Representativeness of determining the soil natural fertility index

Abstract

Assessment of the soil natural fertility is important in the socio-economic stability and development of each territory. Purpose: This study is devoted to the method of solving an important socio-economic problem – determining the soil fertility index. Research methodology. In the course of the research the methods of the theory of soil quality assessment, mathematical statistics, field and laboratory researches of the numerical values forming the estimated cost of soils are used. Natural soil fertility is represented by the five most important groups of factors: morphological, physical, agrochemical, physicochemical and environmental. Each group of factors may include a number of individual indicators that researchers believe are the most influential in assessing this type of soil. Soil quality is a complex natural functional system that cannot be obtained from direct measurements, but can be determined with a certain degree of confidence by processing the values that most fully characterize the soil. In this regard, a number of methods and methodological approaches to their definition have been developed. To this end, we have chosen a five-point rating scale, which makes it possible to assess each factor in a single evaluation system. The scientific novelty. Based on known methods of soil quality assessment, the authors propose a methodological approach that allows not only to assess the determination of the soil quality index and its accuracy but also the influence of individual factors on the index value. Results: classification of the factors forming the soil quality index, their scores` assessment and methodology of database processing have been developed, and their practical application and confirmation have been found in experimental studies. Practical significance. This can be used by experts in the field of soil assessment to develop proposals and recommendations for public authorities and local governments to address land administration issues.