Towards a standardization of soil-related ecosystem service assessments

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer review

Authors

  • Carsten Paul
  • Kristin Kuhn
  • Bastian Steinhoff-Knopp
  • Peter Weißhuhn
  • Katharina Helming

External Research Organisations

  • Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF)
  • University for Sustainable Development Eberswalde (HNEE)
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Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1543-1558
Number of pages16
JournalEuropean journal of soil science
Volume72
Issue number4
Early online date9 Jul 2020
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jul 2021

Abstract

The concept of ecosystem services (ES) creates understanding of the value of ecosystems for human well-being. With regard to soils, it provides a framework for assessments of soil contributions and soil management impacts. However, a lack of standardization impedes comparisons between assessment studies and the building of synthesis information. The Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services (CICES) is an important step forward, although its application to soils is not without difficulty. CICES version 5.1 defines 83 ES classes, of which only some are relevant for soils. We compiled two subsets of CICES classes: one set of soil-related ES comprising 29 services defined as directly and quantifiably controlled by soils and their properties, processes and functions, and another set of 40 ES defined as being affected by agricultural soil management. Additionally, we conducted a systematic literature review, searching for published lists of soil-related ES that claim completeness. We identified 11 relevant lists. Of all CICES classes, 12 were included in more than 75% of the lists, whereas another 36 classes were included in 25–75% of them. Regarding the suitability of the CICES classification for addressing ES in the context of soils and their agricultural management, we identified constraints, such as overlaps, gaps, and highly specific or very broad class definitions. Close cooperation between the soil research and ES communities could ensure better consideration of soils in future CICES updates. A shortlist of 25 service classes affected by agricultural soil management facilitates a standardized approach and may function as checklists in impact assessments. Highlights: Standardized definitions are needed to allow meta-analysis of ecosystem service studies and improve assessments. CICES defines 83 detailed classes of ecosystem services, suggested as a “default list”. We identified 29 classes as soil related and 40 classes as affected by agricultural soil management. Both subsets facilitate ecosystem service assessments in soil research and comparability of results.

Keywords

    agriculture, arable, CICES, impact area, impact assessment, soil functions, soil management, soil properties, standardization

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Sustainable Development Goals

Cite this

Towards a standardization of soil-related ecosystem service assessments. / Paul, Carsten; Kuhn, Kristin; Steinhoff-Knopp, Bastian et al.
In: European journal of soil science, Vol. 72, No. 4, 01.07.2021, p. 1543-1558.

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer review

Paul, C, Kuhn, K, Steinhoff-Knopp, B, Weißhuhn, P & Helming, K 2021, 'Towards a standardization of soil-related ecosystem service assessments', European journal of soil science, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1543-1558. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejss.13022
Paul C, Kuhn K, Steinhoff-Knopp B, Weißhuhn P, Helming K. Towards a standardization of soil-related ecosystem service assessments. European journal of soil science. 2021 Jul 1;72(4):1543-1558. Epub 2020 Jul 9. doi: 10.1111/ejss.13022
Paul, Carsten ; Kuhn, Kristin ; Steinhoff-Knopp, Bastian et al. / Towards a standardization of soil-related ecosystem service assessments. In: European journal of soil science. 2021 ; Vol. 72, No. 4. pp. 1543-1558.
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AU - Kuhn, Kristin

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AU - Weißhuhn, Peter

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