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The rehabilitation of induced pakihi sites in Westland
Authors: R.H. WashbournPublication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1972, Issue N.Z.J.For. 17(2) 1972, pp 232-248, Aug 1972
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry
Abstract: Approximately 19% of the land area in north Westland may be classified as high terrace—that is, the highest of a series of terraced glacial deposits. Most such sites were formerly forested but have by now been logged and repeatedly burnt, and reversion to an induced pakihi (Maori: "open grass country, barren land") community has resulted. Soils are podzolic, and the site is impoverished in such instances. Limited success has been achieved with farming these soils, and, equally, forestry did not appear an attractive proposition until trials were established from 1953 onwards in Paparoa State Forest with a number of exotic coniferous species. These trials involved more than twenty species and it was demonstrated that with improved drainage and some mineral fertilizers satisfactory tree growth could be sustained. In 1965 a further trial was established, based on results from the earlier work, and has to date demonstrated good growth with three Pinus species. Current agricultural trials on similar sites by the Departments of Agriculture and Lands and Survey have many problems, and it now appears that exotic afforestation may prove the most suitable land use on the high terrace pakihi sites.