Generic Issues on Broad-Scale Soil Monitoring Schemes: A Review

[en] Numerous scientific challenges arise when designing a soil monitoring network (SMN), especially when assessing large areas and several properties that are driven by numerous controlling factors of various origins and scales. Different broad approaches to the establishment of SMNs are distinguished. It is essential to establish an adequate sampling protocol that can be applied rigorously at each sampling location and time. We make recommendations regarding the within-site sampling of soil. Different statistical methods should be associated with the different types of sampling design. We review new statistical methods that account for different sources of uncertainty. Except for those parameters for which a consensus exists, the question of testing method harmonisation remains a very difficult issue. The establishment of benchmark sites devoted to harmonisation and inter-calibration is advocated as a technical solution. However, to our present knowledge, no study has addressed crucial scientific issues such as how many calibration sites are necessary and how to locate them. © 2012 Soil Science Society of China.

Disciplines :

Environmental sciences & ecology

Author, co-author :

Arrouays, D.; INRA, US 1106, InfoSol Unit, CS 40001 Ardon, F-45075 Orleans cedex 2, France

Marchant, B. P.; Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2JQ, United Kingdom

Saby, N. P. A.; INRA, US 1106, InfoSol Unit, CS 40001 Ardon, F-45075 Orleans cedex 2, France

Meersmans, Jeroen ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département GxABT > Analyse des risques environnementaux

Orton, T. G.; INRA, US 1106, InfoSol Unit, CS 40001 Ardon, F-45075 Orleans cedex 2, France

Martin, M. P.; INRA, US 1106, InfoSol Unit, CS 40001 Ardon, F-45075 Orleans cedex 2, France

Bellamy, P. H.; Cranfield University, Cranfield, Bedfordshire, MK43 OAL, United Kingdom

Lark, R. M.; British Geological Survey, Keyworth, Nottingham, NG12 5GG, United Kingdom

Kibblewhite, M.; Cranfield University, Cranfield, Bedfordshire, MK43 OAL, United Kingdom

Language :

English

Title :

Generic Issues on Broad-Scale Soil Monitoring Schemes: A Review

Publication date :

2012

Journal title :

Pedosphere

ISSN :

1002-0160

eISSN :

2210-5107

Publisher :

Soil Science Society of China

Volume :

Issue :

Pages :

456-469

Peer reviewed :

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

Funders :

BBSRC - Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council [GB]

Available on ORBi :

since 08 November 2021

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