Soil Qualities for Crop Production

Note that the data files are in ascii format. The best way to save them to your computer is to click on the link with the right mouse button and select "Save Link As..." or "Save Target As...". More information on the data format is on the data format page.

DATA FILES	DESCRIPTION	MAPS
sq1.asc	Nutrient availability	view
sq2.asc	Nutrient retention capacity	view
sq3.asc	Rooting conditions	view
sq4.asc	Oxygen availability to roots	view
sq5.asc	Excess salts.	view
sq6.asc	Toxicity	view
sq7.asc	Workability (constraining field management)	view

Note that the classes used in the Soil Quality evaluation are:

1: No or slight limitations

2: Moderate limitations

3: Sever limitations

4: Very severe limitations

5: Mainly non-soil

6: Permafrost area

7: Water bodies

Remember that classes are qualitative not quantitative. Only classes 1 to 4 are corresponding to an assessment of soil limitations for plant growth. Class 1 is generally rated between 80 and 100% of the growth potential, class 2 between 60 and 80%, class 3 between 40 and 60%, and class 4 less than 40%.

For further information please consult the following link

Data Citation:
Fischer, G., F. Nachtergaele, S. Prieler, H.T. van Velthuizen, L. Verelst, D. Wiberg, 2008. Global Agro-ecological Zones Assessment for Agriculture (GAEZ 2008). IIASA, Laxenburg, Austria and FAO, Rome, Italy.