A Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF) Evaluation of Brazilian Sugarcane Expansion on Soil Quality

The Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF) was developed to evaluate impacts of land use and management practices on soil quality (SQ), but its suitability for Brazilian tropical soils was unknown. We hypothesized that SMAF would be sensitive enough to detect SQ changes associated with sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) expansion for ethanol production. Field studies were performed at three sites across the south-central region of Brazil, aiming to quantify the impacts of a land use change sequence (i.e., native vegetation–pasture–sugarcane) on SQ. Eight soil indicators were individually scored using SMAF curves developed primarily for North American soils and integrated into an overall Soil Quality Index (SQI) and its chemical, physical, and biological sectors. The SMAF scores were correlated with two other approaches used to assess SQ changes, soil organic C (SOC) stocks and Visual Evaluation of Soil Structure (VESS) scores. Our findings showed that the SMAF was an efficient tool for assessing land use change effects on the SQ of Brazilian tropical soils. The SMAF scoring curves developed using robust algorithms allowed proper assignment of scores for the soil chemical, physical, and biological indicators assessed. The SQI scores were significantly correlated with SOC stocks and VESS scores. Long-term transition from native vegetation to extensive pasture promoted significant decreases in soil chemical, physical, and biological indicators. Overall SQI suggested that soils under native vegetation were functioning at 87% of their potential capacity, while pasture soils were functioning at 70%. Conversions of pasture to sugarcane induced slight improvements in SQ, primarily because of improved soil fertility. Sugarcane soils are functioning at 74% of their potential capacity. Based on this study, management strategies were developed to improve SQ and the sustainability of sugarcane production in Brazil

Crop, Tillage, and Landscape Effects on Near-Surface Soil Quality Indices in Indiana

Soil quality is a critical link between land management and water quality. We aimed to assess soil quality within the Cedar Creek Watershed, a pothole- dominated subwatershed within the St. Joseph River watershed that drains into the Western Lake Erie Basin in northeastern Indiana. The Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF) with 10 soil quality indicators was used to assess inherent and dynamic soil and environmental characteristics across crop rotations, tillage practices, and landscape positions. Surface physical, chemical, and nutrient component indices were high, averaging 90, 93, and 98% of the optimum, respectively. Surface biology had the lowest component score, averaging 69% of the optimum. Crop rotation, tillage, and landscape position effects were assessed using ANOVA. Crop selection had a greater impact on soil quality than tillage, with perennial grass systems having higher values than corn (Zea mays L.) or soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Furthermore, soybean rotations often scored higher than corn rotations. Uncultivated perennial grass systems had higher overall soil quality index (SQI) values and physical, chemical, and biological component values than no-till or chisel–disk systems. Chisel–disk effects on overall and component SQI values were generally not significantly different from no-till management except for a few physical indicators. Toe-slopes had higher physical, biological, and overall SQI values than summit positions but toe-slope values were not significantly different from those of mid-slope positions. This work highlights the positive effects of perennial grass systems, the negative effects of corn-based systems, and the neutral effects of tillage on soil quality

Chapter 1 Innovative Thinking for Sustainable Use of Terrestrial Resources in Abu Dhabi Emirate Through Scientific Soil Inventory and Policy Development

Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven emirates that comprise the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The total area of the UAE is about 82,880 km². Abu Dhabi Emirate occupies more than 87% of mainland plus a string of coastal islands extending into the Arabian Gulf. The Emirate’s leaders and population have a close affinity with the land and believe that careful agricultural development will be an important part of its future destiny and should be undertaken on a sustainable basis. With this aim, fourth-order extensive survey of Abu Dhabi Emirate was initiated in 2006 and completed in 2009. The field survey was completed through investigating 22,000 sites covering 5.5 × 106 ha, supplemented with typical pro fi les description, laboratory analyses of soil samples, deep drilling to explore deep terrestrial resources, in filtration, permeability, and penetration resistance measurement. The survey was designed to take advantage of the latest technologies such as geographic information system (GIS), satellite image processing, and statistical analysis to produce state-of-the-art soil products. Sixty-two families and phases of soil families and 114 soil map units have been identified. The information were then used to publish soil map (1:100,000 and 1:500,000 scales) and 20 thematic maps at 1:500,000 scale. Using the extensive survey results, irrigated suitability map was prepared that led to delineate 1 million ha area, from which an area of 447,906 ha was surveyed at second-order level of USDA. The information collected will serve as a guide for future research and help to develop strategies that reduce the negative impact of the human activities on the natural surroundings and assist in the wise and sustainable use of its natural resources. In this chapter, methodologies used for extensive survey and results are presented and discussed for various uses. A brief introduction of the Abu Dhabi Soil Information System (ADSIS) developed to host all data for future retrieval, upgradation, and uses is also given, and policy issues are discussed