Lecture 1

Unit 1, Lecture 1

Definition of soil quality

The capacity of a specific kind of soil to function physically, chemically, and biologically, within natural or managed ecosystem boundaries, so as to maximize provisioning and regulatory ecosystem services. Often considered in relative to this capacity in the undisturbed, natural state.

5 components of soil quality

1. Physically

2. Chemically

3. Biologically

4. Provisioning

5. Regulatory

Ecological Function/Services

Ability of a soil to carry out a particular ecological function

Soil Resilience

A function of a soils performance (productivity), and its ability to withstand or recover from minor degradation

3 types of soil properties

1. Physical

2. Chemical

3. Biological

Soil properties are essential for…

understanding soil quality and restoring functions of degraded ecosystems

1 acre =

a. 1 ha

b. 43,560 ft²

c. 10,000 m²

b. 43,560 ft²

How many ft² in an acre?

43,560 ft²

Arable land per person in 2020

0.49 ac/person

Project arable land per person by 2050

0.37 ac/person

3 regions in the world with high soil performance and resilience

1. Midwest

2. Ukraine

3. Southest South America (around Uruguay)

4 major processes contributing to soil degradation

1. Desertification

2. Water Erosion

3. Wind Erosion

4. Anthropic Tension

Desertification

Process by which soil loses its capacity to supply water to plants

Water Erosion

Detachment and removal of soil particles by water

Wind Erosion

Detachment and removal of soil particles by wind

Anthropic Tension

Effects of humans