Damon Mcknight
Australia and New Zealand have diverse soil types, with 15 main soil types in New Zealand and a great variety of soils in Australia. Australian soils are considered among the oldest soils on Earth, with the minor effect of the last glaciations on their soils. The soil in New Zealand is predominantly acidic, with large amounts of organic matter, while Australian soils are also acidic, but nutrient-depleted, with unique microbial communities.
| Characteristics | Australia | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Soil Age | Australian soils are among the oldest soils on Earth. | Age is the factor that controls all other soil characteristics in New Zealand. |
| Climate | Hot and dry summers, with annual precipitation varying between 8 to 40 inches. | N/A |
| Soil Composition | Mineral or skeletal soils with little to no organic content; alkaline soils with gypsum or lime; salt-enriched brown soils; red soils; black earths; podzols; vertosols; ferrosols; calcarosols. | Predominantly acidic soils with relatively large amounts of organic matter; brown soils; pallic soils; podzol soils; semi-arid soils; recent soils; anthropic soils. |
| Soil Diversity | A great diversity of soils is found in Australia. | There are 15 main types of soil (soil orders) and 1,914 subdivisions (soil series). |
| Soil Degradation | Soil degradation is a significant issue in Australia, affecting a large portion of cropland and pasture. | N/A |
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![Comparison of Methods for Mechanical Analysis of Soils 1915 [Leather Bound]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/617DLHXyzlL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
Australian soils are among the oldest on Earth
Australia is known for its diverse landscapes, from the arid Outback to the lush rainforests, and its soils are among the oldest on Earth. The age of Australian soils is a result of the country's long geological history, which has shaped the unique characteristics of its land.
The Australian continent has a complex geological story that dates back over billions of years. The ancient soils of Australia have been influenced by various geological processes, including tectonic activity, volcanic eruptions, and climate changes. Over millennia, these forces have shaped and reshaped the land, contributing to the formation of its distinctive soil profiles.
One of the key factors contributing to the age of Australian soils is the country's geological stability. Australia is relatively stable compared to other regions, experiencing fewer significant geological events such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in recent times. This stability has allowed its soils to develop and mature over vast periods, undisturbed by major disruptions.
The diversity of Australian soils is another notable aspect. The continent boasts a wide range of soil types, from highly fertile alluvial soils along river systems to ancient, weathered soils in arid regions. This variety is a result of Australia's diverse landscapes and varying climatic conditions across the continent. The country's vast expanse encompasses tropical rainforests, arid deserts, and temperate coastal regions, each contributing to the unique soil profiles found within their respective ecosystems.
The ancient soils of Australia have played a crucial role in shaping the country's ecology and biodiversity. Many native plant species have adapted to these aged soils, developing deep root systems to access water and nutrients. Additionally, the unique soil characteristics have influenced the distribution and behaviour of animal species, including the iconic marsupials and a diverse array of insects and reptiles.
While Australia's soils are ancient, they are not without their challenges. The age of these soils, combined with human activities, has led to issues such as soil degradation and erosion. Intensive land use, particularly in agricultural regions, has accelerated these problems, impacting the environment and the country's economy. Conservation efforts and sustainable land management practices are vital to preserving these ancient soils and the delicate ecosystems they support.
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New Zealand has a wide diversity of soils
The New Zealand Soil Classification (NZSC) is the current system used to name and classify soils across the country. The 15 soil orders are groups of soils, each with a similar appearance, formation, or behaviour. The soil orders are based on factors such as differing rocks, climate (especially rainfall), vegetation, groundwater, topography, and age.
The most common types of soil in New Zealand are Brown, Pallic, Podzol, and Semi-arid soils, which together cover more than 69% of the country. Allophanic soils cover 5% of the country and are predominantly made up of volcanic ash. Pumice soils cover 7% of New Zealand and are used in commercial forestry. Recent soils cover 6% of the country, and are fertile and allow plant roots to penetrate deeply.
New Zealand soils are often deeply weathered, lacking in nutrients, and highly variable. They are also predominantly acidic, which is likely due to the relatively low levels of natural lime present. This acidity is neutralised for farming by adding lime and nutrients as fertiliser.
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Australian soils are acidic and nutrient-depleted
Australia's soils are widely regarded as nutrient-poor or infertile, and unsuitable for farming. They are also highly acidic. This is due to several factors. Firstly, the continent was largely untouched by the last ice age, so its soils have been slowly weathering and eroding for a very long time. This weathering has dissolved and washed away many nutrients, leaving the soil depleted of nutrients such as phosphorus, calcium, and potassium.
Secondly, certain land management practices introduced since European settlement have further degraded soil health. For example, historical agricultural practices have resulted in poor organic matter content, and the widespread clearing of land for agriculture has led to dryland salinity, which affects not only agricultural regions but also wetlands, river systems, and urban environments. Salinity occurs when land clearing or irrigation causes the water table to rise, bringing salt with it. This salt changes the ratios of the different dissolved ions in water available to plants, affecting their ability to absorb nutrients.
Australian soils also often exhibit phosphorus deficiency due to their highly weathered and acidic nature, which can bind phosphorus and make it unavailable to plants. Erosion and heavy rainfall further deplete phosphorus levels. Nitrogen deficiency is also common in many Australian soils due to leaching caused by heavy rainfall, as well as poor organic matter content resulting from historical agricultural practices.
To address these nutrient deficiencies and improve soil health, Australian farmers can implement crop rotation strategies, use slow-release fertilizers, or adopt methods like green manuring. Technologies such as GPS-guided tractors and drone monitoring can also help farmers apply inputs more efficiently and accurately based on specific field conditions. By addressing these deficiencies, Australia can enhance its agricultural productivity while safeguarding its natural resources for future generations.
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New Zealand soils are predominantly acidic
New Zealand has a wide diversity of soils for a small country. There are 15 main types of soil (soil orders) and 1,914 subdivisions of soil orders (soil series). The country's soils are often lacking in nutrients and highly variable over short distances.
The acidity of the soil is measured on the pH scale. Soil with a pH of 4.8–5.2 is strongly acidic and likely to restrict plant growth, whereas a pH of 6.6–7.5 is neutral. The optimum pH for pasture growth is 5.8–6. To make the soil more alkaline, lime is applied.
Brown soils, which cover 43% of New Zealand, are acidic due to the relatively wet climate, which causes leaching of nutrients. These soils are used for sheep, beef, and dairy farming. Podzolised soils, which cover 13% of New Zealand, are also highly acidic and have low fertility. Pallic soils, covering 12% of the country, are dry for part of the growing season and have limited uses due to their dense subsoil.
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Australian soils have a lower soil P and pH
Australia and New Zealand are both relatively young countries with unique environments and histories. However, Australian soils are considered to be extremely ancient, with their origins in the late Cainozoic period (10-20 million years ago). In contrast, New Zealand's soils are predominantly acidic, which may be due to the relatively little natural lime present.
Australian soils have a number of distinctive characteristics, including their lower soil P and pH levels. This is partly due to the minor effect of the last glaciations on their soils. Long-term studies have shown that older soils tend to have extremely low levels of P. This is also true of drylands, as evidenced by studies in the western United States. Phosphorus is mainly derived from subsoil and P-rich parent material, but it can also be deposited through low-distance aeolian deposition.
Australian soils also have a unique microbial community composition and diversity, with more Proteobacteria and fewer Basidiomycota than global dryland soils. These differences can have an impact on plant productivity and carbon stocks, so they need to be considered when managing dryland soils.
Soil pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the soil, and it affects the amount of nutrients and chemicals that are soluble in soil water and, therefore, available to plants. Soils tend to become more acidic over time due to various factors, including climate, vegetation, and time. Agricultural activities can also accelerate the acidification process. For example, fertilisers such as crushed sulfur and some ammonium-based nitrogen fertilisers can lower the pH of the soil, making it more acidic.
In contrast, adding lime or dolomite can increase the pH of acidic soils, making them more alkaline. This is often done to improve plant growth, as strongly acidic soils (less than 5.5 pH) can negatively impact plant growth. However, the amount of lime or dolomite required varies depending on the type of soil. Soils with high organic matter and clay content will be more resistant to changes in pH and will require larger application rates.
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Frequently asked questions
Australian soils are among the oldest on Earth. This is due to the minor impact of the last glaciations on their soils.
Australian soils are generally older and have been exposed to constant weathering. They are well-represented in areas of seasonal rainfall. Black earths, brown soils, and red-brown earths are the most common soils in these areas. Australian soils are also highly acidic and nutrient-depleted.
There is a great diversity of soil in Australia. Some common types include Red Chromosols, Vertosols, Calcarosols, and Ferrosols.
New Zealand has a wide diversity of soils with 15 main types of soil (soil orders) and 1,914 subdivisions (soil series). The soil in New Zealand is predominantly acidic and has relatively large amounts of organic matter.
