Irrigation is used to support land use, particularly in areas with low or seasonal rainfall. Irrigation can improve the productivity of land for farming activity, and support amenity or recreational land uses within urban environments.Irrigation can also alter the natural character of our landscapes (eg change dry land to greener and wetter land), and can increase nutrient (phosphorus and nitrogen) runoff and leaching into waterways.
More information on this dataset and how it relates to our environmental reporting indicators and topics can be found in the attached data quality pdf.
Summary report available at http://www.mfe.govt.nz/fresh-water/technical-guidance-and-guidelines/irrigated-land-new-zealand
