Land Use Capability Mapping
Using the Land Use Capability (LUC) mapping system can help unlock the potential of your land to increase land productivity while maintaining your environmental and sustainable goals.
The Land Use Capability system is a means of assessing land-based productivity on five features: slope, soil type, parent rock, erosion and land cover. Each region in the country has specifically established classifications.
This type of land assessment forms a key component of your Farm Environment Plan although it can be applied by itself when exploring land-use diversification options, for example:
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Identifying high class, prime and elite soils and Highly Productive Land.
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In the forestry industry where activities are restricted based on the land classes present (also farming and erosion control funding)
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When carrying out due diligence when making a new land purchase
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Before undertaking a new land use/development venture.
Maps that determine classes of land across New Zealand have been completed at a scale of 1:50,000 and are designed for regional applications, meaning that their accuracy on land areas significantly smaller than this are severely diminished.
Therefore, a LUC map provides much more detail and will accurately reflect the land classes on your property, allowing you to explore potentially greater land-use options. This is particularly relevant now as significant investment and development is occurring in the horticulture sector. Before investing significant capital in a new venture, it makes sense to carry out due diligence and ensure the resources you have can support the enterprise you are wanting to undertake.
At HLM, we have the expertise to assist you in making sound and informed decisions around land development opportunities and we have connections within the rural sector who can assist with your specific development enterprises.
Get in touch with us today to find out how we can maximise your land’s productivity.