scholarly journals Protecting global soil resources for ecosystem services

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yong-guan Zhu ◽  
Andrew A. Meharg
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Soil Resources ◽  
Global Soil

Humus state of chernozem at different ways of tillage in the agrosystems of the left-bank forest steppe of Ukraine

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 61-77
Author(s):  
O. Demydenko ◽  
V. Velychko
Keyword(s):  
Soil Cover ◽  
Forest Steppe ◽  
Left Bank ◽  
Energy Reserves ◽  
Soil Resources ◽  
Global Soil ◽  
Humus Accumulation ◽  
By Products ◽  
The Way

The contemporary condition of soil cover in Ukraine is characterized. The attention is focused onto widespread degradation processes in soils. The causes that determine the development of these negative processes are considered. The contemporary informational support for the condition of soil cover in Ukraine is estimated. In general, the current available information is of narrow-departmental nature, obtained by different methods and non-correlated monitoring programs. As a rule, it is stored in under-structured databases, incompatible with other information systems; mainly recorded on paper media unusable with modern technologies, whereby such information resources are diffi cult to be compiled together. These disadvantages are strong constraints against consistent usage of materials for evaluation, forecast and management of changes in the soil cover. The Soil Observation program should thereby be combined with Agrochemical Passportization and ecology-ameliora- tive monitoring; in other words, the application of innovative soil-agrochemical methodology is considered. Each individual type of surveys shall complement the others, and taken altogether, they shall constitute a con- sistent Information System, capable of solving the problems of assessing the condition, forecasting, manage- ment, usage and protection of soil resources. The monitoring procedures should be conducted on the basis of a new soil concept in line with unifi ed programs and methods, so as to meet European approaches to the maxi- mum extent. Such a technical composition enables getting information on present-day processes in soils, and is the only combination that actually helps us to “ecologize” our knowledge of soils, which is the leading trend in the scope of global soil-science. Thus obtained results will serve as a State-owned tool which would subse- quently facilitate the use and protection of soil resources all over the country, to be involved in a united global soil-information scope. The attention is focused onto social signifi cance of the information on soils and their fertility in terms of land resources optimization, as well as the formation of sustainable land use in Ukraine. Aim. To demonstrate the long-term effect of different ways of tillage of typical low-humus chernozem on the change in humus content and composition and the direction of transformation processes of organic fertili- zers. To study the changes in the structure of energy reserves in group and fractional composition of humus in typical low-humus light-loamy chernozem of the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Methods. Field, laboratory, microbiological, computational, mathematical and statistical. Results. It was determined that in conditions of long-term subsurface tillage the most effi cient humus accumulation occurs in the 0–20 cm layer of chernozem with simultaneous increase in its content in the lower part of the processed layer without any accumulation differentiation. Surface tillage leads to expressed differentiation in humus accumulation in the 0–20 cm layer of soil (0.005 % per year). When 6 t/ha of humus are replaced by 7 t/ha of by-products the intensity of humus accumulation is decreasing regardless of the way of tillage, but humus accumulation was found to be the most effi cient for subsurface tillage. The application of subsurface tillage leads to the increase in the ratio of C HA : C FA , which is conditioned by the increase in the humifi cation of plant remains of by-products in the 0−20 cm layer of soil by 110–112 % – for subsurface tillage, and by 105 % – for surface tillage. Conclusions. It was established that systematic subsurface tillage of typical chernozem of the Left-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine leads to the structuring both of the total reserves of energy С org , and its quality content, aimed at the increase in the intensity of the processes of humifi cation and accumulation of organic carbon, and the decrease in miner- alization. The ratio of energy reserves С org of humic acids to fulvic acids in the 0−30 cm layer of chernozem is 1.85−1.87 regardless of the way of tillage, which testifi es to the repeatability of humus accumulation, but the total reserves of energy С org was higher for subsurface tillage (+ 31 Teracalorie/ha) compared to deep plough- ing. As for the surface tillage, the energy enrichment was at the level of deep ploughing.

Analysis of Information Support for the Condition of Soil Resources in Ukraine

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 77-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Baliuk ◽  
V. Solovey ◽  
M. Zakharova ◽  
A. Kucher ◽  
S. Truskavetskyi
Keyword(s):  
Soil Cover ◽  
Sustainable Land Use ◽  
Information Support ◽  
Land Resources ◽  
Soil Resources ◽  
Diffi Cult ◽  
Other Information ◽  
Global Soil ◽  
Individual Type ◽  
Available Information

The contemporary condition of soil cover in Ukraine is characterized. The attention is focused onto widespread degradation processes in soils. The causes that determine the development of these negative processes are considered. The contemporary informational support for the condition of soil cover in Ukraine is estimated. In general, the current available information is of narrow-departmental nature, obtained by different methods and non-correlated monitoring programs. As a rule, it is stored in under-structured databases, incompatible with other information systems; mainly recorded on paper media unusable with modern technologies, whereby such information resources are diffi cult to be compiled together. These disadvantages are strong constraints against consistent usage of materials for evaluation, forecast and management of changes in the soil cover. The Soil Observation program should thereby be combined with Agrochemical Passportization and ecology-ameliora- tive monitoring; in other words, the application of innovative soil-agrochemical methodology is considered. Each individual type of surveys shall complement the others, and taken altogether, they shall constitute a con- sistent Information System, capable of solving the problems of assessing the condition, forecasting, manage- ment, usage and protection of soil resources. The monitoring procedures should be conducted on the basis of a new soil concept in line with unifi ed programs and methods, so as to meet European approaches to the maxi- mum extent. Such a technical composition enables getting information on present-day processes in soils, and is the only combination that actually helps us to “ecologize” our knowledge of soils, which is the leading trend in the scope of global soil-science. Thus obtained results will serve as a State-owned tool which would subse- quently facilitate the use and protection of soil resources all over the country, to be involved in a united global soil-information scope. The attention is focused onto social signifi cance of the information on soils and their fertility in terms of land resources optimization, as well as the formation of sustainable land use in Ukraine.

The policy challenges to managing global soil resources

Geoderma ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 379 ◽  
pp. 114639
Author(s):  
Ronald Amundson
Keyword(s):  
Soil Resources ◽  
Global Soil

scholarly journals Potential of Biotechnology in Phytoremediation

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 622-627
Author(s):  
Misbah Khan ◽  
Javid I Mir
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Molecular Biology ◽  
Organic Contaminants ◽  
Toxic Substances ◽  
Soil Resources ◽  
Herbicide Resistant ◽  
Future Potential ◽  
Tools And Techniques ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Inorganic And Organic Contaminants

The accumulation of toxic substances involving the inorganic and organic contaminants in the soil is a global problem. Status of the World's Soil Resources Report (SWSR) recognized soil pollution as one of the main reasons affecting global soils and the ecosystem services provided by them. However, transgenic approaches utilizing the biodegradation capabilities of microbes and mammals into plants pledge an efficient and eco-friendly approach to renewing the environment. An effective method of phytoremediation involves an enhanced rate of pollutant uptake by the plant, followed by the detoxification of the chemicals absorbed or translocated. It also involves the production of genetically modified herbicide-resistant plants for herbicide remediation and exploits the principles of biotechnology and molecular biology for the introduction and improvement of potentially superior genes into plants. This review discusses the various transgenic approaches involved in the phytoremediation of persistent organic pollutants, metals, metalloids, and explosives. Besides, it also focuses on the limitations of transgenics and provides an insight into the future potential of emerging biotechnological tools and techniques in this field.

scholarly journals Soils in the modern society

2017 ◽  
pp. 304-313
Author(s):  
Stepan Pozniak
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Ecological Crisis ◽  
Modern World ◽  
Soil Fertility Management ◽  
Soil Resources ◽  
The World ◽  
Global Soil

Soils are one of the most important, basic resources that is essential for the creation of a large number of goods and services that are an integral part of the ecosystem and human well-being. Soils, both actively used and others, provide ecosystems services which are important for regulating of the global climate and for large-scale regulation of various natural resources. About 33 % of global soil resources are degraded due to erosion, pollution, compaction, salinization, acidification, dehumidification and other adverse processes associated within appropriate management of ground water resources. About 33 % of global soil resources are degraded due to erosion, pollution, compaction, salinization, acidification, dehumidification and other adverse processes associated with inappropriate management of soil resources. Excessive lowing of the land fund, non-compliance of modern agricultural systems, neglect to agronomic land use norm sand ecology, lack of proper system of soil fertility management contributes to the development of degradation processes. The degradation is almost inevitable companion of humanity for many centuries of its development. Of course there are differences in this process, and they depend on the level of development of society, the understanding of the patterns of soil formation, and the state of the economy. Providing the rational, scientifically grounded use of soil, Ukraine, possessing a huge reserve of soil fertility, may be one of the world leaders in the production of high-quality food products. However, unfortunately, the soil does not occupy a privileged position in society. It is considered exclusively from the utilitarian side as a means of getting of agricultural products. The most important thing for the survival of humanity is the attitude of people to the soil, which is formed by culture, economic and social system of society. In the modern world, when the interconnection of elements in the mechanism of the world economy intensifies and the number of the population is steadily increasing, the management of soil resources plays more important role than ever before. Societies that have almost exhausted their environmental potential are often forced to maximize their crops to feed the population, regardless of the depletion of the soil and the need to protect and preserve it for next generations. Key words: soil, degradation, use of the soils, fertility, ecological crisis, society, soil area.

scholarly journals A Review of Libyan Soil Databases for Use within an Ecosystem Services Framework

Land ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamdi A. Zurqani ◽  
Elena A. Mikhailova ◽  
Christopher J. Post ◽  
Mark A. Schlautman ◽  
Azzeddin R. Elhawej
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Soil Productivity ◽  
Market Institutions ◽  
Soil Resources ◽  
Sea Levels ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
Alternative Farming ◽  
Rising Sea Levels ◽  
High Concentrations

Ecosystem services (ESs) are increasingly being used by many countries around the world as a framework for addressing the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This review article of the usability of Libyan soil databases for ESs and SDGs is the first of its kind for North Africa. The objectives of the article are to: describe the available soil resources of Libya in relation to an ES framework; provide examples of the usability of Libyan soil databases for ES applications (e.g., provisioning, Healthy Eating Plate), and describe some of the typical disservices in the country. Desertification, salinization, and limited freshwater resources are the largest challenges (disservices) for agriculture and future development in Libya. Seawater intrusion in coastal areas due to rising sea levels has resulted in high concentrations of salts in irrigation waters, which can lead to low soil productivity. These challenges can be addressed by integrating Libyan soil resources into a market that transforms resources into goods and services to meet human demand in a sustainable manner, with non-market institutions mediating the interactions between humans and the environment. If Libyan soil resources are taken into account by both market and non-market institutions, it will lead to more efficient use of soil resources and also should enable the implementation of innovative strategies, such as integrated farming systems, non-soil-based agricultural production (e.g., hydroponics), and alternative farming practices.

scholarly journals Attitudes and Preferences towards Soil-Based Ecosystem Services: How Do They Vary across Space?

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 8722
Author(s):  
Luisa Fernanda Eusse-Villa ◽  
Cristiano Franceschinis ◽  
Mara Thiene ◽  
Jürgen Meyerhoff ◽  
Alex McBratney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Spatial Heterogeneity ◽  
Soil Conservation ◽  
Choice Experiment ◽  
Economic Valuation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Geographic Pattern ◽  
Soil Resources ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Soil Ecosystem Services

Soil ecosystem services (ES) provide multiple benefits to human well-being, but the failure to appreciate them has led to soil degradation issues across the globe. Despite an increasing interest in the threats to soil resources, economic valuation in this context is limited. Importantly, most of the existing valuation studies do not account for the spatial distribution of benefits that soil ES provide to the population. In this study, we present the results of a choice experiment (CE) aimed at investigating spatial heterogeneity of attitudes and preferences towards soil conservation and soil ES. We explored spatial heterogeneity of both attitudes and welfare measures via GIS techniques. We found that citizens of the Veneto Region (Northeast Italy) generally have positive attitudes towards soil conservation. We also find positive willingness-to-pay (WTP) values for soil ES in most of the study area and a considerable degree of heterogeneity in the spatial taste distribution. Finally, our results suggest that respondents with pro-environmental attitudes display a higher WTP based on the geographic pattern of the distribution of WTP values and attitudinal scores across the area.

The Business Side of Ecosystem Services of Soil Systems

Earth ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 15-34
Author(s):  
Elena A. Mikhailova ◽  
Christopher J. Post ◽  
Mark A. Schlautman ◽  
Gregory C. Post ◽  
Hamdi A. Zurqani
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Soil Survey ◽  
Business Systems ◽  
Business Decision ◽  
Soil Resources ◽  
Organizational Hierarchy ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
Soil Systems ◽  
Wide Range

Current applications of the Ecosystems Services (ES) framework to soils are narrowly defined (e.g., soil-based, pedosphere-based, etc.), and focus on soil properties while treating soil as a closed system. Because soil is an open system, it receives and loses matter across its boundaries within Earth’s spheres (atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, ecosphere, and anthroposphere), which also need to be accounted for in economic analysis. In market economies, the market transforms resources from the Earth’s pedosphere and related spheres into goods and services for societal welfare with non-market institutions mediating human and environmental interactions. These transformations and mediations can result not only in welfare but damages as well. The concept of soil ES and ecosystem disservices (ED) is a human-centered framework, which can be a useful tool in business decision-making. Soil ES (e.g., provisioning, regulation/ maintenance, and cultural) are used to produce goods and services, but the value of these ES and ED are not always accounted for as a part of business decision-making. The objective of this review is to illustrate the monetary valuation of ecosystem services of soil systems (SS) with examples based on the organizational hierarchy of soil systems. The organizational hierarchy of soil systems can be used in economic valuations of soil ES by scale (e.g., world, continent), time (e.g., soil, geologic), qualitative and quantitative degrees of computation (e.g., mental, verbal, descriptive, mathematical, deterministic, stochastic), and degree of complexity (e.g., mechanistic, empirical). Soil survey databases, soil analyses, Soil Data Systems (SDS), and Soil Business Systems (SBS) provide tools and a wide range of quantitative/qualitative data and information to evaluate goods and services for various business applications, but these sources of soil data may be limited in scope due to their static nature. Valuation of soil resources based on soil and non-soil science databases (e.g., National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) databases, etc.) is critically needed to account for these ES/ED as part of business decision-making to provide more sustainable use of soil resources. Since most ecosystems on Earth have been modified by human activity, “soil systems goods and services” (SSGS) may be a more applicable term to describe soil contributions (benefits/damages) to economic activity, compared to a term such as “soil ecosystem goods and services.”

scholarly journals The Business Side of Ecosystem Services of Soil Systems

Earth ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-34
Author(s):  
Elena Mikhailova ◽  
Christopher Post ◽  
Mark Schlautman ◽  
Gregory Post ◽  
Hamdi Zurqani
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Soil Survey ◽  
Business Systems ◽  
Business Decision ◽  
Soil Resources ◽  
Organizational Hierarchy ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
Soil Systems ◽  
Wide Range

Current applications of the Ecosystems Services (ES) framework to soils are narrowly defined (e.g., soil-based, pedosphere-based, etc.), and focus on soil properties while treating soil as a closed system. Because soil is an open system, it receives and loses matter across its boundaries within Earth’s spheres (atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, ecosphere, and anthroposphere), which also need to be accounted for in economic analysis. In market economies, the market transforms resources from the Earth’s pedosphere and related spheres into goods and services for societal welfare with non-market institutions mediating human and environmental interactions. These transformations and mediations can result not only in welfare but damages as well. The concept of soil ES and ecosystem disservices (ED) is a human-centered framework, which can be a useful tool in business decision-making. Soil ES (e.g., provisioning, regulation/ maintenance, and cultural) are used to produce goods and services, but the value of these ES and ED are not always accounted for as a part of business decision-making. The objective of this review is to illustrate the monetary valuation of ecosystem services of soil systems (SS) with examples based on the organizational hierarchy of soil systems. The organizational hierarchy of soil systems can be used in economic valuations of soil ES by scale (e.g., world, continent), time (e.g., soil, geologic), qualitative and quantitative degrees of computation (e.g., mental, verbal, descriptive, mathematical, deterministic, stochastic), and degree of complexity (e.g., mechanistic, empirical). Soil survey databases, soil analyses, Soil Data Systems (SDS), and Soil Business Systems (SBS) provide tools and a wide range of quantitative/qualitative data and information to evaluate goods and services for various business applications, but these sources of soil data may be limited in scope due to their static nature. Valuation of soil resources based on soil and non-soil science databases (e.g., National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) databases, etc.) is critically needed to account for these ES/ED as part of business decision-making to provide more sustainable use of soil resources. Since most ecosystems on Earth have been modified by human activity, “soil systems goods and services” (SSGS) may be a more applicable term to describe soil contributions (benefits/damages) to economic activity, compared to a term such as “soil ecosystem goods and services.”

Global soil resources under stress

Science ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 348 (6235) ◽  
pp. 644-646
Author(s):  
N. S. Wigginton
Keyword(s):  
Soil Resources ◽  
Global Soil
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