Uncovering the Role of Biophysical Factors and Socioeconomic Forces Shaping Soil Sensitivity to Degradation: Insights from Italy

0542607 - ÚVGZ 2022 RIV GB eng J - Článek v odborném periodiku
Gambella, F. - Colantoni, A. - Egidi, G. - Morrow, N. - Prokopová, Marcela - Salvati, L. - Gimenez-Morera, A. - Rodrigo-Comino, J.
Uncovering the Role of Biophysical Factors and Socioeconomic Forces Shaping Soil Sensitivity to Degradation: Insights from Italy.
Soil Systems. Roč. 5, č. 1 (2021), č. článku 11. E-ISSN 2571-8789
Výzkumná infrastruktura: CzeCOS III - 90123
Institucionální podpora: RVO:86652079
Klíčová slova: soil degradation * desertification risk * territorial disparities * land management * mediterranean
Obor OECD: Environmental sciences (social aspects to be 5.7)
Způsob publikování: Open access
https://www.mdpi.com/2571-8789/5/1/11

Following an operational framework derived from earlier research, our study research estimates the specific contribution of biophysical and socioeconomic factors to soil sensitivity to degradation at two-time points (Early-1990s and Early-2010s) in Italy, a Mediterranean hotspot for desertification risk. A total of 34 variables associated (directly or, at least, indirectly) with different processes of soil degradation (erosion, salinization, sealing, contamination, and compaction) and climate change were considered here, delineating the predominant (underlying) cause (i.e., biophysical or socioeconomic). This set of variables represented the largest (quantitative) information available from national and international data sources including official statistics at both national and European scale. Contribution of biophysical and socioeconomic dimensions to soil sensitivity to degradation was heterogeneous in Italy, with the level of soil sensitivity to biophysical factors being the highest in less accessible, natural areas mostly located in hilly and mountainous districts. The highest level of soil sensitivity to socioeconomic drivers was instead observed in more accessible locations around large cities and flat rural districts with crop intensification and low (but increasing) population density. All these factors delineated an enlarged divide in environmental quality between (i) flat and upland districts, and between (ii) Northern and Southern Italian regions. These findings suggest the appropriateness of policy strategies protecting soils with a strong place-specific knowledge, i.e., based on permanent monitoring of local (biophysical and socioeconomic) conditions.
Trvalý link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0319989