Vital for Sustainable Agriculture: Pedological Knowledge and Mapping

Abstract

Over the past 60 years, efforts to enhance agricultural productivity have mainly focussed on optimising strategies such as the use of inorganic fertilisers, advancements in microbiology and improved water management practices. Here, we emphasise the critical role of pedology as a foundation in soil management and long-term sustainability. We will demonstrate how overlooking the intrinsic properties of soils can result in detrimental effects on soil and overall sustainability. Communication between academia, extension experts, consultants and farmers often results in an overemphasis on the surface layer, for example, 20 to 40 cm, neglecting the functions that occur at depth. Soil health and regenerative agriculture must be coupled with an understanding of how soil functions as a dynamic system. We find that pedological knowledge and digital soil mapping technologies are underused for achieving sustainable agriculture. By bridging the gap between pedology and emerging agricultural technologies, we can provide land users with the tools needed to make informed decisions, ensuring that their practices not only increase production but also preserve the health of the soil for future generations.