Soil Maps of Cadmium in New Zealand
1. Introduction
Cadmium accumulation in soils is largely irreversible and ultimately unsustainable, yet is tied to phosphate use, which underpins New Zealand’s agricultural production. It also appears likely that cadmium uptake in some crops and animals could cause non-compliances with food standards. Assessment of New Zealand’s cadmium status requires an objective assessment of a baseline, current and projected future levels of cadmium accumulation in soils, plants, animals and humans. First, it is important to establish what the baseline levels of cadmium in soil may have been, what the current levels are and what projected future levels may be within established timeframes. Landcare Research was engaged to establish a GIS-based system providing national coverage of baseline and current cadmium levels in soil, with the option of establishing future levels.
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