This document is based on the answers provided by soil laboratories to the survey “global assessment on laboratory capacities and needs” (see Annex II), which was conducted by the Global Soil Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN) under the framework of the Global Soil Partnership of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Soil pH regulates the capacity of soils to store and supply nutrients, and thus contributes substantially to controlling productivity in terrestrial ecosystems . However, soil pH is not an independent regulator of soil fertility—rather, it is ultimately controlled by environmental forcing. In particular, small changes in water balance cause a steep transition from alkaline to acid soils across natural climate gradients.
The goal of this study is to clarify research needs and identify effective practices for enhancing soil health. This was done by a synopsis of soil literature that specifically tests practices designed to maintain or enhance elements of soil health. Using an expert panel of soil scientists and practitioners, we then assessed the evidence in the soil synopsis to highlight practices beneficial to soil health, practices considered detrimental, and practices that need further investigation.
The world's soils are rapidly deteriorating due to soil erosion, nutrient depletion, loss of soil organic carbon, soil sealing and other threats, but this trend can be reversed provided countries take the lead in promoting sustainable management practices and the use of appropriate technologies, according to a new UN report released.
Drive for distributing soil health cards among farmers will be intensified in Udhamsingh Nagar, Haridwar, Nainital and Dehradun districts so that that the process is complete within six months, Chi
