Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
are to address fully the issues associated with the sustainable management
of soil organic matter, however, we need to continue to move beyond
the traditional disciplines of soil biology, soil physics and soil chemistry
and to work with other natural scientists and, increasingly, with social
scientists. Real and perceived divisions between researchers and advisors,
or between social and natural scientists, that exist within higher education
and research institutes are undoubtedly barriers to the development of
inter-disciplinary research. Current research funding methods may also
hamper collaboration.
Interestingly, despite the importance of legumes on a global scale in
contributing to N cycling and organic matter management, they received
little attention at this conference. This perhaps reflects the current empha-
sis on the study of N fixation by plant physiologists not soil scientists,
rather than a lack of research in the subject. Overcoming these barriers,
together with our ability to harness the ever-increasing range of
molecular and chemical techniques, not only will aid our understanding
of soil organic management, but also our ability to influence policy that
will protect and enhance soil organic matter across the world. In developing
countries, indigenous knowledge and management systems have an
important role to play in research (Pretty, 1995). Participative research
approaches, which involve farmers, land managers and the extension
service in research on soil fertility are being used extensively in developing
countries (e.g. Corbeels
et al
., 2000; White
et al
., this volume). Such
alternative approaches are beginning to gain more widespread acceptance
in developed countries, and potentially could result in greater awareness of
the importance of soil organic matter amongst farmers and other land
managers.
Management of soil organic matter has to date involved primarily
chemical and physical (mechanical) treatment to improve structure,
incorporate residues and stimulate decomposition. While such field
practices will continue, management in the future might also be based on
greater biological understanding that seeks to manipulate or engineer the
microbial population to enhance crop production and protect soils. Greater
understanding of soil biodiversity may also lead to rapid biological tests that
can be used to monitor and protect soil health.
The need to manage organic matter sustainably is clear. Much damage
has already been caused to the world's ecosystem through neglect of the
natural environment and the support systems that it maintains. This topic
illustrates that progress has been made in linking our understanding of soil
processes with functions. It will be necessary to build upon this understand-
ing through engagement with advisors, farmers and land managers to
develop strategies that not only halt the degradation of soils but, in time,
also reverse it. This will require international effort supported through
national governments to value the use of natural resources and investment
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