
The series of the ITPS soil letters aim to provide to the general public concise and clear information on one topic linked to the work and activities led by the Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils (ITPS). It is planned to publish about 8 letters per year. This series are in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and the FAO’s Strategic Objectives and contributes to the efforts of ending hunger, malnutrition, climate change adaptation, land degradation and overall sustainable development.
Year of publication: September, 2020
Place of publication: Rome, Italy
Author: FAO/ Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils
Publisher: FAO
Abstract: The Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils (ITPS) defines soil health as “the ability of the soil to sustain the productivity, diversity, and environmental services of terrestrial ecosystems”. In managed systems, soil health can be maintained, promoted or recovered through the implementation of sustainable soil management practices. As with human health, there is no single measure that captures all aspect of soil health. The preservation of these soil services requires avoiding and/or combating all types of soil degradation.
Year of publication: March, 2021
Place of publication: Rome, Italy
Author: FAO/ Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils
Publisher: FAO
Abstract: Carbon and nitrogen participate directly in a wide variety of soil processes that are key to the food system and for the provision of ecosystem services. Soil organic carbon (SOC) is the main indicator of soil health and constitutes the backbone of the molecules that, together with nitrogen, build soil organic matter (SOM), which is responsible for much of the multifunctional nature of soils, optimizing soil health and productivity. Furthermore, the use of reactive nitrogen in agriculture is essential for plant growth and food security. However, the adverse effects of nitrogen use in agriculture impose global challenges that add to other major challenges such as global population growth, urban expansion, dietary shifts, climate change and soil degradation.
Year of publication: May, 2021
Place of publication: Rome, Italy
Author: FAO/ Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils
Publisher: FAO
Abstract: Naturally saline or sodic soils host valuable ecosystems, including a range of rare plants, that are adapted to the extreme conditions. However, salt-affected soils may develop quickly in response to human activities. Soils may thus become affected by salinity and sodicity due to inappropriate management or through saline water intrusion from sea, river or groundwater and undergo a rapid decline of health, losing their capacity for biomass production, natural filtration, carbon sequestration and other necessary ecosystem functions.
Year of publication: September, 2021
Place of publication: Rome, Italy
Author: FAO/ Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils
Publisher: FAO
Abstract: A study conducted by the FAO Global Soil Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN) showed that most standard chemical analyses have medium or high risks to human health, can contribute to environmental pollution and are often costly, requiring a range of different equipment and chemicals. These issues can mostly be avoided through the development of quicker and less expensive detection methods. This letter aims to show how spectroscopy can offer a fast, reliable, and environmental-friendly method to provide the large soil information databases necessary for decision making in sustainable agricultural systems.
Year of publication: March, 2022
Place of publication: Rome, Italy
Author: FAO/ Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils
Publisher: FAO
Abstract: An important service provided by soils is the support of human settlements, structures and infrastructures. However, once urbanised, soils are usually deeply affected, and often experience the loss of many soil functions, such as the ability to support plant growth and water infiltration, store organic carbon and host biodiversity. The objective of this letter is to draw attention to the issues related to soil sealing and urbanisation, and to provide a brief discussion of what actions need to be taken to prevent excessive loss of soil ecosystem functions and services due to urban development.
