Figure 1. Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research pedologist Dr Kirstin Deuss (left) explains some of the features of a Pallic Orthic Brown Soil to students from Lincoln University. (Photo: Carol Smith)
Organisation of the 2022 event was a joint collaboration between Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Lincoln University Soils Department, and Marlborough District Council. It took place over 3 days, with the first 2 days dedicated to practical training in the field, and the final day to consolidating knowledge and skills in the form of a friendly competition.
Participants came from a wide range of backgrounds, with many describing themselves as having no to very limited pedology and soil description knowledge, and others whose professional titles included the word ‘soil’. Preparation for the event also varied widely, from those who did no preparation at all, to those who took part in Lincoln University’s dedicated micro-credential training course (SOSC 901 – Soil skills for professionals) over several weeks beforehand.
Figure 2. Pedologist Lauren O’Brien (Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research) explaining soil features to Jason Barry (Otago Polytechnic). (Photo: Kirstin Deuss)
Figure 3. Students from Lincoln University examining a soil profile. (Photo: Kirstin Deuss)
Seven teams took part, including four non-student teams with a mix of staff from four regional councils (Waikato, Marlborough, Canterbury, and Otago), Plant & Food Research, the NZ Institute of Skills & Technology (Te Pūkenga), and Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research. It was a fantastic opportunity for student participants from Lincoln University and the University of Canterbury to establish professional networks, and for our pedologists to share their skills and knowledge with the next generation of soil scientists. The winning non-student team was ‘Sore Loesses’, made up of Dr Tapuwa Marapara (then Otago Regional Council, now Ministry for the Environment), Dr Hadee Thompson-Morrison (then ECan, now Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research), Courtney Wright-Watson (University of Canterbury), and Alice Wheatley-Wilson (Waikato Regional Council).
Participants praised the event, with an overwhelming consensus that it ‘exceeded expectations’, providing a ‘flexible, comfortable and relaxed learning environment’ and a ‘positive atmosphere, where everyone was welcomed, regardless of skill level’. Some participants commented that the name of the event – ‘Soil Judging Competition’ – sounded a lot more intimidating than it really was, feeling it was more akin to a ‘fun few days where you learn how to characterise and interpret the soil’. Even those whose day jobs involve field pedology said that the event was a great demonstration of how you can always advance your knowledge. The final words from most participants were along the lines of ‘Count me in for next year!’ and ‘Looking forward to the next one!’. The next Soil Judging Competition will be in Rotorua in late 2024.
Figure 4. The landscape from floodplain and river terraces to hill country beyond. (Photo: Kirstin Deuss)
Soil judging competition coming up in 2024
The third national New Zealand Soil Judging Competition will be held in Rotorua, from 29 November to 1 December 2024, and run in conjunction with New Zealand and Australia’s biggest soil science event: the joint Australian and New Zealand Soil Science Conference, which takes place every 4years.
The competition aims to teach and develop knowledge and practical skills in soil description, classification, and land use interpretation. These skills are vital when it comes to understanding and protecting soils. It is a great opportunity for students, researchers,contractors, council scientists, and anyone interested in soils to learn,network, and experience new landscapes and soils.
The 2024 event is bound to be more exciting than ever, with participants expected from Australia, the Pacific Islands, and possibly even further afield. Save the date, come and experience fascinating volcanic soils,and network with fellow soil enthusiasts from around the world!
