellow-brown earths) (890-1270 mm) 2!!- grey stony clay lorut and argillite.

114dS Hururua steepland soils Steep argillite and 8-1' cm greyish brown P low (Steeplend soil, from greywacke slopes with some heavy silt loam, (742/58) argillite and greywacke, slip scars; excessively 2D dull greyish yellow related to intergrades drained for moderate stony clay loam, between yellow-grey earths periods g,rading into pale and yellow-brown earths) (890-12?0 mm) yellow weathering a);gillite, below 50 cm,

118G Puta.ngirua steepland soils Steep an~ very steep 8-10 cm greyish brown No analysis (Steepland soils, from conglome1-&te slopes with stony sandy loam, conglomerate, related to some sliP scars; on yellow very stony

yellow-brown earths) excessively drained for sandy loam. 1 long periods grading into stones and ( 1140-1520 mm) gravels with grey sandy matrix, below 40 cm,

113bS Mauriceville steepland soils Steep and very steep 13-25 cm dark brown to Ca high (Steepland soil, from limestone, sandstone and yellowish brown granular P v. low limestone and sandstone, siltstone slopes with few sanccy loam, (B>7/B) related to yellow-brown slip scars; wall drained ~ shell limestone. earths) for most of the year Associated profiles are (B90-12?CI Dlll'.1) like 25cH and 2?cH 35 Soil Limitations for Potentia} Notes on Uses and So11 Set Name Land Use 6 Occurrence and Extent Suitability Pastoral Use L1mitations of Soils (Soil Set Number) 1

G FR 4 Slight limitations of shallow Rangitumau and Kourarau Bluff loam soil and of moisture for districts. Moderate 11} productive grassland or extent forestry

G F 5B Slight limitations of nutrients; Eastern side of Wai.rarapa Taihape silt moderate limitations of moisture Valley from Bideford to loam and of slip erosion for Tablelands. Extensive 114a pastoral use; , moisture limitations for forestry

G F 4 Slight limitations of nutri·ents Eastern side of Lower Makara stony and of erosion; moderate Wairarapa Valley 1'rom loam limitations of moisture f~~ Ponatahi to Turanganui 122 pastoral use; moisture Valley. Moderate extent limitations for forestry

G F 5B As for Taihape ateeplE.nd soils ':i Turanganui and Taonui valleys, Whareama silt except that slips are liable Hiwinui and ',Vhakapuni loam to rapid gully erosion; reserves. Small extent 119 extensive conservation management of grazing is required

G F 5E As for Taihape steepland soils Makara valley and Sunnyside Hururua silt except moisture limita~ion is district. Moderate extent loam slightly more serious and 114<1 manuka invasion more vigorous

RP 6B Dry unstable slopes with severe Te Kopi district. Small Tangoio sandy limitation of moisture and extent loam erosion for prodnctive uses;best 118 retained in reserves

GFR 5A Moderate limitations of nutrients ~auriceville and along Pukeokahu silt and of moisture for productive Longbush, Huangaroa and loam grassland or forestry Ruakokoputuna valleys. 113b Moderate extent 36

Soil 5 Reference Soil Name 2 Physiographic Location Brief Description of Nutrient Status ffumberl (Soil Group) {Annual Rainfa11)3 Soil Profi1e4 (SB Sample No.) 114bS Turakina steepland soils Steep papa slopes with 8-10 cm greyish brown P low (Steepland soils, from many slip scars; granular clay loam, (1105A/B) siltstone> related to yellow­ moderately well drained .Q.!! pale brown to greyish brown earths) (1140-1520 mm) yellow nut clay loam; faint grey mottles, QY2!' bluish grey siltstone.

124bS Mikimiki steepland soils Steep and very steep 18-25 cm brown stony silt P, Ca, ~moderate

(Steepland soils1 from 15reywacke slopes of loam, to high greywacke,related to weakly western ranges bordering Q!! yellowish brown stony (5896A/B) leached yellow-brown earths) northern end of plains; silt loam, altitude 180 to 550 m; grading into massive well drained greywacke, below so:...70 cm. ( 1520-20?0 mm)

1233 Tawai steepland soils Steep and very steep B-10 cm dark brown stony P Ca Klow

(Steepland soils 1 from greywacke slopes of sandy loam, (5754A/B) weathered greywacke, related western ranges bovdering ..Q1! brown to to strongly leached yellow­ southern end of Pl,ains; reddish yellow stony brown earths) altitude 150 to 3?0 m; sandy loam, imperfectly drained grading into greywacke (1520-2030 mm) rock~ below 40 cm.

124~:; Ruahine steepland soils Steep and very steep 8-10 cm brown stony silt P, Ca, K low (Steepland soils, from greywacke slopes of loam, (5?5?A/B) greywacke related to strongly valleys of Tararua and Qn. 1 brownish yellow stony leached yellow-brown earths) Rimutaka Ranges; heavy silt loam, altitude 300-?60 m; mod. grading into greywacke well drained rock, below 40 cm. (2000-3800 mm)

T Tararua mountain soils Steep and moderately On steep slopes: 10-15 cm P, Ca, K v. low

(Steepland soils1 from grey­ steep greywacke slopes brown stony sandy loam, (5565 A/C) wacke1 related to subalpip.e of Tararua and Rimutaka grading into massive gley soils) Ranges above altitude of greywacke. ~ssociated ?60 m profiles on moderately ( 251i.o-5oao mm) steep slopes have grey, orange and brown mottled subsoils with thin reddish brown ironpans. 37

Soil limitations Land Use for Potential Notes on Uses and 6 Occurrence and Extent Soi 1 Set Harne Suitabi 11ty Pastoral Use7 limita;tions of Soils {Soil Set Number> 1 GF 3light limitations of nutrients Upper end of valleys east Tura.kina silt and of soft unstable surface of Longbush. Moderate loam fo~ productive grassland or extent 114b forestry

G F Slight limit~tions of scree Western foothills from rtt Bruce Pahaoa silt loam erosion under,grazing, and of to Dalefield. Extensive 124b shallow soil and steep slopes for forestry

FF 6A Severe limitations of nutrients, Western foothills from Dalefield Rimuta~a stony sheet erosion for coastal to Palliser Bay. Extensive loam grassland or forestry use 123

F p 6.A. Severe limitations of nutrients, V/eatern ranges below 760 m; Ruahine stony sheet erosion, and heavy Mt Bruce to Fallis er Bay, Very silt loelti rainfall for productive extensive 124 grossland; steep slope limitation to forestry

6B Severe limitations of nutrients, Western ranges above ?6C m. J::ountain soils rapid erosion, and subalpine Extensive climate for productive use. Best retained in native vegetation for conservation of water and for recreation reserves