scholarly journals Local soil quality assessment of north-central Namibia: integrating farmers' and technical knowledge

SOIL ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brice Prudat ◽  
Lena Bloemertz ◽  
Nikolaus J. Kuhn
Keyword(s):  
Soil Quality ◽  
Soil Degradation ◽  
Clay Content ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Technical Knowledge ◽  
Local Conditions ◽  
North Central ◽  
Local Soil ◽  
Soil Units

Abstract. Soil degradation is a major threat for farmers of semi-arid north-central Namibia. Soil conservation practices can be promoted by the development of soil quality (SQ) evaluation toolboxes that provide ways to evaluate soil degradation. However, such toolboxes must be adapted to local conditions to reach farmers. Based on qualitative (interviews and soil descriptions) and quantitative (laboratory analyses) data, we developed a set of SQ indicators relevant for our study area that integrates farmers' field experiences (FFEs) and technical knowledge. We suggest using participatory mapping to delineate soil units (Oshikwanyama soil units, KwSUs) based on FFEs, which highlight mostly soil properties that integrate long-term productivity and soil hydrological characteristics (i.e. internal SQ). The actual SQ evaluation of a location depends on the KwSU described and is thereafter assessed by field soil texture (i.e. chemical fertility potential) and by soil colour shade (i.e. SOC status). This three-level information aims to reveal SQ improvement potential by comparing, for any location, (a) estimated clay content against median clay content (specific to KwSU) and (b) soil organic status against calculated optimal values (depends on clay content). The combination of farmers' and technical assessment cumulates advantages of both systems of knowledge, namely the integrated long-term knowledge of the farmers and a short- and medium-term SQ status assessment. The toolbox is a suggestion for evaluating SQ and aims to help farmers, rural development planners and researchers from all fields of studies understanding SQ issues in north-central Namibia. This suggested SQ toolbox is adapted to a restricted area of north-central Namibia, but similar tools could be developed in most areas where small-scale agriculture prevails.

scholarly journals Local soil quality assessment of north-central Namibia: integrating farmers' and technical knowledge

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brice Prudat ◽  
Lena Bloemertz ◽  
Nikolaus J. Kuhn
Keyword(s):  
Soil Quality ◽  
Soil Degradation ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Organic Carbon Content ◽  
Technical Knowledge ◽  
Local Conditions ◽  
North Central ◽  
Local Soil ◽  
Fertility Potential ◽  
Soil Units

Abstract. Soil degradation is a major threat for farmers of semi-arid north-central Namibia. Soil conservation practices can be promoted by the development of soil quality (SQ) evaluation toolboxes that provide ways to evaluate soil degradation. However, such toolboxes must be adapted to local conditions to reach farmers. Based on qualitative (interviews and soil descriptions) and quantitative (laboratory analyses) data, we developed a set of SQ indicators relevant for our study area that integrate farmers' field experiences (FFE) and technical knowledge. We suggest using participatory mapping to delineate soil units (Oshikwanyama Soil Units, KwSUs) based on FFE, which highlight mostly soil properties that integrate long-term productivity and soil hydrological characteristics (i.e. internal SQ). The actual SQ of a location depends on the KwSU described and is thereafter assessed by field soil texture evaluation (i.e. chemical fertility potential) and by soil colour shade (i.e. SOC status). The resulting information includes internal SQ (KwSU), chemical fertility potential (sand content) and the soil organic carbon content status (colour shade). This three-level information reveals SQ improvement potential and aims to help farmers, rural development planners and researchers from all fields of studies understanding SQ issues in north-central Namibia. This SQ toolbox is adapted to a restricted area of north-central Namibia but similar tools could be developed in most areas where small-scale agriculture prevails.

scholarly journals Degradation and resilience of soils

1997 ◽  
Vol 352 (1356) ◽  
pp. 997-1010 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Lal
Keyword(s):  
Soil Quality ◽  
Soil Degradation ◽  
Natural Waters ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Terrestrial Ecosystems ◽  
Systematic Evaluation ◽  
Land Uses ◽  
Soil Resilience ◽  
Critical Limits

Debate on global soil degradation, its extent and agronomic impact, can only be resolved through understanding of the processes and factors leading to establishment of the cause–effect relationships for major soils, ecoregions, and land uses. Systematic evaluation through long–term experimentation is needed for establishing quantitative criteria of (i) soil quality in relation to specific functions; (ii) soil degradation in relation to critical limits of key soil properties and processes; and (iii) soil resilience in relation to the ease of restoration through judicious management and discriminate use of essential input. Quantitative assessment of soil degradation can be obtained by evaluating its impact on productivity for different land uses and management systems. Interdisciplinary research is needed to quantify soil degradation effects on decrease in productivity, reduction in biomass, and decline in environment quality throught pollution and eutrophication of natural waters and emission of radiatively–active gases from terrestrial ecosystems to the atmosphere. Data from long–term field experiments in principal ecoregions are specifically needed to (i) establish relationships between soil quality versus soil degradation and soil quality versus soil resilience; (ii) identify indicators of soil quality and soil resilience; and (iii) establish critical limits of important properties for soil degradation and soil resilience. There is a need to develop and standardize techniques for measuring soil resilience.

scholarly journals Long-term field experiments in Germany: classification and spatial representation

SOIL ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 579-596
Author(s):  
Meike Grosse ◽  
Wilfried Hierold ◽  
Marlen C. Ahlborn ◽  
Hans-Peter Piepho ◽  
Katharina Helming
Keyword(s):  
Soil Quality ◽  
Spatial Representation ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Arable Land ◽  
Clay Content ◽  
Access Point ◽  
Research Data ◽  
Very High ◽  
Term Field

Abstract. The collective analysis of long-term field experiments (LTFEs), here defined as agricultural experiments with a minimum duration of 20 years and research in the context of sustainable soil use and yield, can be used for detecting changes in soil properties and yield such as those induced by climate change. However, information about existing LTFEs is scattered, and the research data are not easily accessible. In this study, meta-information on LTFEs in Germany is compiled and their spatial representation is analyzed. The study is conducted within the framework of the BonaRes project, which, inter alia, has established a central access point for LTFE information and research data. A total of 205 LTFEs which fit to the definition above are identified. Of these, 140 LTFEs are ongoing. The land use in 168 LTFEs is arable field crops, in 34 trials grassland, in 2 trials vegetables and in 1 trial pomiculture. Field crop LTFEs are categorized into fertilization (n=158), tillage (n=38) and crop rotation (n=32; multiple nominations possible) experiments, while all grassland experiments (n=34) deal with fertilization. The spatial representation is analyzed according to the climatic water balance of the growing season (1 May to 31 October) (CWBg), the Müncheberg Soil Quality Rating (MSQR) and clay content. The results show that, in general, the LTFEs well represent the area shares of both the CWBg and the MSQR classes. Eighty-nine percent of the arable land and 65 % of the grassland in Germany are covered by the three driest CWBg classes, hosting 89 % and 71 % of the arable and grassland LTFEs, respectively. LTFEs cover all six MSQR classes but with a bias towards the high and very high soil quality classes. LTFEs on arable land are present in all clay content classes according to the European Soil Data Centre (ESDAC) but with a bias towards the clay content class 4. Grassland LTFEs show a bias towards the clay content classes 5, 6 and 7, while well representing the other clay content classes, except clay content class 3, where grassland LTFEs are completely missing. The results confirm the very high potential of LTFE data for spatially differentiated analyses and modeling. However, reuse is restricted by the difficult access to LTFE research data. The common database is an important step in overcoming this restriction.

scholarly journals Abundance of arthropods as food for meadow bird chicks in response to short- and long-term soil wetting in Dutch dairy grasslands

PeerJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. e7401
Author(s):  
Livia De Felici ◽  
Theunis Piersma ◽  
Ruth A. Howison
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Term Treatment ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Low Intensity ◽  
Local Soil ◽  
Long Term Treatment ◽  
Short And Long Term

Background Throughout the world, intensive dairy farming has resulted in grasslands almost devoid of arthropods and birds. Meadow birds appear to be especially vulnerable during the chick-rearing period. So far, studies have focused mainly on describing population declines, but solutions to effectively stop these trends on the short-term are lacking. In this study at a single farm, we experimentally manipulated soil moisture through occasional irrigation, to mitigate against early season drainage and create favorable conditions for the emergence of above-ground arthropods during the meadow bird chick rearing phase. Methods To guarantee the presence of at least a sizeable arthropod community for the measurement of effects of wetting, we selected a farm with low intensity management. The land use and intensity of the study site and surroundings were categorized according to the national land use database and quantified using remote sensing imagery. From May 1 to June 18, 2017, we compared a control situation, with no water added, to two wetting treatments, a “short-term” (3 weeks) treatment based on wetting on warm days with a sprinkler system and a “long-term” treatment next to a water pond with a consistently raised water table from 2010. We measured soil temperature, soil moisture and resistance as well as the biomass of arthropods at 3-day intervals. Flying arthropods were sampled by sticky traps and crawling arthropods by pitfall traps. Individual arthropods were identified to Order and their length recorded, to assess their relevance to meadow bird chicks. Results The land use analysis confirmed that the selected dairy farm had very low intensity management. This was different from most of the surrounding area (20 km radius), characterized by (very) high intensity land use. The experiments showed that irrigation contributed to cooler soils during midday, and that his happened already in the early part of the season; the differences with the control increased with time. In the short- and long-term treatments, soil moisture increased and soil resistance decreased from the mid-measurement period onward. Compared with the control, cumulative arthropod biomass was higher in the long-term treatment, but showed no change in the irrigation treatment. We conclude that small-scale interventions, such as occasional irrigation, favorably affected local soil properties. However, the effects on above-ground arthropod abundance currently appear limited or overridden by negative landscape-scale processes on arthropods.

scholarly journals Peluang dan Tantangan Implementasi Model Pertanian Konservasi di Lahan Kering

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 77
Author(s):  
Achmad Rachman
Keyword(s):  
Soil Quality ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Organic Matter Content ◽  
Conservation Agriculture ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Matter Content ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Cropping Pattern ◽  
Short Term

<p><strong>Abstrak.</strong> Pertanian konservasi adalah salah satu alternatif model pada praktek pertanian di lahan kering yang dalam jangka panjang dapat meningkatkan produktivitas tanaman, efisiensi usahatani, dan kualitas lingkungan melalui perbaikan kualitas tanah. Tulisan ini membahas prospek penerapan pertanian konservasi untuk meningkatkan kualitas tanah dan produktivitas lahan kering. Model pertanian konservasi lebih menekankan pada perbaikan kandungan bahan organik tanah melalui kombinasi 3 pendekatan yaitu olah tanah minimum, pemulsaan, dan pengaturan pola tanam. Introduksi model pertanian konservasi di negara-negara berkembang seperti Indonesia, yang umumnya lahan pertaniannya berskala sempit (&lt;1 ha) dihadapkan pada masalah perkembangan gulma dan penurunan produktivitas pada fase awal implementasi, dan lahan yang tidak bersih sehingga berpotensi memicu munculnya hama dan penyakit tertentu. Namun demikian, model pertanian konservasi ini berpotensi untuk mengubah lahan kering terdegradasi atau tidak produktif menjadi lahan pertanian produktif dengan efisiensi usahatani yang tinggi. Dengan manfaat jangka panjang tersebut, maka implementasi pertanian konservasi di lahan kering, yang potensinya mencapai 29,4 juta ha, akan meningkatkan secara signifikan kontribusi lahan kering terhadap upaya mempertahankan swasembada pangan nasional dan meningkatkan kesejahteraan petani lahan kering. Diperlukan proses dan modifikasi untuk mengadaptasikan teknologi ini yang disesuaikan dengan karakteristik agroekosistem, konidisi sosial, dan ekonomi lokal setempat, sehingga berbagai kendala adopsi dapat diminimalisir dan manfaat dapat dioptimalkan baik jangka pendek maupun jangka panjang. Selain itu, diperlukan dukungan pemerintah dalam bentuk pelatihan, advokasi, dan bantuan input usahatani untuk meminimalisir resiko kerugian petani terutama pada tahap awal implementasi teknologi.</p><p><em><strong>Abstract.</strong></em> Conservation agriculture is an alternative model to agricultural practices in dryland which in the long term provides a number of benefits including an increase in crop productivity, farm input efficiency and environmental quality through the improvement of soil quality. This paper discusses the prospect for implementing conservation agricultural to improve soil quality and productivity of dryland. The conservation agriculture model emphasizes the improvement of soil organic matter content through a combination of 3 approaches, namely minimum tillage, mulching, and cropping pattern. Introduction of conservation agriculture into developing countries like Indonesia, which are generally small-scale farming (&lt;1 ha), will face a number of obstacles caused by short-term and immediate shortcomings of the technology. These shortcomings include weed development and productivity decline in the early phase of implementation, and the potential to trigger the emergence of certain pests and diseases due to unclean land. However, the practice has the potential to transform degraded or unproductive drylands into more efficient and productive agricultural land. With those long-term benefits of conservation agriculture, its implementation to 29.4 million ha of dryland of Indonesia will boost significantly the contribution of dryland agriculture in sustaining national food self sufficiency and improving the welfare of dryland farmers. Processes and modifications are needed to adapt this practice to suit local agroecosystem, social and local economic characteristics so that various adoption constraints can be minimized and short-term and long-term benefits can be optimized. In addition, government supports are needed in the form of training, advocacy and farm inputs subsidies to minimize the risk of loss of farmers especially in the early stages of technology implementation.</p>

Effects of Long Term Application of Organic and Mineral Fertilizers on Soil Enzymes

2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (10) ◽  
pp. 2608-1612 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alina Dora Samuel ◽  
Simona Bungau ◽  
Delia Mirela Tit ◽  
Carmen Elena Melinte (Frunzulica) ◽  
Lavinia Purza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activity ◽  
Soil Quality ◽  
Soil Enzymes ◽  
Farmyard Manure ◽  
Enzymatic Activities ◽  
Mineral Fertilizers ◽  
Soil Biology ◽  
Soil Biological Activity ◽  
Organic And Mineral Fertilizers

Long term productivity and conservation of soils is critical for sustaining agricultural ecosystems. The specific objective of the work reported was to determine the effects of long term application of organic and mineral fertilizers on soil enzyme activity as an index of soil biology and biochemistry. Three key soil enzymes involved in intracellular metabolism of microorganisms and two soil enzymes involved in phosphorus metabolism were selected. Actual and potential dehydrogenase, catalase, acid and alkaline phosphatase activities were determined in the 0-20 cm layer of an eroded soil submitted to a complex fertilization experiment. Results showed that addition of mineral fertilizers to organic (green manure and farmyard manure) fertilizers led to a significant increase in each activity because of increased plant biomass production which upon incorporation stimulates soil biological activity. The enzymatic indicators of soil quality calculated from the values of enzymatic activities depending on the kind of fertilizers showed that by the determination of enzymatic activities valuable information can be obtained regarding fertility status of soils. A weak positive correlation between enzymatic indicators of soil quality and maize yield was established. The yield data demonstrate the superiority of farmyard manure which provided greater stability in crop production. Substantial improvement in soil biological activity due to application of organic fertilizers with mineral fertilizers contribute in maintaining the productivity and soil health.

Small-Scale Deliberation and Mass Democracy: A Systematic Review of the Spillover Effects of Deliberative Minipublics

2021 ◽  
pp. 003232172110072
Author(s):  
Ramon van der Does ◽  
Vincent Jacquet
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Spillover Effects ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Current Crisis ◽  
Mass Democracy

Deliberative minipublics are popular tools to address the current crisis in democracy. However, it remains ambiguous to what degree these small-scale forums matter for mass democracy. In this study, we ask the question to what extent minipublics have “spillover effects” on lay citizens—that is, long-term effects on participating citizens and effects on non-participating citizens. We answer this question by means of a systematic review of the empirical research on minipublics’ spillover effects published before 2019. We identify 60 eligible studies published between 1999 and 2018 and provide a synthesis of the empirical results. We show that the evidence for most spillover effects remains tentative because the relevant body of empirical evidence is still small. Based on the review, we discuss the implications for democratic theory and outline several trajectories for future research.

scholarly journals 106 - Environmental Influences on the Cognitive and Psychological Well Being of Older Adults with Dementia

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (S1) ◽  
pp. 15-16
Author(s):  
William E. Reichman ◽  
L. Bradford Perkins ◽  
Hilde Verbeek
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Environment ◽  
Culture Change ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Term Care

This symposium will review the latest data on the influence of environmental design and its attributes on the cognitive and psychological wellbeing of older adults living with dementia. The presenters will cover the myriad ways in which the physical environment of care can adapt to the changing demands of older adults with sensory, motor and cognitive deficits and foster optimal functioning and quality of life. The role of emerging technologies will also be reviewed as they complement the contribution of the design of the physical environment to the wellbeing of older adults with cognitive impairment. Information will be offered through a review of the existing research literature as well as case studies that illustrate the impact of environmental modification on fostering wellbeing and minimizing the emergence of the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. The presenters will represent and integrate sensibilities that have emerged from the fields of architecture, cognitive neuroscience and psychology.How the Principles of the Culture Change Movement Inform Environmental Design and the Application of Technology in the Care of Older Adults Living with DementiaWilliam E. ReichmanThe culture change movement informs a number of principles that have been applied to more contemporary design concepts for the congregate care of older adults living with dementia. This talk will review the core tenets of the Culture Change Movement as exemplified by the Greenhouse, Dementia Village and other innovative models of congregate long-term care. Specific reference will be made to how these tenets have been operationalized around the world into the design of programming and the creation of residential care environments that foster a better quality of life for older adults and an enhanced work environment for care providers. This talk will also include the emerging role of technologies that complement innovative design of the environment and which foster optimized social and recreational functioning of older adults living with dementia.A Better Life Through a Better Nursing Home DesignL. Bradford PerkinsOver the last 20 years there has been extensive experimentation related to the role of the environment in the housing, care and treatment of persons with Alzheimer’s and other age related dementias. Prior to that time the typical housing and care environment was a locked unit in a skilled nursing or other restrictive senior living facility. In 1991 the Presbyterian Association on Aging in Western Pennsylvania opened Woodside Place on its Oakmont campus. This small 36 bed facility was designed to incorporate the latest research and care experience with persons suffering from these issues. This one small project, as well as the long post occupancy research led by Carnegie Mellon University, clearly demonstrated that individuals with Alzheimer’s and related forms of dementia could lead a healthier, happier, higher quality of life in a more residential, less restrictive environment. Not everything in this pioneering project worked, and five generations of living and care models have followed that have refined the ideas first demonstrated by Woodside Place. Bradford Perkins, whose firm designed Woodside Place and over 100 other related projects, will discuss what was learned from Woodside Place as well as the five generations of projects (and post occupancy research) that followed.Innovative dementia care environments as alternatives for traditional nursing homes: evidence and experiences from the NetherlandsHilde VerbeekKey goals of the dementia care environment focus on increasing autonomy, supporting independence and trying to enable one’s own lifestyle for as long as possible. To meet these goals, innovative, small-scale and homelike care environments have been developed that have radically changed the physical, social and organizational aspects of long-term care in the Netherlands. This presentation discusses various Dutch models that have implemented small-scale and homelike care environments, including green care farms, dementia village and citizen initiatives. The models reflect a common care concept, focusing on residents’ remaining strengths, providing opportunity for choice and aiming to sustain a sense of self and control. A small number of residents (usually 6 to 8) live together in a homelike environment and nursing staff are part of the household. Residents are encouraged to participate in daily household activities, emphasizing normalization of daily life with person-centred care. The physical environment resembles an archetypal home. This talk presents the scientific evidence on the impact and effects of these small-scale, homelike models on residents, their family caregivers and staff. Furthermore, the presentation will highlight working approaches and how these initiatives have positively influenced routine care across the long-term care spectrum.

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