Definition, Role, and Functions of Soil Related to the Knowledge Society and the Someș-Tisa Hydrographic Area (Romania)

Abstract

In Romania, under the aegis of the knowledge society, we naturally wondered if the soil still had a role, through the functions it fulfills, at the level of local communities. In this context, we set out, starting from the definition of soil as a cosmic–telluric–biotic product with notable valences in the transition of communities from hunting to knowledge-based societies, to make some scientific observations on the importance of soil resources. The research methodology was outlined around the importance and functions of soil in society by presenting the current state of land use in the Someș-Tisa region. As reference points, graphs on the hydrometeorological conditions made using the MeteoBlue application and an archive of the meteorological station in Baia Mare were used, as provided (per an open-access regime) by the Someș-Tisa Water Basin Administration and the Maramures County Council, respectively. Moreover, the research was completed with studies conducted by specialists, most of which were included in the Application Guide of the XVIII National Conference of Pedology held in 2006 in Cluj-Napoca. The research results showed that soil resources were still of vital importance for the communities in the Someș-Tisa area, where agricultural and agrotourism practices predominate. At the same time, it was noticed that the soil resources required increased attention as a result of the pollution resulting from the development of mining activities in large areas. Consequently, the soil resources in the Someș-Tisa area, which closely define the evolution of local communities, should be carefully monitored and subject to good practice guidelines specific to the objectives of sustainable development.

A Theoretical Perspective on the Role and Functions of Soil Resources in the Information and Knowledge Society

“…"Thesoil, the object of study of pedology, is the layer on the surface of the Earth's crust, formed by the action of the biosphere on the products of disintegration and alteration of rocks, able to sustain plant life. The soil is a system:  Structural -is an organized and structured environment, the constituents being in a close interdependence both vertically and horizontally;  Natural -formed under the influence of natural factors;  Complexthe product of the interaction of 5 factors;  polyphasic -developed over time in several phases;  Open -exchanges with other geospheres and is in a continuous transformation;  Multifunctional -performs multiple functions;  Polydispersity -its solid phase is in different degrees of dispersion: molecular or ionic dispersions (salts); colloidal dispersions (clay, humus, hydroxides); coarse dispersions or suspensions (dust, sand);  Heterogeneous -because it consists of 3 phases (solid, liquid, gaseous)" [1].…”

“…For humans, the soil, by nature, has particular characteristics different from those of other environments, as important for the ecosystem. As a support and habitat for plants, the soil provides the main connections in the food chain of the biological cycle of elements, from the synthesis of organic matter to the products resulting from its mineralization" [1].…”

Evaluating Groundwater Metal and Arsenic Content in Piatra, North-West of Romania

“…Land use in Piatra includes forests, meadows, pastures, arable lands, and residential areas, with predominant alluvial, well-drained soils supporting diverse natural vegetation. The area experiences a temperate-continental climate, with increased humidity and cold temperatures influenced by the Baltic and Scandinavian regions [11].…”

Geospatial Technologies Used in the Management of Water Resources in West of Romania

“…Thus, the possibility of processing the dense clouds of points in an efficient and cost-effective way facilitated a multitude of applications regarding the acquisition of 3D data in areas such as topography, environmental protection [1,2], the completion and conservation of cultural heritage, forest resources, etc. [3,4]. The first 3D scanning technology was created in the 1960s.…”