Vast Extent Of Soil Erosion In S. Island

Northern Advocate, 7 October 1941, Page 3

Vast Extent Of Soil Erosion In S. Island

[Per Press Association.—Copyright] CHRISTCHURCH, This Day. The Minister for Scientific and Industrial Research (Mr. Sullivan) yesterday made reference to the extensive soil erosion survey carried out by the soil survey division of his Department during the past six months. The survey covers an area of 8,500,000 acres of high run-hold counfry, extending from Queenstown in the south to the head of the Awatere River, Marlborough, in the north. The incidence and severity of accelerated soil erosion in this large area of country has been carefully surveyed. The survey has shown that of the total area covered, soil is being lost by accelerated erosion on 4.600,000 acres. Included in the remainder is 2,100,000 acres of shingle slides in very elevated country which have probably always existed. This leaves only 1.800,000 acres which are free from erosion. Valuable Surveys “The results obtained from the survey,” said the Minister, "and from other similar surveys, will be of the greatest value in the study cf the soil erosion problem in New Zealand and in framing measures to prevent and control, as far as possible, accelerated soil erosion, which is already making very serious inroads on the Dominion's soil resources that are its greatest national asset.”