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Measuring and Mapping Patterns of Soil Erosion and Deposition Related to Soil Carbonate Concentrations Under Agricultural Management
Published on: September 12, 2017
Agricultural practices can threaten soil resilience through changing feedback loops
Alison M Carswell1, Simon Willcock1,2, Martin S A Blackwell1
1Net Zero & Resilient Farming, Rothamsted Research, North Wyke, Okehampton UK.
Agricultural intensification threatens soil resilience and food security. Long-term conventional practices degrade soil, but alternative methods can mitigate these effects, safeguarding future food production.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Soil Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Soil is crucial for global food production.
- Agricultural intensification practices may negatively impact soil resilience.
- Soil resilience is vital for sustainable agriculture and food security.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impacts of conventional agriculture on soil resilience.
- To identify alternative agricultural practices that enhance soil resilience.
- To rank the most significant threats to soil resilience and food security.
Main Methods:
- Systems-thinking approach was employed.
- A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
- Impacts of agricultural practices on soil resilience were analyzed and ranked.
Main Results:
- Many conventional agricultural practices impact soil resilience primarily with long-term, repeated use.
- Alternative practices were identified as potential mitigators of negative effects.
- Key threats to soil resilience were ranked, highlighting implications for food and feed security.
Conclusions:
- Conventional agriculture poses risks to soil resilience.
- Alternative practices offer promising solutions for sustainable soil management.
- Addressing threats to soil resilience is critical for ensuring long-term food and feed security.
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