Soil genesis and plant succession in the subalpine and alpine zones of Torlesse Range, Canterbury, New Zealand

Summary This paper introduces a series describing the main features of soil formation, plant succession, and erosion on part of the Torlesse Range, Canterbury. Attention is drawn to the literature on the subject and the broad scope of previous work. The environment is described under topography, climate, rocks and soils, vegetation and land use. The study site is divided into subalpine and alpine zones according to altitude, climate, and vegetation.