Soil forms the literal foundation of the agricultural industry. As a bio-physical property as well as social construct, soil quality can be approached, analysed and understood from multiple directions. This study investigates soil quality, how it is described, which key indicators are used, monitoring methods and ways in which soil knowledge is gained through the experiences of 8 Maori pastoral farmers located in the southern South Island of New Zealand.

Autorentext

The opportunity to study indigenous understandings of soil health arose after several years overseas working in the development sector. Subsequent work has been based in New Zealand and focuses on bridging the gap between science and the public, in particular with farmers and community wetland restoration practitioners.