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Testing a soil-landscape model for dry greywacke steeplands on three mountain ranges in the South Island, New Zealand.

Introduction

Soil-landscape modelling in steeplands

A predictive soil-landscape model for steeplands with uniform geology and simple and repeating landforms has been developed by McIntosh et al. (2000). In such terrain they considered elevation and aspect, through their influence on microclimate microclimate

Climatic condition in a relatively small area, within a few feet above and below the Earth's surface and within canopies of vegetation. Microclimates are affected by such factors as temperature, humidity, wind and turbulence, dew, frost, heat balance,
, to be the main influences on soil variation. The model was developed on the Benmore Range, South Canterbury, New Zealand The New Zealand region of Canterbury (Māori: Waitaha) is mainly composed of the Canterbury Plains and the surrounding mountains. Its main city, Christchurch, hosts the main office of the Christchurch City Council, the Canterbury Regional . It predicted soil properties on major landscape units identifiable at the 1 : 50 000 scale. These are the management units for which land-use decisions are made on this type of rangeland.

The aim of this study was to test the accuracy of this model and subsequently developed GIS-interpolation techniques for predicting soil properties at randomly selected sites in 3 areas having similar landforms and geology: (1) on the Benmore Range, (2) on parts of the adjacent Kirkliston Range, and (3) parts of a similar mountain range on Molesworth Station Molesworth Station is New Zealand's largest farm, at over 1,800 km², and supports the country's biggest herd of cattle.

The land is owned by the Crown and is leased for farming.
, 250 km distant in the South Island, New Zealand New Zealand (zē`lənd), island country (2005 est. pop. 4,035,000), 104,454 sq mi (270,534 sq km), in the S Pacific Ocean, over 1,000 mi (1,600 km) SE of Australia. The capital is Wellington; the largest city and leading port is Auckland. .

A number of authors, e.g. Skidmore et al. (1991, 1996), Moore et al. (1993), and McKenzie and Ryan (1999), have used the relationships of geology, landform land·form  
n.
One of the features that make up the earth's surface, such as a plain, mountain, or valley.



landform  

A recognizable, naturally formed feature on the Earth's surface.
, vegetation, and climate characteristics to soils, determined in typical areas, as `indicators' of soil map units and/or soil properties present in broadly similar landscapes elsewhere with varying success. Between 40 and 80% of the sample variance of 3 soil properties was explained by variation in landform, climate, and recently available airborne gamma radiometric data for their model projection area by McKenzie and Ryan (1999). McIntosh et al. (2000) postulated that in the dry greywacke Greywacke (German grauwacke, signifying a grey, earthy rock) is a variety of sandstone generally characterized by its hardness, dark color, and poorly-sorted, angular grains of quartz, feldspar, and small rock fragments set in a compact, clay-fine matrix.  steeplands, the prediction of soil distribution at the required scale (1 : 50 000) from traditional indicators was not useful in this geologically uniform area because the dominant ridge and valley landforms provide little indication of the soils on them; and the tussock, Hieracium, and scrub vegetation pattern (Newsome 1987) is largely the result of burning and grazing, and does not reflect soil patterns.

The results of traditional soil survey and mapping in a particular area are difficult to extrapolate extrapolate - extrapolation  to another because individual pedologists may relate soil properties to landscape features (e.g. aspect and elevation) in different ways. Hudson (1992) promoted the publication of soil-landscape models, noting the limited value of soil map units for information transfer. In these steeplands, individual soil properties can have a large variance, making soil map units unsuitable for predicting single soil-factor values. Soil trends tend to be gradual (McIntosh et al. 1981; McIntosh and Hunter 1997; McIntosh et al. 2000); therefore, a mathematical consideration of trends of individual soil properties is likely to be more useful for prediction than an artificial delineation of map units.

The drier greywacke soils of the South Island mountain ranges with <700 mm mean annual rainfall cover some 470 000 ha (National Water and Soil Conservation Organisation 1975-1979; Lynn 1996) (Fig. 1). These rangelands support fragile ecosystems prone to degradation by fire, overgrazing overgrazing

see overstocking.
, pests (e.g. rabbits), nutrient decline (O'Connor and Harris 1991; McIntosh 1997), and weed invasion (Hunter 1991). Current resource data available for this terrain are a national spatial soil layer (i.e. a named soil type) incorporated in the New Zealand Land Resource Inventory (NZLRI) (National Water and Soil Conservation Organisation 1975-1979), linked to the national soil database (McDonald et al. 1988) from which `typical' soil characteristics can be derived. These sources provide insufficient detail for on-site farm management or national resource studies (McIntosh and Hunter 1997; Tate et al. 1997; McIntosh et al. 1998, 2000). An understanding of the pattern of soil nutrients and properties throughout this landscape would help predict environmental risks and trends, assist farm management decisions, and identify new land-use opportunities. Variation in leaching, weathering, and organic matter stability in relation to aspect and elevation is implied by several soil studies (Cuff 1973; Tonkin 1984; McIntosh et al. 1981, 1998, 2000). Soil moisture limits both leaching and weathering at low elevations on all aspects. At middle elevations soil moisture still limits leaching and weathering on sunny (N and W) slopes exposed to the desiccating north-west winds that characterise this environment. On the leeward shady aspect (S and E) slopes at this elevation, higher soil moisture levels for longer periods promote more weathering and leaching. At higher elevations the lower soil temperatures limit weathering, and soil leaching conditions are similar on all aspects. However, at these altitudes erosion becomes an important influence on soil properties.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Materials and methods

Description of the soil-landscape model

The soil-landscape model for dry steeplands (McIntosh et al. 2000) comprises the mathematical interpolation interpolation

In mathematics, estimation of a value between two known data points. A simple example is calculating the mean (see mean, median, and mode) of two population counts made 10 years apart to estimate the population in the fifth year.
 of a trend table using as input a digital elevation model A digital map of the elevation of an area on the earth. The data are either collected by a private party or purchased from an organization such as the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) that has already undertaken the exploration of the area.  (DEM See digital elevation model. ). The trend table was established from a combination of pedological judgement and data from a structured stratified sampling program designed to `capture' the variation in soil properties as driven by elevation, aspect, and land system. Trend tables were developed for 0-7.5 cm %C, pH([H.sub.2]O), and P retention, and A-horizon total C, total N, exchangeable Ca, and A-horizon thickness. Statistical tests showed that aspect and elevation were poor predictors for exchangeable Mg and Na, stones in the A horizon, and profile depth (McIntosh et al. 2000); therefore, trend tables were not developed for these properties. Pedological judgement was used to smooth elevation trends, and to identify boundaries where properties changed sharply (Lilburne et al. 1998). A `fuzzy' boundary that spanned 20 [degrees] (i.e. 60-80 [degrees] and 240-260 [degrees]) was used to distinguish between sunny and shady aspects.

Implementation in a GIS

The distribution of dry greywacke steepland soils for which the predictive model is potentially applicable was extracted from the 1st and 2nd editions of NZLRI (National Water and Soil Conservation Organisation 1975-1979; Lynn 1996) (Fig. 1). The areas are concentrated in the Waitaki District The Waitaki district, in the Otago region of New Zealand, straddles the border with Canterbury, the traditional border of which is the Waitaki River. The district, which is agricultural by nature, comprises the wide alluvial fan of the river, and runs inland along the banks of the , North Canterbury, inland and northern Marlborough.

On the basis of rainfall and landscape character (assessed from aerial photographs and field observation), the regions were assigned to 1 of the 3 steepland land systems (Glenbrook, Glencairn, Ben Omar) as defined in McIntosh et al. (2000). Elevation and aspect layers were derived from 20 m contour data supplied by Land Information New Zealand. Each of the data layers was clipped to cover the dry steepland area of interest.

Lilburne et al. (1998) describe how triangular irregular networks (TINs) were used to interpolate the trend tables in topographic space (i.e. elevation and aspect). A TIN was generated for each land system. Maps covering all of the dry steeplands were produced for each of the 7 soil properties.

Testing spatial predictions against new data

Additional data from 3 areas were collected to test the accuracy of the spatial predictions. The location, environmental characteristics, and sampling pattern followed in the 3 test areas are summarised in Table 1.

Testing spatial predictions against NZLRI data

Predictions of the McIntosh et al. (2000) model were also tested against values predicted using NZLRI data. Lilburne et al. (1999) evaluated a number of models of A horizon %C over the Benmore Range. The simplest LRI LRI Laboratoire de Recherche en Informatique
LRI Long-range Research Initiative
LRI Legal Resource Index
LRI Leicester Royal Infirmary (hospital in Leicester, UK)
LRI Lower Respiratory Infection
 model involved the identification of units mapped on the range, their soil types, slope, and erosion severity descriptions. The mean A horizon %C value from the fundamental data layers of the regional soil legends (Barringer et al. 1998) was modified for the impact of percentage of bare ground and erosion as follows. Up to 20% bare ground was taken as `normal' in this environment and the regional legend A horizon %C value was adopted for those units with erosion severity of 2 (<20% bare ground) or less. For those units with erosion severity 3 (21-40% bare ground), 4 (41-60% bare ground), or 5 (>61% bare ground), 70, 50, and 20% of the adopted value was taken, respectively. Where bare rock was recorded in the soil field, the erosion severity was increased by 1 severity unit. Fig. 1a shows the distribution of A horizon %C using the LRI model.

Sampling pattern and procedure

On the Benmore Range, profiles were sampled by horizon at 25 randomly selected sites on a range of aspects at elevations between 476 and 1525 m. Sites were randomly selected using a GIS function but some were rejected due to difficult access. An additional 16 sites were sampled using the structured stratified sampling pattern (McIntosh et al. 2000), but only on I slope position, using a reduced set of land system-aspect-elevation combinations.

On the Kirkliston Range, we replicated the original structured stratified sampling pattern but again sampled only 1 slope position. Profiles were sampled by horizon on upper to middle backslopes on 4 aspects approximating magnetic N, S, E, and W, at low, medium, and high elevations (c. 650 m, 950 m, and 1260 m), on 2 major spurs. Only medium and high elevation sites were sampled at 3 locations on Molesworth as the valley floors are above 700 m. The positions of all sites were fixed by GPS.

Sampling was undertaken in spring when soils were moist. Profiles were described and all horizons sampled. Twenty bulked 0-7.5 cm samples were also taken at each site, using a 2.54-cm-diameter soil corer.

Analytical procedures and methods

Weight per unit volume of the <2 mm fraction of the A horizon was calculated by oven-drying a sample of known volume at 110 [degrees] C, and estimating stone content in the field. The soil properties measured were A-horizon pH([H.sub.2]O), total C, total N, P retention, exchangeable Ca, Mg, K, Na, A horizon thickness, stone content, and field moisture content. Samples from 0-7.5 cm were analysed for the same chemical soil properties and also for pH(Ca[Cl.sub.2]). Subsoil subsoil

Layer (stratum) of earth immediately below the surface soil, consisting predominantly of minerals and leached materials such as iron and aluminum compounds. Humus remains and clay accumulate in subsoil, but the teeming macroscopic and microscopic organisms that make
 horizons were analysed for P retention and pH([H.sub.2]O). Soil analyses were by the methods of Blakemore et al. (1987): pH([H.sub.2]O) (method 2A), total C (Leco FP2000), total N (Leco FP2000), P retention (method 5G), exchangeable Ca, Mg, K, Na (method 6A1), and pH(Ca[Cl.sub.2]) (method 2B).

Analysis of model performance

Predictions based on the McIntosh et al. (2000) model were tested against actual observations at the test sites on the 3 ranges. There are a number of measures of the differences between measured data and predicted data. Root mean square error (RMSE) is a conservative measure of error that is often used, although it is sensitive to outliers. Mean absolute error (MAE (1) (Metropolitan Area Exchange) Originally known as Metropolitan Area Ethernets, MAEs are junction points on the Internet where data is exchanged between carriers. See IXP and NAP. ) indicates the magnitude of the average error. Mean error (ME) estimates the bias, i.e. underestimating or overestimating. Graphs of measured versus predicted, and box plots or histograms of the differences, are also useful for detecting spatial or environmental patterns in model performance (Willmott 1984). All these methods were used. The scale problem of the support of the sampled sites being different from the support of the DEM (100 m) was avoided by using values for aspect and elevation collected in the field (by compass and GPS). This also avoided DEM error affecting predictions (Lilburne et al. 1999).

Results

Comparison of predicted with sampled values

Graphs of measured versus predicted values for 0-7.5 cm %C, pH, and P retention, and A-horizon total C, total N, exchangeable Ca, and A-horizon thickness were plotted. At the 3 test sites the model was most accurate at predicting 0-7.5 cm pH, and least accurate at predicting A-horizon exchangeable Ca (Fig. 2). Graphs of measured versus predicted values also identified the presence of outliers. Outlier sites were not unexpected although every effort was made to sample only stable planar slopes when the stratified sampling pattern was followed. Such criteria could not be followed for random sites. Persistent outliers were present in both the stratified stratified /strat·i·fied/ (strat´i-fid) formed or arranged in layers.

strat·i·fied
adj.
Arranged in the form of layers or strata.
 and random samples.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

In box plots for the 3 test locations (Fig. 3) the y-axis represents the errors or residuals of the predictions--a positive error indicates underprediction by the model. Each box plot shows the bias, and the magnitude and variability of the error. The model performed best on the Benmore Range but did not consistently perform better at either of the other test locations, and no consistent trends were evident. Prediction error measures (ME and MAE) for the modelled attributes are shown in Table 2.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The model gave a slight overestimation of the 0-7.5 cm %C on the Benmore Range, and an underestimation on the Kirkliston Range and on Molesworth Station, where the biggest error was evident. The mean error of the 0-7.5 cm pH had a neutral bias on the Kirkliston Range but was slightly overestimated on Molesworth Station and underestimated on the Benmore Range. On the Benmore Range, 0-7.5 cm P retention was most accurately predicted even though large outliers were evident in the sample. On both Molesworth Station and the Kirkliston Range 0-7.5 cm P retention was overestimated. A-horizon C values were overestimated on the Kirkliston Range, and underestimated on the Benmore Range, and even more so on Molesworth Station, as was A-horizon N. A-horizon exchangeable Ca was underestimated on both Molesworth Station and the Benmore Range, with extreme outliers evident on the Kirkliston Range, indicating that variation in parent material Ca composition was poorly modelled. A-horizon thickness was slightly underestimated on Molesworth Station and the Benmore Range, and overestimated on the Kirkliston Range.

The mean absolute error (Table 2) for 0-7.5 cm %C, pH, A-horizon total C, and total N increased with distance from the model establishment area, i.e. MAE for Benmore Range < Kirkliston Range < Molesworth Station. For 0-7.5 cm, P retention and A-horizon thickness MAE is similar for both Molesworth Station and the Benmore Range, and greater on the Kirkliston Range.

No consistent patterns were evident in plots of RMSE with respect to aspect or elevation, indicating that there are no systematic errors in the model at the 3 test sites due to aspect and/or elevation. The efficiency of a model is analogous to the coefficient of determination Coefficient of determination

A measure of the goodness of fit of the relationship between the dependent and independent variables in a regression analysis; for instance, the percentage of variation in the return of an asset explained by the market portfolio return. Also known as R-square.
 derived in a linear regression Linear regression

A statistical technique for fitting a straight line to a set of data points.
 analysis (i.e. [R.sup.2]) (Nash and Sutcliffe 1970). Calculating model efficiency indicates that up to 45% of the variability of 0-7.5 cm pH is explained by the model, with less for the other attributes.

Comparison of A horizon %C distribution from existing LRI and modelled data

Figure 1 (a and b) shows the distribution of the A-horizon %C generated from the LRI model and the interpolation of the trend table and the DEM for the Benmore Range. The RMSE of the 2 maps at 38 test sites and the percentage correctly classified into 3 categories (0-2, 2-4, 4+) of %C were 1.6, 44.7%, and 1.09, 50.0% for the LRI and trend table DEM models, respectively. Thus the model is useful for identifying land with environmental risk associated with low soil organic matter.

Discussion

Although model efficiency is not high, it is comparable to that of McKenzie and Ryan (1999) which includes airborne gamma radiometric data and more terrain attributes. While the model is based on 3 input factors only (aspect, elevation, and land system), a number of other factors are known to influence variability of the soil properties of interest.

Geomorphic ge·o·mor·phic  
adj.
Of or resembling the earth or its shape or surface configuration.
 activity. The high tempo of geomorphic activity in this environment is evidenced by the presence of steep slopes, high uplift rates, the predominance of coarse colluvium col·lu·vi·um  
n. pl. col·lu·vi·ums or col·lu·vi·a
A loose deposit of rock debris accumulated through the action of gravity at the base of a cliff or slope.
, abundant visual evidence of surficial sur·fi·cial  
adj.
Of, relating to, or occurring on or near the surface of the earth.



[surf(ace) + (superf)icial.]

Adj. 1.
 erosion and deposition, and the presence of buried soils and truncated profiles. Up to 40% non-vegetated bare ground and broken surficial rock or stone pavement and the presence of thin veneers of freshly deposited fine slope-wash material are common on many slopes. Over-thickened A horizons are also a feature, especially at high and middle elevations on E and S aspects. This source of variability could not be included in the model. Satellite imagery Satellite imagery consists of photographs of Earth or other planets made from artificial satellites. History
The first satellite photographs of Earth were made August 14, 1959 by the US satellite Explorer 6.
 was investigated as a potential source of spatial input but it was not of sufficient detail to discriminate bare rock, scree, and eroded slopes in this steep terrain.

Parent material composition. Although the predominantly greywacke sandstone and argillite ar·gil·lite  
n.
A metamorphic rock, intermediate between shale and slate, that does not possess true slaty cleavage.



[Latin argilla, argil; see argil + -ite1.
 rocks of the `greywacke steeplands' are generally regarded as uniform, their composition does vary (Dickinson 1971), but remains largely unmapped. Rare conglomerate and limestone bands, thin beds of basic tuff, and small lenses of black limestone are present (Lensen 1962; Mutch n. 1. The close linen or muslin cap of an old woman.  1963; Gair 1967). Differential loess fallout and retention on slopes is another source of variation that was not included in the model.

Management history and vegetation change. The management history of these rangelands over the last 160 years is complex, with major vegetation changes induced by fire and grazing by both domestic stock and pests (O'Connor and Harris 1991; Mark 1992, 1994; Hughes et al. 1995). Overgrazing, plagues of rabbits, and erosion resulted in the properties now amalgamated a·mal·ga·mate  
v. a·mal·ga·mat·ed, a·mal·ga·mat·ing, a·mal·ga·mates

v.tr.
1. To combine into a unified or integrated whole; unite. See Synonyms at mix.

2.
 into Molesworth Station being abandoned and reverting to the Crown in the 1930s and 1940s (McCaskill 1969). Although rabbit numbers have been largely under control since the mid-1950s, and sheep have been replaced by cattle, vegetation recovery has been minimal (Moore 1976), and scrub and weed invasion significant (Stevens and Hughes 1973; Hunter 1991). No comprehensive data exist, at an appropriate scale, of past fire or grazing history for the majority of blocks.

Small-scale variation. Short-range variabilities related to detailed landform character and vegetation (Lilburne et al. 1998; Hewitt and Lilburne 1999), and plant species or associations of species (McIntosh and Allen 1993), were not addressed in this or the primary study (McIntosh et al. 2000), as land-use decisions are made on large blocks.

The surface incorporation of `fresh' slope material or loess would increase expected topsoil pH, decrease expected %P retention values, and dilute topsoil %C and C and N t/ha values. Conversely, the incorporation of pre-weathered materials at the surface, or the development of an A horizon on exposed pre-weathered materials, would be expected to lower topsoil pH, increase %P retention values, and also lower expected topsoil %C and C and N t/ha values. McIntosh and Allen (1993) found that pH was significantly lower and organic C values were significantly higher within Hieracium patches than in the adjacent soil, but found no significant difference in total N. There is a high turnover of rosettes within Hieracium populations as the rosettes are monocarpic (Makepeace 1985). As Hieracium cover has increased significantly over the last 50 years (Anon. 1976; Hunter 1991), variability from this source is expected to be large. McIntosh's (1997) review of work on nutrient changes accompanying botanical changes in the unfertilised Adj. 1. unfertilised - not having been fertilized; "an unfertilized egg"
unfertilized, unimpregnated

infertile, sterile, unfertile - incapable of reproducing; "an infertile couple"
 South Island tussock grasslands shows a net decline in nutrients in biomass and soils under grazing, or grazing with burning, and measured maximum losses of up to 27 kg N/ha.year. The maldistribution of animal returns in the landscape is also a significant source of soil nutrient variability (Thorrold et al. 1985; Haynes and Williams 1993). The poor prediction of A-horizon exchangeable Ca most likely reflects unmapped variability in parent material composition.

Practical use of the modelled data

Environmental risk identification

The environmental risks associated with low levels of soil organic matter in the South Island high country have been reviewed by Hewitt and McIntosh (1996). They concluded that `total carbon of less than about 2.5% in the topsoil indicates that the soil is in poor condition'. Hewitt and Lilburne (1999) used a 4-fold classification of 0-7.5 cm C: 0-1.9% (very poor soil quality), 2.0-2.5% (marginal soil quality, at risk of decline), 2.6-4.0% (adequate soil quality), and >4.0% (high soil quality) as indicative of soil health on a study site on the Benmore Range. Adopting a simplified 3-fold classification--0-2% (poor), 2-3% (marginal), and >3% (adequate) of 0-7.5 cm carbon--59% of sites in the dry greywacke steeplands are correctly classified by the model; 39% of sites were classified in the adjacent class, and 9% in 2 classes removed. Some 94 000 ha are identified as having poor, and 187 500 ha as having marginal, 0-7.5 cm C values, i.e. 60% of the drier greywacke steeplands have marginal or poor 0-7.5 cm C values. Maps of such terrain are readily generated from the GIS.

Land management

Sound land management decisions can be made based on the enhanced knowledge of soil nutrient distribution resulting from the predictive modelling. The identification of sites with more favourable conditions for plant growth and response to applied seed and fertiliser can improve resource utilisation, and assist with species selection. For example, those sites below 1100 m with a 0-7.5 cm pH value of>5.5 and a P retention of <30% are recognised as being suitable for development by oversowing with clovers and topdressing, provided they retain adequate soil moisture (Floate 1992). For 0-7.5 cm pH and P retention, 79% and 70% of sites with the above characteristics, respectively, were correctly predicted. Of the 215 000 ha predicted to have potential for oversowing and topdressing with clovers, 65 000 ha have marginal 0-7.5 cm C values (2-3%) and a pH of 6.0-6.5, and 13 000 ha have 0-7.5 cm C values >3%. Of the soils with pH of 5.5-6.0, 61 000 ha have marginal 0-7.5 cm C values and 76 000 ha are predicted to have 0-7.5 cm C values >3%. Maps of each category of land can be generated from the GIS (e.g. Fig. 4--land suitable for development by oversowing and topdressing).

Improved resource inventories

Refined estimates of the carbon contained in the A horizons of the Benmore Range (0.93 million tonnes) confirms McIntosh et al.'s (1998) preliminary calculation of approximately 1 million tonnes. This value is about one-third of that calculated from previously available information using the NZLRI coverage and the national soils database (Tate et al. 1997, as discussed by McIntosh et al. 1998). A-horizon C for the dry greywacke steeplands for which the model is applicable is calculated to be some 18.6 million tonnes as against 43.1 million tonnes using the previously available information. Thus, the type of modelling outlined here has the potential to greatly improve the reliability of national resource inventories by incorporating variability driven by elevation and aspect, and pedological judgement.

Conclusions

Considering the harsh environmental conditions that operate in these dry greywacke steeplands, parent material variability, management history, and the history of vegetation change not directly included in the model, the model's performance was considered adequate. For example, it explained up to 45% of the variability for 0-7.5 cm pH. The model did not consistently perform better at any one of the test locations, and no consistent patterns were evident. The mean absolute error increased with distance from the model establishment area, for 0-7.5 cm %C, pH, and A-horizon total C and total N.

Predictions were most accurate for properties based on one laboratory measurement (e.g. 0-7.5 cm pH, %C, P retention). For derived values, based on several measurements (e.g. nutrient amounts in units of kg/ha), predictions are less accurate probably because of the cumulative effects of errors from field measurement and variability.

The mathematical model discussed greatly improves predictions of soil properties compared with a previous system based oil map units and a linked soils database. For example, the total dry greywacke steepland area of the South Island is estimated to contain 18.6 million tonnes of A-horizon C, rather than 43.1 million tonnes predicted by earlier models. The model can also be used to predict areas of environmental risk (e.g. areas of depleted topsoil organic matter) and areas that are in principle suitable for pasture improvement by oversowing and topdressing.
Table 1. Location and environmental characteristics of the three test
areas

                        Benmore Range           Kirkliston Range

Location                Waitaki District (A)    15 km distant from
                                                  Benmore Range
Latitude                c. 44 [degrees] 30'S    c. 44 [degrees] 30'S
Elevation range         400-1800 m              400-1900 m
Uplift rates            0.4 mm/year             0.4 mm/year
  (Wellman 1979;
  Williams 1991)
Bedrock                 Predominantly grey-     Predominantly grey-
                          wacke and argillite     wacke and argillite
                          (Mutch 1963; Gair       (Gair 1967)
                          1967)
Soil parent material    Colluvium and loess     Colluvium and loess
Nearest Met. Station    Tara Hills 488 m        Tara Hills 488 m
  and elevation (NZ
  Met. Service 1984)
Rainfall at Met.        528 mm (B), evenly      528 mm (B), evenly
  Station                 spread throughout       spread throughout
                          year                    year
Mean air temperature    9.3 [degrees] C (1.5    9.3 [degrees] C (1.5
  at Met. Station         [degrees] C July;       [degrees] C July;
                          15.9 [degrees] C        15.9 [degrees] C
                          January)                January)
Vegetation              Tussock grassland,      Tussock grassland,
                          Hieracium, scrub       Hieracium, scrub
Land system (McIntosh   Glenbrook, Glencairn,   Glencairn
  et al. 2000)            Ben Omar
Test sampling pattern   Random & stratified     Stratified sampling
                          sites within the        pattern (2 major
                          model development       ridges) (n = 24)
                          area (n = 41)

                        Molesworth Station

Location                Bonnington and Inland
                          Kaikoura Ranges 250 km
                          distant
Latitude                c. 42 [degrees] 15'S
Elevation range         700-1800 m
Uplift rates            2.0 mm/year
  (Wellman 1979;
  Williams 1991)
Bedrock                 Predominantly graded
                          bedded greywacke and
                          argillite (Lensen 1962)
Soil parent material    Colluvium and loess
Nearest Met. Station    Molesworth Station 669 m
  and elevation (NZ
  Met. Service 1984)
Rainfall at Met.        669 mm (B), evenly spread
  Station                 throughout year
Mean air temperature    8.1 [degrees] C (1.5
  at Met. Station         [degrees] C July;
                          14.0 [degrees] C
                          January)
Vegetation              Tussock grassland,
                          Hieracium, scrub
Land system (McIntosh   Glenbrook
  et al. 2000)
Test sampling pattern   Stratified sampling pattern,
                          3 locations for coverage
                          (n = 16)

(A) Range on which the McIntosh et al. (2000) model was developed.

(B) Rainfall increases with elevation to values above those stated.
Table 2. Mean error (ME) and mean absolute error (MAE) for modelled
parameters

Location                    0-75 cm              A horizon

                    %C     pH        % P         C         N
                                  retention   (t/tha)   (t/tha)

Benmore      ME    -0.2    0.03      -1.1        4.1      0.4
  Range      MAE    0.9    0.2        8.0       16.4      1.2
Kirkliston   ME     0.4    0.0      -12.8      -12.6     -0.8
  Range      MAE    1.0    0.3       12.8       22.1      1.3
Molesworth   ME     0.7   -0.03      -8.0        9.2      0.7
  Station    MAE    1.6    0.3        8.0       23.7      1.6

Location                A horizon

                   Exch. Ca   Thickness
                    (kg/ha)     (cm)

Benmore      ME       319        2.1
  Range      MAE      601        5.6
Kirkliston   ME      19.6       -7.0
  Range      MAE      786        7.6
Molesworth   ME       301        1.6
  Station    MAE      542        5.0


Acknowledgments

We thank the farmers of the Benmore Range, Black Forest, Haldon and Molesworth stations for allowing us access for the survey; K. Giddens for the soil analyses; H. Wallace for soil preparation and technical help; M. Kingbury for field assistance; T. Savage for preparing the maps; Dr A. E. Hewitt and M. McLeod, and the anonymous referees for commenting on the manuscript. This research was supported by the New Zealand Foundation for Research, Science and Technology, Contract CO9626.

References

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A closely linked series, especially of excerpted writings or commentaries.



[Latin cat
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Manuscript received 12 April 2001, accepted 24 August 2001

I. H. Lynn (A)(C), L. R. Lilburne (A), and P. D. McIntosh (B)

(A) Landcare Research, Lincoln, Canterbury, New Zealand.

(B) Forest Practices Board, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.

(C) Corresponding author; email: lynni@landcare.cri.nz
COPYRIGHT 2002 CSIRO Publishing
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Author:Lynn, I.H.; Lilburne, L.R.; McIntosh, P.D.
Publication:Australian Journal of Soil Research
Article Type:Statistical Data Included
Geographic Code:8NEWZ
Date:Mar 1, 2002
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