Changing perceptions of soil conservation

Abstract

The ambiguity apparent in the title of this paper is not accidental. This paper contains some observations of the changing perceptions of soil conservation in New Zealand as well as suggestions for improving future understand- ing. It concludes with a challenge to geographers to undertake social science-based research into the aims and operation of soil conservation in New Zealand. It is naive to suggest that personnel involved in soil conservation have been unaware of their social responsibilities. Nevertheless they have been and still are ruled by monetary requirements that have caused these often intangible social responsibilities to be ne aldr frequently ignored. For most of the 45 years there has been state organised soil conserva- tion in New Zealand, boosting primary produc- tion has been one of the prime requirements of soil conservation works. In the last decade dissatisfaction with publicly funded agricul- tural investment, including soil conservation, has grown. This was noted by Coombridge (1986, 9): The wider community no longer sees its interests being served by a "production machine" view of farming. And soil conservation, with its subsidised works, 10% plus internal rates of return...seems inextricably bound into that outdated philosophy.