Description

This research line analyzes the consequences of land-use change on soil properties, focusing on organic carbon and the soil's capacity to storage carbon. We have also determined what land-uses or plant covers bring about sustainability improvements regarding soil organic matter, increasing fertility and soil conservation. Finally, we have also determined the suitability of different soil parameters related to soil carbon dynamics as soil quality indicators. Among others, the offered services are the following: • To study soils and their features, both fundamental and applied aspects, focusing on Castilla y León's soils. • To promote the solution of possible environmental problems about forest and/or agricultural management regarding soils. • To go in depth into the dynamics of soil organic matter, from the perspective of both soil quality and fertility, as well as carbon storage and the fight against climate change. • To analyze the content, forms and evolution of several soil nutrients. • To assess the impact of diverse soil improvers on soils and their quality. • To integrate the soil aspect in wider studies that take into account plants, water, etc. • To develop and to apply indicators and criteria for soil quality assessment and its improvement. • To collaborate in the development of strategies against soil degradation and for soil conservation, recovery and improvement. • To assess soil's capacity to undertake its functions, both environmental and socioeconomic. • To analyze the consequences of land use and management change on soil properties. • To study the effect of terroir on wines. • To generate and pass on new knowledge on soil to both students and the whole society.

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