Publication Date

1993

Location

New Zealand

Description

The accumulation of cadmium (Cd) in New Zealand agriculture was investigated principally in a national survey of pastoral soils. A total of 398 sites were sampled covering most major provinces in both North and South Islands: 312 pastoral farms and 86 "native" sites. The native sites were native bush, reserves, parks or other non­agricultural areas which were representative of the soil groups sampled on farms, The overall average total Cd content (0-7.5 cm depth) for native soils was 0.20 µgig Cd (range 0.02-0,77 µgig Cd), while the corresponding average content for pastoral soils was 0.44 µgig Cd (0.04-1.53 µgig Cd). Total soil Cd levels were very highly correlated with total soil phosphorus (P) levels for all soils sampled. Total soil P levels are a reflection of fertiliser history; thus it would appear that phosphoric fertilisers are a contributory factor in Cd accumulation in soils.

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Cadmium Accumulation in New Zealand Pastoral Agriculture

New Zealand

The accumulation of cadmium (Cd) in New Zealand agriculture was investigated principally in a national survey of pastoral soils. A total of 398 sites were sampled covering most major provinces in both North and South Islands: 312 pastoral farms and 86 "native" sites. The native sites were native bush, reserves, parks or other non­agricultural areas which were representative of the soil groups sampled on farms, The overall average total Cd content (0-7.5 cm depth) for native soils was 0.20 µgig Cd (range 0.02-0,77 µgig Cd), while the corresponding average content for pastoral soils was 0.44 µgig Cd (0.04-1.53 µgig Cd). Total soil Cd levels were very highly correlated with total soil phosphorus (P) levels for all soils sampled. Total soil P levels are a reflection of fertiliser history; thus it would appear that phosphoric fertilisers are a contributory factor in Cd accumulation in soils.