The volcanic ash soils of the Bay of Plenty region are particularly susceptible to erosion if they have insufficient vegetation cover. Erosion problems in the Bay of Plenty are aggravated by changes in land use from forest to pasture, increased stock numbers and surface compaction.

The Ministry for the Environment has identified 680,000ha of land potentially at risk from some degree of erosion in the Bay of Plenty. About 20% (153,000) of this land is presently used for pastoral farming.

Soil conservation has been practised in the Bay of Plenty since the 1960s. Since 1970 soil conservation plans have been implemented on nearly 200 farms with further plans still underway. These plans cover more than 28,000ha and include the retirement of 2600ha of steep erodible land.

Soil Conservation and Environmental Plans are the main tools used by Environment Bay of Plenty to encourage land use according to its productive capacity and sustainable limitations.

Farm Management Issues - DEC Manual 2006 on Dexcel Website

Sustainable dairying occurs when there is a balance between social, economic and environmental goals.

Dairy farming is not sustainable if natural resources are degraded for short term economic gain, nor is dairy farming sustainable if ecological and social concerns make it unfeasible to farm productively.

New Zealand's clean, green image is invaluable and it must be protected through farm management practices.

The practices and information contained in this web reproduced publication provide current technical information for dairy farmers, Regional Councils, Dairy Industry consultants and contractors