Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
planned action therefore needs to be taken to build soil fertility and minimise
land degradation on small-scale farms. Some of the important action points are:
N
Developing well-defined and specific activities to enhance plant nutrient
levels as a long-term programme through consistent use of both organic
and inorganic fertilisers. According to World Bank figures, Africa uses only
14 kg of fertiliser per hectare compared with 1150-2000 kg in East Asia and
Europe. Use of both organic and inorganic fertilisers have resulted in
improved soil physical and chemical properties and increased crop yields for
some highly weathered tropical soils.
d
n
1
r
2
n
g
|
4
N
Giving adequate attention to the problem of soil acidity and finding better
ways of promoting plant nutrient availability and uptake.
N
Developing
and
adapting
suitable
rotations
using
legumes
and
green
manure.
N
Promoting agroforestry and farm forestry for better soil fertility and increased
land productivity to answer multiple needs at the farm level and beyond.
N
Creating programmes to deal with the issues of tillage and depth of root bed
to create sufficient storage capacity for plant nutrients and water, especially
for soils with a compacted sub-soil. Further issues of the energy required
and the development of new or improved tillage systems and equipment
need to be dealt with as crucial elements in the process. Such improved
methods of tillage should lessen the problem of hardpans and plough soles.
This will greatly enhance soil water uptake for plant growth.
N
Developing efficient systems of irrigation that increase production without
degrading the soil.
N
Adopting
soil
conservation
measures
that
are
simple,
effective
and
affordable.
N
Within the context of Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM), soil biota
are responsible for the key ecosystem functions of decomposition and nutrient
cycling, soil organic matter synthesis and mineralisation, soil structural
modification and aggregate stabilisation, nitrogen fixation, nutrient acquisi-
tion, regulation of atmospheric composition, the production of plant growth
substances and the biological control of soil-borne pests and diseases
Understanding biological processes is not as well advanced as those that are
related to soil physical and chemical properties, creating opportunities for
breakthroughs in biotic function to better service agriculture.
To summarise, understanding the soil is the key to its improvement, as there
are many physical, chemical and biological properties of the various soil types
that affect plant growth.
References
1. FAO, The conservation of Lands in Asia and Pacific, Natural Resources
Management and Environment Department, 2008.
