title: SHCal13 Southern Hemisphere calibration, 0–50,000 years cal BP

authors: Hogg, Alan G.

abstract: The Southern Hemisphere SHCal04 radiocarbon calibration curve has been updated with the addition of new data sets extending measurements to 2145 cal BP and including the ANSTO Younger Dryas Huon pine data set. Outside the range of measured data, the curve is based upon the Northern Hemisphere data sets as presented in IntCal13, with an interhemispheric offset averaging 43 ± 23 yr modeled by an autoregressive process to represent the short-term correlations in the offset.

text: SHCal13 Southern Hemisphere calibration, 0–50,000 years cal BP The Southern Hemisphere SHCal04 radiocarbon calibration curve has been updated with the addition of new data sets extending measurements to 2145 cal BP and including the ANSTO Younger Dryas Huon pine data set. Outside the range of measured data, the curve is based upon the Northern Hemisphere data sets as presented in IntCal13, with an interhemispheric offset averaging 43 ± 23 yr modeled by an autoregressive process to represent the short-term correlations in the offset.

year: 2013

title: Tatua biosolids project

authors: Kandemulle Arachchilage, Samudu Manoj Kandemulla

abstract: This study investigates the potential of waste activated sludge (WAS) as a sustainable and cost-effective soil amendment for agricultural use. Through field trials, glasshouse experiments, and laboratory analyses, the research evaluates the effects of WAS on soil properties, plant growth, nutrient dynamics, and heavy metal content, comparing its performance with other organic amendments such as vermicast, chicken litter, and SustaiN™, a commercial fertilizer.
The findings reveal that WAS application significantly enhances plant growth and yield. It also improves soil fertility by increasing organic matter content and promoting root development, though its high mineralization and nitrification rates necessitate careful management to minimize nitrogen losses. Heavy metal analysis indicates that while WAS contains elevated levels of metals like chromium and lead, these remain within permissible limits and do not significantly impact plant uptake.
Cost analysis highlights WAS as the most economical option at $120/ha/yr, compared to significantly higher costs for other amendments. However, the study identifies gaps in understanding odour management, long-term environmental impacts, and the effects of WAS on livestock health, which warrant further investigation.
In conclusion, WAS demonstrates strong potential as a viable alternative to traditional fertilizers, offering a balance between cost-effectiveness, nutrient availability, and environmental sustainability. Future research should focus on long-term field trials, expanded crop studies, advanced nitrogen monitoring, and economic feasibility to optimize its use in diverse agricultural systems. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable soil amendments, providing valuable insights for farmers, policymakers, and researchers aiming to enhance agricultural productivity while minimizing environmental risks.

text: Tatua biosolids project This study investigates the potential of waste activated sludge (WAS) as a sustainable and cost-effective soil amendment for agricultural use. Through field trials, glasshouse experiments, and laboratory analyses, the research evaluates the effects of WAS on soil properties, plant growth, nutrient dynamics, and heavy metal content, comparing its performance with other organic amendments such as vermicast, chicken litter, and SustaiN™, a commercial fertilizer.
The findings reveal that WAS application significantly enhances plant growth and yield. It also improves soil fertility by increasing organic matter content and promoting root development, though its high mineralization and nitrification rates necessitate careful management to minimize nitrogen losses. Heavy metal analysis indicates that while WAS contains elevated levels of metals like chromium and lead, these remain within permissible limits and do not significantly impact plant uptake.
Cost analysis highlights WAS as the most economical option at $120/ha/yr, compared to significantly higher costs for other amendments. However, the study identifies gaps in understanding odour management, long-term environmental impacts, and the effects of WAS on livestock health, which warrant further investigation.
In conclusion, WAS demonstrates strong potential as a viable alternative to traditional fertilizers, offering a balance between cost-effectiveness, nutrient availability, and environmental sustainability. Future research should focus on long-term field trials, expanded crop studies, advanced nitrogen monitoring, and economic feasibility to optimize its use in diverse agricultural systems. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable soil amendments, providing valuable insights for farmers, policymakers, and researchers aiming to enhance agricultural productivity while minimizing environmental risks.

year: 2025

title: New Zealand’s indigenous forests – their status and drivers of change

authors: Allen, Robert

abstract: New Zealand’s remaining indigenous forests and shrublands are of immense cultural, environmental, and economic significance. A representative plot-based sample of these forests and shrublands has recently allowed an unbiased depiction of their composition
and structure. This is necessary for international reporting, performance assessment and management prioritisation. Their composition, structure, and function are driven by a diverse array of factors, many of which are complexly interrelated. The imprint of disturbances is pervasive and it is necessary to understand disturbances to interpret human-related impacts. For example, understanding impacts of exotic browsing mammals is only possible within a context of forest ecosystem development and tree demographic processes. There are now extensive areas of shrublands successional to forest, often composed of mixtures of indigenous and exotic species. These shrublands expand the pportunities for ecosystem services from, for example, carbon sequestration to water quality. An increasing area of indigenous forests and shrublands are managed for distinctive Māori aspirations that include sustainable use.

text: New Zealand’s indigenous forests – their status and drivers of change New Zealand’s remaining indigenous forests and shrublands are of immense cultural, environmental, and economic significance. A representative plot-based sample of these forests and shrublands has recently allowed an unbiased depiction of their composition
and structure. This is necessary for international reporting, performance assessment and management prioritisation. Their composition, structure, and function are driven by a diverse array of factors, many of which are complexly interrelated. The imprint of disturbances is pervasive and it is necessary to understand disturbances to interpret human-related impacts. For example, understanding impacts of exotic browsing mammals is only possible within a context of forest ecosystem development and tree demographic processes. There are now extensive areas of shrublands successional to forest, often composed of mixtures of indigenous and exotic species. These shrublands expand the pportunities for ecosystem services from, for example, carbon sequestration to water quality. An increasing area of indigenous forests and shrublands are managed for distinctive Māori aspirations that include sustainable use.

year: 2015