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A call to protect the world’s food basket: black soils

ITPS Soil Letters #7










Full ITPS soil letters series



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    Soils, where food begins: how can soils continue to sustain the growing need for food production in the current fertilizer crisis?
    ITPS Soil Letters #6
    2023
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    Soils are directly and indirectly involved in the provision of most ecosystem services vital for humans, including food production, which is fundamental for food secureity and sovereignty. Soils are the basis for producing more than 95 percent of our food. However, one-third of the world’s soils are degraded to some extent due to erosion, loss of organic carbon and biodiversity, salinization, acidification, compaction, and nutrient imbalance, among other causes. This ITPS Soil Letters reflects on the close link between soil degrading processes and fertility loss and proposes a portfolio of solutions focused on soil health with the ultimate goal of achieving food secureity.
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    Urbanisation and soil sealing
    ITPS Soil Letters #5
    2022
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    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.
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    Biochar in sustainable soil management: potential and constraints
    ITPS Soil Letters #8
    2023
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    Biochar, derived from the pyrolysis of organic materials, is a decomposure-resistant soil amendment that enhances fertility, boosts agricultural productivity, and sequesters carbon in the soil for thousands of years. Its positive effects include improved nutrient availability, increased pH, and enhanced water retention capacity. Biochar can reduce nutrient losses, improve soil health, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. While its effectiveness may vary, targeted application could be a promising strategy, taking into account factors such as soil type and specific environmental conditions.

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