AGRICULTURE AND CLIMATE IN CENTRAL OTAGO

Abstract

The variation and individuality of Central Otago result from a unique combination of climate and topography. The range and basin structures produce New Zealand's nearest approach to a "Continental" Climate, and on a yearly basis Central Otago can be one of the driest as well as one of the hottest and coldest areas in the country. There are two unique features. The first a dry central core wth horticulture as a dominant activity. The second is a high pastoral plateau, the East Otago Plateau, from 400 to 900 metres altitude, marking the Eastern boundary of Central Otago. The agricultural pattern is traditional but it is suggested there is scope for other non traditional crops. Of all the physical elements surveyed in the past, e.g. rock or soil type, slope or vegetation, there is frequently no reference to climate. However, the resource value of any locality draws from its particular local climate or "topoclimate". Climate when regarded as such requires a new approach to data gathering. Research in Central Otago aims to increase our knowledge of topoclimate on the valley floors and locate special microclimates suitable for possible and existing horticultural crops and at the same time remove some of the hazards. Keywords: topoclimate