Prof. John Olaniyan, Department of Agronomy, University of Ilorin, has tasked researchers on developing integrated models and technologies for consideration of soil system complexity and its interactions with other environmental factors.
Olaniyan made the call on Thursday -yesterday, March 6 – in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, during the 275th Inaugural Lecture of the institution titled, “Understanding Soils: The Bedrock of Man’s existence and sustenance”.
According to the don, an interdisciplinary approach will contribute to sustainable land management practices, conservation of soil resources and the preservation of ecosystem services provided by soils.
“It is through continuous research, collaboration and implementation of innovative strategies that the challenges ahead can be addressed and pave the way for a sustainable future.
“I charge soil enthusiasts and upcoming researchers to employ available and emerging technologies to help us preserve our soils for today and tomorrow.
“Over the last three decades, my research has focused on soil survey and land evaluations, as it involves mapping of the soil in a particular area.
“It involves studying the different types of soil, understanding their properties, separating/demarcating/delineating/dividing/delimiting/grouping or partitioning them into different units and displaying their extent, to scale, on a map.
“A soil survey map helps farmers, builders and scientists know the kind of soil at a given location; hence it is important for land use planning and sustaining production of food,” he said.
Olaniyan stated that the knowledge gained from pedology and the application of advanced soil analysis techniques would help sustainable land management, ensuring the productivity, resilience and long-term health of soils.
According to him, land evaluation helps to determine how good a piece of land is for a specific purpose.
“It is like choosing the right place for the right purpose. If you want to grow crops, you need land with good soil and adequate amounts of water, unlike building a house.
“Land evaluation helps land users decide what they can do with a piece of land, based on the properties of the soil,” the professor explained.
The don also said that soil analysis techniques have significantly advanced knowledge of soil properties, nutrient dynamics, microbial communities and the impact of land management practices.
“Effective land management strategies encompassing practices such as erosion control, nutrient management and conservation measures, are essential for maintaining soil health and productivity.
“These practices help mitigate soil degradation, preserve soil biodiversity and promote sustainable agricultural and land-use systems.
“Advancement in soil analysis techniques, including spectroscopy techniques, molecular techniques, stable isotope techniques and imaging techniques have enhanced our ability to assess and monitor soil properties, nutrient cycling, microbial communities and root-soil interactions.
“These techniques offer valuable insights for informed decision-making and the development of effective land management strategies,” Olaniyan explained.
According to news agency reports, Olaniyan warned that challenges such as climate change, urbanisation and intensification of agriculture pose significant threats to soil health and require innovative approaches.
