Assessment and Evaluation of Soil Ecosystem Services

Abstract

Soil ecosystem services are diverse, valuable, and underappreciated. They are classified as provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural services. This paper is the product of a Soil Science Society of America task force convened to define and value ecosystem services derived from soil for the benefit of scientists, elected officials, and practitioners with the hope that a better understanding of soil ecosystem services will result in informed decisions in the use of soils. Soil provides medicines, building materials, and nutrients. Soil controls nutrient and water cycles. Soil is capable of degrading wastes and detoxifying compounds. Soil is a habitat for diverse microorganisms and fauna, which in turn supports valuable ecosystem services. Soil also supports recreational activities and is part of our cultural heritage evident in legend, religion, song, and art. The value of soil's ecosystem services exceeds that of other parts of an ecosystem, yet the scope and value of soil‐derived ecosystem services remains poorly understood. Three of the greatest challenges that remain are to develop (i) a better understanding and documentation of soil biodiversity, (ii) more comprehensive economic valuation of soil services, and (iii) an understanding of how to manage soil to maximize its benefits to humankind.

Soil “Ecosystem” Services and Natural Capital: Critical Appraisal of Research on Uncertain Ground

“…However, experience has shown that translating lists of soil services into a picture that resonates with the public presents daunting challenges. Simply enumerating the many services provided directly or indirectly by soils to human populations, as some articles have done Comerford et al, 2013), has a tendency to become rapidly dreary and indigestible even for specialists. Fortunately, there are alternatives.…”

“…Individuals who have a stake in the management of soils within a given geographical area can be asked to quantify each entry in a value-vs.-soil function matrix. Methods need to be elaborated for this type of valuation, in particular to avoid elements of this matrix being overly affected by interconnections among functions/services, which at the moment are challenging to disentangle (Comerford et al, 2013). Nevertheless, Breure et al (2012) and Rutgers et al (2012) have carried out such a multi-stakeholder, multifunctional valuation of soil services at different spatial and temporal scales.…”

Short-Term Effects of Different Forest Management Methods on Soil Microbial Communities of a Natural Quercus aliena var. acuteserrata Forest in Xiaolongshan, China

“…The soil microbial community is a vital component of the soil biological system. It plays important roles in the nutrient cycles and energy flows, providing essential services to the forest ecosystem [1][2][3][4]. Bacteria and fungi are present in high proportions in soil microbial communities [5].…”

Comparing Field Sampling and Soil Survey Database for Spatial Heterogeneity in Surface Soil Granulometry: Implications for Ecosystem Services Assessment

“…Although these soil properties are extensively described and quantified in the existing soil databases they are often linked to the "mineral" commodities instead of "soil" stocks. For example, Comerford et al (2013) list numerous uses of soil materials/particles derived from "shallow to deep subsoils" (Table 3), but most likely these materials/particles are mined from mineral deposits (e.g., sand and gravel deposits are found on beaches, rivers, and streams). These "mineral" commodities are often monitored and valued on a regular basis in contrast to the "soil" commodities.…”

“…Examples of "mineral" derived commodities in relation to sand, clay, and gravel (adapted fromComerford et al, 2013).…”