Open AccessSTABILIZING STEEPLANDS
Author(s) -
J. T. Hogg
Publication year - 1965
Publication title -
proceedings of the new zealand grassland association
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1179-4577
pISSN - 0369-3902
DOI - 10.33584/jnzg.1965.27.1205
Subject(s) - erosion , geology , hydrology (agriculture) , square (algebra) , soil water , drainage basin , range (aeronautics) , physical geography , archaeology , geomorphology , geography , soil science , geotechnical engineering , materials science , geometry , mathematics , cartography , composite material
THE interplay of seismic uplift and geological erosion upon ancient sea beds in the Rangitikei-Wanganui region has produced mudstone and sandstone hills which have been developed into pastoral lands probably as steep as may be found anywhere. Slopes of between 20 and 35" predominate but may range up to the order of 50". The soils are of medium to high natural fertility. A well distributed rainfall and a high percentage of partly cloudy days which result in relatively low evaporation rates produce an ideal grass and tree growing climate. Included in the Rangitikei Catchment Board's district which embraces the catchments of the Rangitikei, Turakina and Whangaehu rivers and totals some 2,700 square miles, is about 1,400 square miles of hill country which requires quite intensive soil conservation measures.