Sustainability

Research

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20 pages, 1747 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Roadmap for Valuing Soil Ecosystem Services to Inform Multi-Level Decision-Making in Agriculture

by Mark V. Brady, Jordan Hristov, Fredrik Wilhelmsson and Katarina Hedlund

Sustainability 2019, 11(19), 5285; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11195285 - 25 Sep 2019

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4314

Abstract

Agricultural soils contribute to human welfare through their generation of manifold ecosystem services such as food security, water quality and climate regulation, but these are degraded by common farming practices. We have developed a roadmap for evaluating the contribution of both private- and [...] Read more.

Agricultural soils contribute to human welfare through their generation of manifold ecosystem services such as food security, water quality and climate regulation, but these are degraded by common farming practices. We have developed a roadmap for evaluating the contribution of both private- and public-good ecosystem services generated by agricultural soils to societal welfare. The approach considers the needs of decision-makers at different levels, from farmers to policy-makers. This we achieve through combining production functions—to quantify the impacts of alternative management practices on agricultural productivity and soil ecosystem services—with non-market valuation of changes in public-good ecosystem services and benefit–cost analysis. The results show that the net present value to society of implementing soil-friendly measures are substantial, but negative for farmers in our study region. Although we apply our roadmap to an intensive farming region in Sweden, we believe our results have broad applicability, because farmers do not usually account for the value of public-good ecosystem services. We therefore conclude that market outcomes are not likely to be generating optimal levels of soil ecosystem services from society’s perspective. Innovative governance institutions are needed to resolve this market failure to safeguard the welfare of future generations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from "Soil Security and Planetary Health Conference")

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14 pages, 893 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quantitative Assessment of Environmental Soil Functions in Volcanic Zones from Mexico Using S&E Software

by Ángeles Gallegos, Dante López-Carmona and Francisco Bautista

Sustainability 2019, 11(17), 4552; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11174552 - 22 Aug 2019

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3457

Abstract

Making quantitative evaluations of the environmental functions of the soil in a quantitative way is an urgent necessity for transitioning towards the sustainable use of soils. The objective of this work was to use and improve the Soil and Environment software for soils [...] Read more.

Making quantitative evaluations of the environmental functions of the soil in a quantitative way is an urgent necessity for transitioning towards the sustainable use of soils. The objective of this work was to use and improve the Soil and Environment software for soils of volcanic areas, for which the software was not designed to work on. The study was conducted in the volcanic area of Michoacan, Mexico. Nine soil profiles were described; samples were taken from each horizon and the physical and chemical properties of each sample were analyzed. The Soil and Environment software was used to conduct pedoecological evaluations of the soil samples and, subsequently, an evaluation of the environmental functions of the soils and the modeling of scenarios was carried out. The soil profiles studied showed variable properties of hydraulic conductivity, field capacity, air capacity, effective cation exchange capacity, and soil organic carbon. The soils showed very high nutrient retention, high naturalness and sorption of heavy metals, and low cultural and natural archive properties. The Soil and Environment software generally works well with soils of volcanic areas; however, we suggest improvements in the evaluation method of the following functions: naturalness and agricultural quality. Additionally, the estimating method of aeration capacity and hydraulic conductivity should be calibrated for the properties of the volcanic soils. The modeling of scenarios allowed us to identify the soil profiles that are most vulnerable to degradation. The modeling of scenarios provided a clear idea of the negative and positive effects that a change in soil use would have. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from "Soil Security and Planetary Health Conference")

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11 pages, 1617 KiB

Open AccessArticle

On Soil Capability, Capacity, and Condition

by Alex. B. McBratney, Damien Field, Cristine L.S. Morgan and Jingyi Huang

Sustainability 2019, 11(12), 3350; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11123350 - 17 Jun 2019

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 4070

Abstract

The role of soil in the existential environmental problems of declining biodiversity, climate change, water and energy security, impacting on food security has highlighted the need to link the soil functions to ecosystem services. We describe and illustrate by a limited example, the [...] Read more.

The role of soil in the existential environmental problems of declining biodiversity, climate change, water and energy security, impacting on food security has highlighted the need to link the soil functions to ecosystem services. We describe and illustrate by a limited example, the concepts and assessment of soil’s capacity measured through its capability and condition as contributors to an overall soil security framework. The framework is based on the concepts of genosoils and phenosoils. The links to other notions, such as threats to soil and soil functions are made. The framework can be potentially applied elsewhere to quantify soil changes under natural processes and human activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from "Soil Security and Planetary Health Conference")

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15 pages, 2659 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mapping of Soils and Land-Related Environmental Attributes in France: Analysis of End-Users’ Needs

by Anne C. Richer-de-Forges, Dominique Arrouays, Marion Bardy, Antonio Bispo, Philippe Lagacherie, Bertrand Laroche, Blandine Lemercier, Joëlle Sauter and Marc Voltz

Sustainability 2019, 11(10), 2940; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11102940 - 23 May 2019

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3497

Abstract

The 1:250,000 soil mapping program of France is nearly complete. Although mapping has been conducted using conventional methods, there is a discernible need to obtain more precise soil data using other methods, and this is attracting considerable attention. However, it is currently not [...] Read more.

The 1:250,000 soil mapping program of France is nearly complete. Although mapping has been conducted using conventional methods, there is a discernible need to obtain more precise soil data using other methods, and this is attracting considerable attention. However, it is currently not possible to implement a conventional and systematic program throughout the French territory, as the cost of acquiring new data on a finer scale is too high. In light of this, the Ministry of Agriculture commissioned a national survey to determine the needs of soil mapping in France, which asked questions to soil data producers and end-users. The results presented here summarize the main needs expressed by end-users. The main topics covered by soil mapping applications are identified in addition to the main mismatches between topics currently covered using available soil maps and the needs of end-users. Certain priorities for producing new soil information are identified in relation to geographical environments and settings, soil attributes, the spatial resolution of maps and the use of uncertainty estimates. Digital Soil Mapping is identified as a method that can bridge economic, scientific and practical considerations, but it requires dedicated efforts in order to build capacity. Finally, there is discussion of how the consideration of user needs can be employed to enhance the contribution of a new Digital Soil Mapping era, and to launch an operational soil security paradigm in France. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from "Soil Security and Planetary Health Conference")

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6 pages, 173 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Orthodox Soil Science versus Alternative Philosophies: A Clash of Cultures in a Modern Context

by Robert E White and Martin Andrew

Sustainability 2019, 11(10), 2919; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11102919 - 23 May 2019

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4023

Abstract

In Australia, orthodox soil scientists dealing with land management and alternative practitioners who promote ‘regenerative agriculture’ have not been communicating and engaging effectively with each other. Over many years, scientists in the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), state departments and universities [...] Read more.

In Australia, orthodox soil scientists dealing with land management and alternative practitioners who promote ‘regenerative agriculture’ have not been communicating and engaging effectively with each other. Over many years, scientists in the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), state departments and universities have made significant achievements in mapping soil distribution, describing soil behaviour and identifying key soil properties and processes that are fundamental to healthy soil function. However, many alternative practitioners are dismissive of these achievements and highly critical of orthodox soil science. Yet many of the tools of soil science are essential to conduct evidence-based research towards elucidating how and why the exceptional results claimed by some alternative practitioners are achieved. We stress the importance of effective engagement and communication among all parties to resolve this ‘clash of cultures’. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from "Soil Security and Planetary Health Conference")

Review

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10 pages, 455 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Opportunities and Risks of the Soil Security Metaphor: A Review

by Catherine Allan

Sustainability 2019, 11(16), 4464; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11164464 - 18 Aug 2019

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3466

Abstract

Language both represents and constructs our reality. Soil Security is a proposed new frame for encouraging the systematic and interdisciplinary approaches to soil research needed to address complex needs. This bold attempt at reframing may, however, have numerous consequences in addition to its [...] Read more.

Language both represents and constructs our reality. Soil Security is a proposed new frame for encouraging the systematic and interdisciplinary approaches to soil research needed to address complex needs. This bold attempt at reframing may, however, have numerous consequences in addition to its central intent. This review paper explores words and discourses related to ‘Soil Security’. Current understanding of how language frames reality is presented, emphasising the roles of metaphor and entailments. Soil Security is then situated in relation to the broader construct of Environmental Security, with references to security of water, food and energy. Against this background, aspects of Soil Security are explored, and some cautions issued to users of the term. The soil science community is urged to actively consider the implications and nuances of any discourse, including that of Soil Security, with which it engages, or risk being led to operate in unintended or unwelcome ways. To guide this engagement, the review paper concludes with suggestions on how to reflect on the practice of soil science and its role in the future of humanity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from "Soil Security and Planetary Health Conference")

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19 pages, 8301 KiB

Open AccessReview

Volcanic Ash, Insecurity for the People but Securing Fertile Soil for the Future

by Dian Fiantis, Frisa Irawan Ginting, Gusnidar, M. Nelson and Budiman Minasny

Sustainability 2019, 11(11), 3072; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11113072 - 31 May 2019

Cited by 47 | Viewed by 17354

Abstract

Volcanic eruptions affect land and humans globally. When a volcano erupts, tons of volcanic ash materials are ejected to the atmosphere and deposited on land. The hazard posed by volcanic ash is not limited to the area in proximity to the volcano, but [...] Read more.

Volcanic eruptions affect land and humans globally. When a volcano erupts, tons of volcanic ash materials are ejected to the atmosphere and deposited on land. The hazard posed by volcanic ash is not limited to the area in proximity to the volcano, but can also affect a vast area. Ashes ejected from volcano’s affect people’s daily life and disrupts agricultural activities and damages crops. However, the positive outcome of this natural event is that it secures fertile soil for the future. This paper examines volcanic ash (tephra) from a soil security view-point, mainly its capability. This paper reviews the positive aspects of volcanic ash, which has a high capability to supply nutrients to plant, and can also sequester a large amount of carbon out of the atmosphere. We report some studies around the world, which evaluated soil organic carbon (SOC) accumulation since volcanic eruptions. The mechanisms of SOC protection in volcanic ash soil include organo-metallic complexes, chemical protection, and physical protection. Two case studies of volcanic ash from Mt. Talang and Sinabung in Sumatra, Indonesia showed the rapid accumulation of SOC through lichens and vascular plants. Volcanic ash plays an important role in the global carbon cycle and ensures soil security in volcanic regions of the world in terms of boosting its capability. However, there is also a human dimension, which does not go well with volcanic ash. Volcanic ash can severely destroy agricultural areas and farmers’ livelihoods. Connectivity and codification needs to ensure farming in the area to take into account of risk and build appropriate adaptation and resilient strategy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from "Soil Security and Planetary Health Conference")

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Other

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15 pages, 240 KiB

Open AccessDiscussion

Soil Security for Australia

by John McLean Bennett, Alex McBratney, Damien Field, Darren Kidd, Uta Stockmann, Craig Liddicoat and Samantha Grover

Sustainability 2019, 11(12), 3416; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11123416 - 21 Jun 2019

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 6595

Abstract

Soil Security is an emerging sustainability science concept with global application for guiding integrated approaches to land management, while balancing ecosystem services, environmental, social, cultural, and economic imperatives. This discussion paper sets the scene for an Australian Soil Security framework as an example [...] Read more.

Soil Security is an emerging sustainability science concept with global application for guiding integrated approaches to land management, while balancing ecosystem services, environmental, social, cultural, and economic imperatives. This discussion paper sets the scene for an Australian Soil Security framework as an example of how it might be developed for any country, defining the key issues and justification for Soil Security, as well as detailing implementation requirements and benefits; two examples of beneficial outcomes are provided in terms of facilitating decommoditization of agricultural products and the impact of urban encroachment on productive land. We highlight research gaps, where new knowledge will contribute to well-rounded approaches that reflect differing stakeholder perspectives. We also provide key nomenclature associated with a potential Soil Security framework so that future discussions may use a common language. Through this work we invite scientific and policy discourse with the aim of developing more informed responses to the myriad of competing demands placed on our soil systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from "Soil Security and Planetary Health Conference")

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