Land resources of the world; their use and reserves. Definition of land quality and agricultural potential by soil survey maps

Abstract

The author discusses the use of soil survey maps to define the existing quality and agricultural potential of the world's land. He describes the pioneer work in this field by Russian scientists at the turn of the century and its subsequent continuation in the U.S.S.R., and the recent work by FAO-UNESCO in Russia, America and elsewhere. He also shows how soil types and their agricultural potential may be classified, and urges that existing soil maps should be brought up to date and amplified by including new data obtained through satellite survey techniques. He recommends that the maps produced at various times, by various agencies, should be analysed and collated by computer to assemble the most detailed information possible on the world's soils and their agricultural potential and to provide a universal system of classification. It is already clear that much land is under-cultivated; but the author points out that to bring such land to its full potential would demand immense work and investment.