Whenua me te oneone Land and soil

In the Waikato region, pastoral farming and exotic forestry are the main productive land uses.

See the latest soil moisture levels across our regional monitoring sites.

Find out about the distinctive features, land uses and related issues in topographical areas throughout the Waikato.

This map shows the main land uses in the Waikato region.

This map shows stock density in the Waikato region.

Healthy, well managed soil is vital to the Waikato region’s economy. We have many different soils and it’s important we use them wisely.

It’s important to know the limitations of your land and its soil, and what uses it is capable of supporting

Managing nutrients carefully can save you money and improve farm decision-making.

Keeping stock out of waterway margins and wet areas such as drains, seeps and wetlands reduces stock losses, improves stock management and health, and improves water quality.

When managed properly peat is a valuable, highly productive resource. Find out more about managing peatlands in the Waikato.

Disturbance and drainage of acid sulfate soils poses a risk to the environment and infrastructure unless appropriately managed. Find out what to look for and where they are found.

Erosion is a natural process, but people can greatly accelerate the rate of erosion by removing vegetation and using inappropriate land management practices.

Find out more about how pugging and compaction can affect soils.

Find out more about cultivation and its effects on soil.

Under the NES-PF, some forestry activities require notification to the regional council before the date on which the activity is planned to begin. A management plan is also required