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Participatory selection of soil quality indicators for monitoring the impacts of regenerative agriculture on ecosystem services

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  • Luján Soto, Raquel
  • Cuéllar Padilla, Mamen
  • de Vente, Joris

Abstract

Improving the understanding and fostering large-scale adoption of regenerative agriculture (RA) requires soil quality monitoring systems that integrate farmers’ and researchers’ knowledge. This is especially relevant for participatory impact assessment in semiarid areas prone to land degradation that typically respond slowly to management changes, often resulting in low RA adoption rates. We developed a framework for the identification and selection of local and technical soil quality indicators and for the development of a visual soil assessment tool, to participatory monitor the impacts of RA by farmers and researchers. We applied this framework in a large-scale restoration project in southeast Spain together with almond farmers implementing RA. Local indicators selected by farmers focused mostly on water regulation, erosion control, soil fertility, crop performance and main supporting, regulating and provisioning ecosystem services. Technical indicators selected by researchers focused mostly on soil properties including aggregate stability, soil nutrients, microbial biomass and activity, and leaf nutrients, covering crucial supporting services. The combination of indicators provided complementary information, improving the feasibility of RA impact assessment. This integrated soil quality monitoring system offers a practical tool to enhance knowledge exchange and mutual learning to support the implementation of RA and optimize the delivery of ecosystem services.

Suggested Citation

  • Luján Soto, Raquel & Cuéllar Padilla, Mamen & de Vente, Joris, 2020. "Participatory selection of soil quality indicators for monitoring the impacts of regenerative agriculture on ecosystem services," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 45(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecoser:v:45:y:2020:i:c:s2212041620300991
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoser.2020.101157
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    1. Ethan Gordon & Federico Davila & Chris Riedy, 2022. "Transforming landscapes and mindscapes through regenerative agriculture," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 39(2), pages 809-826, June.
    2. de Groot, Rudolf & Moolenaar, Simon & de Vente, Joris & De Leijster, Vincent & Ramos, María Eugenia & Robles, Ana Belen & Schoonhoven, Yanniek & Verweij, Pita, 2022. "Framework for integrated Ecosystem Services assessment of the costs and benefits of large scale landscape restoration illustrated with a case study in Mediterranean Spain," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 53(C).
    3. Tom O’Donoghue & Budiman Minasny & Alex McBratney, 2022. "Regenerative Agriculture and Its Potential to Improve Farmscape Function," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-25, May.
    4. Boix-Fayos, Carolina & de Vente, Joris, 2023. "Challenges and potential pathways towards sustainable agriculture within the European Green Deal," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 207(C).
    5. Sunita Kumari Meena & Brahma Swaroop Dwivedi & Mahesh Chand Meena & Saba Prasad Datta & Vinod Kumar Singh & Rajendra Prasad Mishra & Debashish Chakraborty & Abir Dey & Vijay Singh Meena, 2022. "Impact of Long-Term Nutrient Supply Options on Soil Aggregate Stability after Nineteen Years of Rice–Wheat Cropping System," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(9), pages 1-17, September.
    6. Schreefel, L. & van Zanten, H.H.E. & Groot, J.C.J. & Timler, C.J. & Zwetsloot, M.J. & Schrijver, A. Pas & Creamer, R.E. & Schulte, R.P.O. & de Boer, I.J.M., 2022. "Tailor-made solutions for regenerative agriculture in the Netherlands," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 203(C).
    7. Camille Page & Bradd Witt, 2022. "A Leap of Faith: Regenerative Agriculture as a Contested Worldview Rather Than as a Practice Change Issue," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-20, November.

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