About soil.

National soil standards.

This table shows the standards for health of different metals in soil for Aotearoa. The numbers are concentrations measured in milligrams per kilogram of soil. When you have your soil tested with us, we will send you similar figures and compare them to these standards.

If the concentrations of your soil samples are above the standards you may want to further investigate and/or apply mitigation measures to reduce your exposure to these soils. 

Note, there is no national standard for zinc and the standard for arsenic is very high.  

Read about the way that lead is understood to a be concern, and the ways in which we might manage it. 

Find out more about soil contaminants, exposure, and how to minimise the effects they have on you and your family.

Understand the role of soil in farming and horticulture and why it is crucial to maintain soil health in the production of food and other resources.

Learn more about the role of soil in the economy, environment, health, recreation, and science.

Get more information on common contaminants in urban soils, how to reduce your exposure to them, and better gardening practices within mildly contaminated soil.

Understand more about cadmium contamination in soil and how to best grow plants in soils with elevated levels.

Learn all about soils in Aotearoa, identifying features, and their important role within the ecosystem and primary production.