Soils, a Factor in Plant Production: Agroecosystems

Abstract : This chapter highlights the conditions for sustainable management of agricultural soils, mobilizing the concepts of agroecology. The relationship between agriculture and soil has evolved over the last century. In order to define the agricultural capability of a soil, the following two groups of properties must be considered. The first group deals with the conditions that determine the proper rooting of plants. The second group deals with the soil characteristics that govern the amount of water and mineral elements available to feed the plants. On a global scale, soils suitable for agricultural production are limited because of the characteristics of the environment or of the soils themselves. The transformation of soil production potential by soil management through organic fertilization or irrigation, for example, also contributes to transforming the soils themselves. Agroecosystem management involves technical, environmental, cultural and socioeconomic dimensions, which co‐evolve over time.