Indicators and assessment of soil biodiversity soil ecosystem functioning for farmers and governments文档.docVIP

Indicators and Assessment of Soil Biodiversity/Soil Ecosystem Functioning for Farmers and Governments Sally Bunning(1) and Juan J. Jiménez Land and Water Development Division (AGLL). Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN Viale delle Terme di Caracalla 00100, Rome, Italy Paper presented at the OECD Expert Meeting on indicators of Soil Erosion and Soil Biodiversity 25 – 28 March 2003, Rome, Italy. (1) Presenter The condition of our soils ultimately determines human health by serving as a major medium for food and fibre production and a primary interface with the environment, influencing the quality of the air we breathe and the water we drink. Thus, there is a clear linkage between soil quality and human and environmental health. As such, the health of our soil resources is a primary indicator of the sustainability of our land management practices (Acton and Gregorich, 1995). Abstract Soil health has been defined as the continued capacity of the soil to function as a vital living system, within ecosystem and land-use boundaries, to sustain biological productivity, promote the quality of air and water environments, and maintain plant, animal, and human health (John Doran). Soil biodiversity indicators can be used by farmers and governments to assess and monitor soil health and ecosystem functioning under different land use systems and management practices. They can help understand impacts of land use change and land degradation processes brought about by various driving forces. More important the assessment and monitoring of soil life and soil health can be used to encourage the development and adaptation by farmers of more sustainable and productive farming systems, especially where backed up by appropriate technical support and incentives. This paper draws from case studies presented and discussions made at the international technical workshop on Biological Management of Soil Ecosystems for Sustainable Agriculture, organised by FAO together with EMBRAPA Braz