Soil Environmental Index For Slovak Agricultural Land

Abstract

The soil environmental index (SEI), which is a four digit code system, represents relatively homogenous spatial unit with specific soil capacity to provide ecological or non-production functions. This work aimed to present information on rating and economic evaluation of SEI, which is a spatial identifier used for expressing heterogeneity of Slovak agricultural soil to support analysis of soil ecological functions. In this study, SEI index expressed the capacity of soil to accumulate water, immobilise the risk elements and substances and transform risk substances (organic pollutants). Partial evaluations of soil capacity to provide above mentioned functions were used to derive final SEI values. Within the agricultural soils of Slovakia there were 493 combinations of soil environmental index. Each index was expressed through rating (point) value and economic value. Average value of Slovak agricultural land to provide selected ecological soil functions was 55.3 points, which corresponded to 35.946 billion € per agricultural land or approximately 1.42 € per square meter. Spatial identification of SEI codes and relevant database were developed in vector form via geographical information systems of Soil Science and Conservation Research Institute, Bratislava. In addition to using the national soil database system, a strategy was presented for evaluating and pricing of soil ecological function, and the development of an soil environmental index. Assessment and evaluation of vitally important soil functions expressed by SEI can significantly contribute to planning and protection of the soil, and can regulate indiscriminate anthropic interventions in land use decisions.