Some physical properties of various New Zealand soils

Content Partner: Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research. Between 1970 and 1983, approximately three hundred and twenty 153 mm (6 inch) diameter and forty 76 mm (3 inch) diameter undisturbed core samples were taken, mainly in the southern half of North Island, New Zealand. On some occasions, penetration resistance measurements were made adjacent to the core sampling site. Wet bulk density and water content were measured on the cores, and results were processed to give relationships of dry density and water content against depth. Descriptions of cores, noting characteristics such as texture, consistence, and colour were made. This report indicates the methods used, presents core descriptions, and includes plots of water content, dry density, and penetration resistance against depth for each site. Water content, dry density, and depth scales are linear, while penetration resistance is presented on a logarithmic scale.