The development of a functional land management matrix for agricultural soils based on soil drainage class

Abstract

Multi-Functional Land Management (FLM) provides a framework for the optimal management of soil-based ecosystem services (SES) to support sustainable intensification in agriculture. This study was focused on the further development of an existing FLM matrix to support the protection and enhancement of SES in agroecosystems. A comprehensive literature review and proxy indicators were used to prepare conceptual site models for each soil function, which were then used to construct the FLM matrix.

Part of the work for this project involved laboratory-based experiments to assess and validate the parts of the FLM matrix on managed grassland for the functions of biodiversity, carbon sequestration and denitrification. The empirical data partially support the FLM matrix. However, more research is required for the further validation and refinement of the FLM matrix.

The FLM matrix indicates the qualitative capacity of a soil to deliver the five key functions in agriculture (biomass production, water purification, biodiversity, nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration) based on the soil drainage class and land use type. The land use types included in the FLM matrix are: arable land; bio-energy; broadleaf forest; coniferous forest; managed grass; other grass and Natura 2000 sites. The drainage classes in the matrix ranged from well-drained to poorly-drained soils.

According to the FLM matrix, all soils simultaneously deliver all five functions but to varying extents. FLM helps to protect the soil health through the selection of the most suitable soil type for a particular land use type whilst simultaneously protecting all of the SES. The FLM matrix indicates the trade-offs on the multifunctional capacity of the soil if policy or land managers place a high demand on one particular function. Thus, FLM supports land use planning, in relation to the protection of soil health, at farm level and decisions by policy makers at regional and national levels.

Thesis is embargoed until 31 October 2025.

Date of Award	Oct 2023
Original language	English
Sponsors	Atlantic Technological University, Ash Lane, Sligo, F91 YW50 Ireland
Supervisor	Phil Jordan (Supervisor)