Soil map to boost productivity in Africa
Scientists from the International Center for Tropical Agriculture will begin by taking samples from 60 predetermined sites across Africa (shown in red on the map below), each covering 100 square kilometres. Their findings will then be combined with satellite imagery to produce the fi rst high-resolution digital map of soil health, known as the African Soil Information Service (viewable at www.africasoils.net).
The project will not only help to identify the worst-aff ected areas, but will also provide advice to land managers on the best ways to sustainably boost productivity. In the past, eff orts to improve African soils have been hampered by a lack of up-to-date, comprehensive knowledge about current soil conditions, information that is critical for identifying the types and amounts of mineral and organic nutrients needed to increase crop yields.
African soils are among the worst in the world, suff ering from low productivity due to a combination of nutrient depletion, erosion and population pressure. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, one in three people in sub-Saharan Africa are chronically hungry.
The proposed project forms the fi rst stage of an initiative to build a global map of soil health that will eventually cover 80 per cent of the world’s soils.
April 2009
The project will not only help to identify the worst-aff ected areas, but will also provide advice to land managers on the best ways to sustainably boost productivity. In the past, eff orts to improve African soils have been hampered by a lack of up-to-date, comprehensive knowledge about current soil conditions, information that is critical for identifying the types and amounts of mineral and organic nutrients needed to increase crop yields.
African soils are among the worst in the world, suff ering from low productivity due to a combination of nutrient depletion, erosion and population pressure. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, one in three people in sub-Saharan Africa are chronically hungry.
The proposed project forms the fi rst stage of an initiative to build a global map of soil health that will eventually cover 80 per cent of the world’s soils.
April 2009
|
FIND OUT WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT ON TWITTER:
| |
 |
