Abstract
Open access, high-resolution soil property maps have been created for Africa at 30 m resolution, using machine learning trained on over 100,000 analysed soil samples. Combined with other field-level information, iSDAsoil enables the possibility of site-specific agronomy advisory for smallholder farmers.
Highlights
While the previous state-of-the-art maps for Africa are at 250 m resolution [3], this spatial resolution is not adequate for site-specific, field-level advice
Fields are smaller and more heterogenous when compared with farms in other continents such as North America. iSDAsoil is the world’s first continental-scale soil property map at 30 m resolution and provides soil information at a resolution that approaches the true variability on the ground [4]
A number of different spectral wavelength bands from the Sentinel 2 satellite were important for predicting soil properties, including shortwave infrared. While these wavelengths are well known for monitoring of vegetation, their importance in predicting soil properties was previously less clear. For those not closely involved in soil mapping, it might come as a surprise that we are able to learn about the soil chemical and physical properties by measuring reflected light from outer space
Summary
WhyAsUho:uPlldeawseeccoanfriermatbhoatuatllshoeaild?inglevelsarerepresentedcorrectly: Soil is an often overlooked resource, but its importance in our everyday lives should not be underestimated. Plants are the basis of life on earth but depend on a thin layer of soil to grow. Soils are of particular importance to our food production systems. A healthy soil supplies nutrients, and water to support plant growth. Soils are essential components of the global cycle of nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorus, as well as filtering waste and pollution. Healthier soils can capture more carbon and help in the fight against climate change. Soil health and human health are inextricably linked
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