World Soil Day

  Field parameters for evaluation of soil physical properties can be a good complement to the recommended set of indicators and proposed parameters.  8) Soil infiltration rate is a measure of how fast water enters the soil under non-saturated conditions. Water entering too slowly can reflect ponding conditions, soil compaction or erosion risk (surface runoff). 9) Soil penetration resistance can be useful in estimating soil compaction. It gives an indication of root-impeding layers in the soil and can be used to compare relative strengths among similar soil types. Penetration resistance can also be used to identify hardpans, zones of compaction, or dense soil layers.

  Soil pollution refers to the presence of contaminant(s) in the soil whose nature, location, or quantity produces undesirable effects in the environment or human health. The laboratory analysis will depend on the results of the preliminary pollution risk assessment (in many cases this is not related to stakeholder management), after which the contaminants of major concern could be identified, and the specific method implemented. The contaminants of major concern considered in this document are trace elements, different types of pesticides, excess nutrients, hydrocarbons, and plastics. For an accurate assessment, it is therefore recommended to compile the necessary information related to the possible pollution risks, such as the proximity to a factory or a mining area, the source of irrigation water; the type and frequency of supplies and equipements used; and the use of agroplastics and its management. In addition, if a soil management practice is known to (potentially) introduc...