A survey of some physical properties of New Zealand soils from greywacke parent material

Measurements of physical characteristics likely to influence plant growth are presented for 12 soil types derived from greywacke rock. Four modal sites were examined for each type, two under pasture and two in the virgin state. In general, results were non‐separable as between one site and four sites, but confidence limits were such that the measurements could be used to assess physical suitability for growth. (Work on the relation of measurements described here to plant growth is briefly reviewed and tentative gradings suggested.) Aspects of field capacity estimation and percolation rate measurement are briefly discussed.