The Impact of a Crop on Soil Erosion: Understanding the Soil Footprint
A team of researchers from the Department of Agronomy has developed a method to assess and compare how different crops impact the loss of agricultural soil. Their goal is to raise awareness about this issue and promote solutions to preserve this crucial resource.
The team introduced the concept of a ‘soil footprint,’ which measures the amount of soil lost during the cultivation process of a food product. By calculating this footprint, they aim to engage consumers, scientists, policymakers, and the agricultural sector in addressing soil erosion.
Their research revealed that olive trees have the largest soil footprint in Spain, followed by cherry trees and wheat. On the other hand, onions, potatoes, and oranges have the smallest soil footprint. Despite olive groves being economically important, strategies like vegetation cover can help reduce soil erosion and improve sustainability.
By incorporating the concept of a ‘soil footprint’ into discussions around food production, the team hopes to encourage the adoption of more sustainable farming practices that protect this vital resource. Consumers can also play a role by demanding products that are produced with minimal soil erosion, similar to the trend seen with organic and cruelty-free products.
Source
Michael Thompson earned his degree in Agricultural Engineering from Purdue University in the USA, specializing in precision agriculture and smart farming technologies. His work revolves around the development of automated systems that increase farm efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Michael is now a senior engineer at a leading agri-tech company, where he designs innovative solutions for modern agriculture.