Black beech is known to impoverish the soil and this fact is reflected in the morphology of the profile which invariably possesses an eluvial horizon. While formed from similar parent materials to the Shannon series , Tuapaka series soils are strongly leached. In keeping with the development of an eluvial horizon in the upper part of the profile, the lower part shows enrichment from translocated clay in the form of clay skins. Subsoils are fine-textured with moderately developed blocky structure. Fragipan-like features may develop at depth.
Internal drainage is imperfect to poor.
Pasture responds to high rates of phosphate, lime, K and molybdenum Tuapaka soils are prime targets for improvement. However,in any given paddock on the farm, these soils commonly exist alongside other soils, for example Halcombe hill and steepland soils . There is thus some opportunity for the transfer of fertility by stock. This, together with topdressing by fixed-wing aircraft may, over time, even out some of the original distinctions in soil fertility between Tuapaka and neighbouring soils.