Towards action in agricultural subsoil compaction: perception and roles of varying socio-economic actors

Abstract

Regarding its persistency, preventing agricultural subsoil compaction is necessary to sustain the provision of a wide range of ecosystem services of agricultural soils. In order to identify the state, effects and causes of and solutions for subsoil compaction in the Netherlands, a literature review was carried out and interviews with socio-economic actors were performed. Literature on the magnitude of the problem in the Netherlands is mainly based on risk-assessment models, which estimate that no less than 43% of the agricultural soil of the Netherlands is over-compacted. Subsoil compaction reduces yields and efficient nutrient use, and enhances problems regarding GHG-emissions and water quality and quantity. Most of the negative effects were identified by the socio-economic actors as reason to deal with subsoil compaction. Whereas in literature characteristics of machinery, the conditions during their use (timing of practices) and crop type choice, often enhanced by the focus on production maximalization, are identified as important causes, the interviewees mentioned more indirect causes as well. Especially the lack of quantitative data, both on the effect of subsoil compaction itself and that on the effect of measures to reduce it, was frequently mentioned. Accordingly, where in literature mainly technological solutions (alternative loading of the soil via changes in machinery, investments in soil strength) and alternative management practices (alternative crop choice, improved timing) are mentioned as solution, interviewees stated socio- economic solutions as well. The (a) improved knowledge transfer towards farmers, (b) development of quantitative (experimental) data on the effect of current and alternative practices on subsoil compaction and effects of subsoil compaction on yields, as well as (c) investigating the possibility of financially rewarding sustainable soil use practices were frequently mentioned as solutions. As it comes to ‘action in reducing agricultural subsoil compaction’ in the Netherlands, especially regarding the first solution, interviewees identified a role for themselves. The task of (outsourcing) the realization of latter two solutions, were predominantly ascribed to the national government. Furthermore, a large share of interviewees indicated the need for partnerships, to act as a driving force and in order to join forces, exchange information, tactics and needs in the joint process of enhancing sustainable soil use.