| New Soil Order classification | PODZOL
Occur in areas of high rainfall and are associated with forest species which produce acid litter. |
| Old Soil Group classification | Podzols and some Podzolised yellow brown earths. | |
| Common names associated with this Soil Order | Waikaremoana, Ruakituri steepland, Matawai, Kaweka and Ruahine type. |
| Physical characteristics | - Acidic soil.
- Linked to upland volcanic locations.
- Low levels of biological activity.
- Very high ratio of carbon/nitrogen.
- Low nutrient content and infertile, require phosphorous, potassium, nitrogen, and lime.
- Very wet climate.
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| Drainage and moisture availability | - Imperfectly to poorly drained.
- Can have a pan or compacted layers.
|
| Rooting depth | - Shallow rooting depth.
- Limited by acid condition or aluminium toxicity, or by pans.
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Matawai soil on the top of Whakapunake, Te Reinga, Wairoa
Source: Simon Stokes