World’s Soil Resources

Undefined < 0.06
0.06 - 0.12 0.12 - 0.18 0.18 - 0.24
0.24 - 0.3 0.3 - 0.36 0.36 - 0.42 0.42 - 0.48 0.48 - 0.54
<
0.54
Figure 3.5 Soil erodibility as characterized by the k factor. Source: Nachtergaele and Petri, 2011.
3.6.6 | Soils and ecosystem goods and services
Figure 3.7 illustrates the suitability of soils for supporting crops. The evaluation is based on soil health but
excludes climatic considerations (except for low temperatures). In Table 3.1, the contribution of the main soil
types to major ecosystem services (food security, climate regulation, water regulation and socio-cultural
provisions) is estimated at a scale from zero to five. The ratings are based on soil characteristics and quality as
measured by: suitability for growing crops; organic carbon content; water holding capacity; and capacity to
support infrastructure and store archaeological remains.
No or slight constraints Moderate constraints Severe constraints Very severe constraints Mainly non-soils Permafrost areas Water bodies
Figure 3.6 Soil workability derived from HWSD. Source: Fischer et al., 2008.
Status of the World’s Soil Resources | Main Report Global Soil Resources
40