Sustainable land management (SLM) refers to the responsible use of land resources, including soils, water, animals and plants, and the production of goods while ensuring the land’s long-term productivity. SLM is at the core of food security and climate resilience.
ISRIC develops information products and services that support better decision-making processes in SLM. With the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) based decision support services, the need for accurate and fit-for-purpose soil information has become more critical.
Agricultural decision support services range from maps that support decision-making at the regional level, to operational software that allow land managers to interact and receive advice to manage their land, soil and crops. These services use mechanistic modelling, stochastic approaches, and AI.
ISRIC focuses on the development of fit-for-purpose spatial information products to support SLM decision making either as standalone product or as a product for digital agricultural advisory services. In such cases, ISRIC collaborates with the developers of advisory services to ensure the adequate use of the developed information products.
The information products developed typically combine information on soil, crops, landscape and climate, and are generated through modelling approaches, and more straightforward interpretations of primary soil data. Examples of these products include soil fertility maps for a specific crop, soil nutrient supply maps, soil health maps, and land suitability maps.
These products will be served through ISRIC’s spatial data infrastructure. The methods and tools used to produce them will be documented, packaged, and available through the ISRIC Resource Library. This will enable partners to provide similar products, extend the impact of ISRIC work by making better use of soil information in SLM decision-making.