Dear FSN Moderator(s),
On behalf of the International Cryosphere Climate Initiative (ICCI) and its partners, I would like to first of all thank you for the opportunity to contribute toward this document. We agree that this document is well thought out and well argued and provides reasonable solutions and suggestions.
Below and also attached to this message, you will find several comments/suggestions on soil management based on our experience and research.
Comment 1 by Dr. Jessica McCarty, Adjunct Assistant Professor, School of Technology,Research Scientist II, Michigan Tech Research Institute:
Page 7, Section 2.2 - This draft is missing a specific opportunity to call out types of organic matter/residue removal and disturbance (which is needed to identify activities of importance to soil and important to SDGs related to soil health). I propose that a modification to the second bullet under 'Surface Soil Stability' read: "The removal of materials, mechanically, by hand, or via open burning, from the soil surface reduces the organic and mineral nutrient pool available for microbial processing and plant uptake and reduces the soil organic carbon store of the soil."
Comment 2 by Dr. McCarty:
Page 13, Section 3.3 - I propose a bullet be added to the section on 'Guidelines for maintenance and enhancement of a sufficient organic cover' to cover all key technical aspects of soil management:
- Open burning of excess residues should be avoided to maintain sufficient organic matter as well as to prevent fire damage to the topsoil, which will result in further nutrient depletion and increased potential for erosion.
Comment 3 by Mr. Alex Gittelson, ICCI Eurasia Program Manager:
Page 10, Section on water retention - Removal of residue and materials negatively affects water retention by removing shading and protection from wind erosion. I propose a bullet be added on this threat:
- The removal of residue or materials, mechanically, by hand, or through agricultural burning, negatively affects shading and water retention in soil, which contributes toward nutrient depletion, reduction of soil moisture, and wind erosion.
I hope you find these comments/contributions useful.
Best regards,
Alex
Alex Gittelson
ICCI Eurasia Program Manager
Alex Gittelson