Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
This definition emphasized the ability to
recover with appropriate inputs rather than
the ability to resist change. Characterizing
the resilience capacity allows a differenti-
ation of resistant, resilient, fragile and mar-
ginal soils, and a delineation of their
response to stress (Lal
et al
., 1989). This is
the basis for targeting management options.
according to the soil type, environmental
conditions and farming systems. There
are numerous opportunities for improv-
ing soil carbon. Unfortunately, the amount
of organics available at farm level for use
in soil improvement is low, due to the
many competing uses. The use of inor-
ganic fertilizer will remain an important
option for increasing crop productivity,
and hence the amount of residues avail-
able for multiple uses, among them soil
improvement. The contribution of organic
resources to SOC will vary with the ac-
companying management and quality of
the resources. Integration of different qual-
ities of organics is needed if the produc-
tion objective is to achieve both immediate
soil fertility and maintenance and crop
improvement in the long term.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that SOC plays a key
role in maintaining the crop productivity
of soils. Given this importance, the main-
tenance of an adequate level should be a
guiding principle in developing manage-
ment practices. However, just what consti-
tutes an adequate level is likely to vary
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