Abstract
Idowu et al., in this edition of Plant and Soil describe a welcome new tool that allows farmers to optimize the management of their fields. It is based on a holistic approach that integrates assays of soil physical, chemical and biological parameters into an easily understandable, low-cost and quantitative estimate of soil quality or “health”. It can facilitate tracking and understanding of the short and long term effects of different management approaches on soil (and crop) health. Most of the assays used are based on traditional, labour-intensive techniques. The tool could be improved through employment of assay technologies that are under development. For example, Idowu et al., in this edition investigated the use of near infra-red spectroscopy as a replacement for some of the traditional soil assays. Similarly, future developments in remote spectroscopic assays, using satellite, airborne or land-based platforms may facilitate further improvement.
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Linker, R., Neumann, P.M. New directions for improving the management of agricultural soils. Plant Soil 307, 255–257 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-008-9608-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-008-9608-2