How Can We Build Resilient Soils?.

Actions are needed to achieve the global goal of reversing the trend of reduced soil ecosystem services and decreased agroecosystem resilience. Increasing adoption of management practices that improve the base soil resource can enhance multi-functionality of soils and build resilient agroecosystems under increasing climatic fluctuations (i.e., intense rainstorms, flooding events, heat waves, frequent droughts). Improving physical, chemical, and biological processes and properties of the soil directly affects the numerous ecosystem services that soils deliver. Improving soil properties not only can enhance the above services but also can improve soil resilience, which, in turn, can improve the overall resilience of agroecosystems. Resilience refers to the ability of the system to recover from external and internal stresses and adapt to changing conditions without significantly losing its key functions and services. Developing resilient soils and agroecosystems with spring-like behavior or elastic response is a priority in the face of increasing fluctuations of climate. For example, resilient soils should rapidly dry out when wet, retain available water when dry and hot, and remain warm when cold. Potential agricultural management strategies to improve soil and agroecosystem resilience can include intensification of no-tillage farming, incorporation of cover crops, intensification of of cropping systems, incorporation of perennial grasses or forages, and integration of crops with livestock systems, among others. Because one practice alone will not address the challenges of developing resilient soils or multifunctional ecosystems, a combination of improved management practices is needed. Potential management practices available in the portfolio of options to manage both soil and agroecosystem resilience will be discussed. Case studies will be presented at the meetings.