Soil health and waste management in Agriculture: The SMAF experience

Authors: AMORIM, HELEN - University Of Arkansas; Ashworth, Amanda

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/10/2024
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Soil health and waste management are critical components of sustainable agriculture, shaping the foundation for robust and productive farming systems in the circular economy. Healthy soils support plant growth, nutrient cycling and availability, enhance water retention and C sequestration, and provide a supportive environment for beneficial microorganisms. Conservation agricultural practices, including reduced soil disturbance, intercropping, and application of animal manures, are well known to enhance soil health and can allow for sustainable intensification. The use of crop residues, animal manures, and emerging, non-conventional fertilizer sources can enhance nutrient use efficiency and improve soil health, while minimizing the environmental impacts of agricultural and industry activities, reducing the dependence on synthetic, fossil fuel-based fertilizers and potentially reducing production costs. Here, the Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF) was applied to evaluate the impacts of conservation agricultural practices on soil health in US agroecosystems. Case studies were presented and implications for future soil health monitoring, as well as the use of SMAF in tropical regions, will be discussed. SMAF is a valuable tool to assess soil health as affected by conservation management in subtropical and temperate regions, and can serve as a guide for best management practices towards enhanced resource use efficiency in agriculture.