Marginal Lands
In this StoryMap we explain how we define and mapped marginal lands for the current (2020) situation and for the future (2050).
The 6 clustered factors are further explained and illustrated with maps in the following sections:
1.
Adverse Climate
Adverse climate is composed of two factors as proposed in the
JRC approach to mapping areas of natural constraints: low temperatures and drought.
2.
Excessive wetness
Excess of soil moisture over prolonged time in the field is limiting for crops and for management. Access of the field with machines and the workability of the soil is hampered and lack of oxygen for root growth limits crop growth.
3.
Adverse chemical conditions
Adverse chemical conditions are defined by two different factors. Either excess of salts (salinity or sodicity) or by toxic elements in the soil that hamper crop growth or may pose a health risk.
4.
Low fertility
Low fertility refers to the availability of nutrients over time to crops. Soil nutrient availability is often highly variable in both space and time and depends on many variables. Here two parameters that influence soil fertility were ranked: soil reaction (pH) and organic carbon content.
5.
Limitations in rooting conditions
Root growth is directly related to possibility for uptake of nutrients and water and provides food for the crop. Several root growth constraining factors are used:
- unfavourable soil texture
- coarse fragments
- organic soils
- surface stones and rocks
- shallow rooting depth
6.
Adverse terrain conditions
For this cluster two factors are considered namely slope and flooding risk.
