title: Upbuilding pedogenesis in multisequal tephra-derived soils in the Waikato Region

authors: Lowe, David J.

abstract: Soil formation is classically regarded as a 'topdown' process whereby soil thickness, horizonation and vertical anisotropy increase steadily (not necessarily linearly) over time. However, where incremental additions to the land surface are common (e.g. loess, tephra, alluvium or colluvium), the process of soil upbuilding becomes important. The degree of soil expression is governed by the relative rates of pedogenesis and aggradation, which are unlikely to remain constant over time (Almond and Tonkin 1999). The interplay between these processes was examined by Johnson and Watson-Stegner (1987) and others. Soils on aggrading landscapes undergo 'developmental upbuilding' (progressive pedogenesis) if rates of addition allow assimilation of the deposits and profile deepening, or 'retardant upbuilding' (regressive pedogenesis) if rates are so rapid that horizonation is prevented. In upbuilding soils, each increment of soil below the A horizon has experienced processes that are characteristic of all horizons above it (Almond and Tonkin 1999).
Many Quaternary landscapes in NZ comprise well-studied stratigraphic sequences of deposits, including widespread loess and tephra, in which there are repetitions of soil horizons and buried paleosols within the vertical profile (multisequal soils). Rates of aggradation and the relative influence of soil upbuilding processes on soil evolution in such sequences have been examined closely in only a few studies. Using tephrochronology, I examine soil upbuilding in multisequal tephra-derived soils on a Waikato transect.

text: Upbuilding pedogenesis in multisequal tephra-derived soils in the Waikato Region Soil formation is classically regarded as a 'topdown' process whereby soil thickness, horizonation and vertical anisotropy increase steadily (not necessarily linearly) over time. However, where incremental additions to the land surface are common (e.g. loess, tephra, alluvium or colluvium), the process of soil upbuilding becomes important. The degree of soil expression is governed by the relative rates of pedogenesis and aggradation, which are unlikely to remain constant over time (Almond and Tonkin 1999). The interplay between these processes was examined by Johnson and Watson-Stegner (1987) and others. Soils on aggrading landscapes undergo 'developmental upbuilding' (progressive pedogenesis) if rates of addition allow assimilation of the deposits and profile deepening, or 'retardant upbuilding' (regressive pedogenesis) if rates are so rapid that horizonation is prevented. In upbuilding soils, each increment of soil below the A horizon has experienced processes that are characteristic of all horizons above it (Almond and Tonkin 1999).
Many Quaternary landscapes in NZ comprise well-studied stratigraphic sequences of deposits, including widespread loess and tephra, in which there are repetitions of soil horizons and buried paleosols within the vertical profile (multisequal soils). Rates of aggradation and the relative influence of soil upbuilding processes on soil evolution in such sequences have been examined closely in only a few studies. Using tephrochronology, I examine soil upbuilding in multisequal tephra-derived soils on a Waikato transect.

year: 2000-12-03

title: The Influence of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on perceived nutrition habits in rugby union players

authors: Roberts, Charlie

subjects: Science & Technology

abstract: The global outbreak of COVID-19 has led to governments and local authorities implementing nationwide lockdowns in an attempt to encourage social distancing and minimize the spread of the virus. Only essential businesses have been able to remain open, with non-essential businesses and activities either closing or restricting services. With no group training sessions allowed, canceled matches, an inability to work and the closure of eating establishments, Rugby Union players have experienced disruption to their daily lives. Two surveys were distributed among Rugby Union athletes to explore (1) the influence of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on Rugby Union players' nutrition and training habits and (2) how nutrition habits in New Zealand Rugby Union players change after lockdown restrictions were lifted. In total, 258 respondents completed Survey 1 (84.1% male, 26.4% professional/semi-professional). Of the respondents, 58% indicated they lived with family during lockdown. Total food intake was reported to be higher in 36% of respondents. Fruit and vegetable intake was lower (17%) and packaged/convenience food intake higher (26%) in a minority of respondents. In total, 106 respondents completed Survey 2 (84.9% male, 34.0% professional/semi-professional). Of the respondents, 72% prepared and 67% purchased their own food. Less than half of respondents consumed high-protein food more than twice daily either during or following lockdown. Compared to during lockdown, motivation to train and exercise was greater in 58% of respondents following lockdown. Dieticians and nutritionists within clubs provided most of the nutrition knowledge to athletes however other unreliable sources were identified, such as social media and family members. The ongoing pandemic has presented significant challenges for athletes concerning training and nutrition habits and the current study provides some insight into these. Coaches and performance staff should ensure athletes receive appropriate nutritional and training support whilst being aware of the unique demands the individuals' may face.

text: The Influence of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on perceived nutrition habits in rugby union players The global outbreak of COVID-19 has led to governments and local authorities implementing nationwide lockdowns in an attempt to encourage social distancing and minimize the spread of the virus. Only essential businesses have been able to remain open, with non-essential businesses and activities either closing or restricting services. With no group training sessions allowed, canceled matches, an inability to work and the closure of eating establishments, Rugby Union players have experienced disruption to their daily lives. Two surveys were distributed among Rugby Union athletes to explore (1) the influence of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on Rugby Union players' nutrition and training habits and (2) how nutrition habits in New Zealand Rugby Union players change after lockdown restrictions were lifted. In total, 258 respondents completed Survey 1 (84.1% male, 26.4% professional/semi-professional). Of the respondents, 58% indicated they lived with family during lockdown. Total food intake was reported to be higher in 36% of respondents. Fruit and vegetable intake was lower (17%) and packaged/convenience food intake higher (26%) in a minority of respondents. In total, 106 respondents completed Survey 2 (84.9% male, 34.0% professional/semi-professional). Of the respondents, 72% prepared and 67% purchased their own food. Less than half of respondents consumed high-protein food more than twice daily either during or following lockdown. Compared to during lockdown, motivation to train and exercise was greater in 58% of respondents following lockdown. Dieticians and nutritionists within clubs provided most of the nutrition knowledge to athletes however other unreliable sources were identified, such as social media and family members. The ongoing pandemic has presented significant challenges for athletes concerning training and nutrition habits and the current study provides some insight into these. Coaches and performance staff should ensure athletes receive appropriate nutritional and training support whilst being aware of the unique demands the individuals' may face.

year: 2020

title: The Waikato River settlement: Exploring a model for co-management and protection of natural and cultural resources

authors: Te Aho, Linda

abstract: This presentation explores co-management regimes in Aotearoa, including the framework established under the Waikato River Settlement, which mandates the protection and restoration of the river’s health and well being for present and future generations.

text: The Waikato River settlement: Exploring a model for co-management and protection of natural and cultural resources This presentation explores co-management regimes in Aotearoa, including the framework established under the Waikato River Settlement, which mandates the protection and restoration of the river’s health and well being for present and future generations.

year: 2015