Soil Organic Carbon.indd
INDICATOR HEADING
Soil condition INDICATOR PROTOCOL
Soil Organic Carbon
Endorsed This protocol has been endorsed by the National Land and Water Resources Audit Advisory Council. Version 1 – December 2007. The indicators will need to be further developed as identified within the protocol.
www.nlwra.gov.au
Soil Organic Carbon
SOIL CONDITION
Status of indicator agreement The National Land & Water Resources Audit (the Audit) coordinates the collation of data to support reporting on natural resource condition required under the National NRM Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (National M&E Framework). The National M&E Framework identifies three requirements for monitoring natural resource condition: •
a set of resource condition indicators to measure progress toward the agreed national outcomes on a medium and long term basis
•
a set of indicators for monitoring community and social processes relevant to or affected by NRM programs, as well as measures of the adoption of sustainable development and production techniques
•
contextual data pertinent to the indicator being considered.
The Audit Advisory Council has agreed to a process for achieving a practical set of indicators under the National Monitoring and Evaluation Framework. This process is to: •
obtain on-going recommendations from the relevant National Coordination Committees for each thematic area (including “Matters for Target”) on appropriate indicators, protocols and information needs
•
seek endorsement from the Audit Advisory Council that the indicators and protocols can be implemented at the national, state / territory and regional levels seek agreement from the Natural Resource Policies and Programs Committee (NRPPC) (or the Marine and Coastal Committee –MACC- for Estuarine, Coastal and Marine) that the indicators will be used and promoted by jurisdictions to underpin evaluations of NRM initiatives.
•
The NRPPC and MACC report to the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council (NRMMC).
i
Indicator Protocol: soil organic carbon Matter for target: Soil condition.
Indicator heading: Soil condition.
Indicator name: Soil Organic Carbon (SOC).
1.
Definition
Soil organic matter comprises all of the soil components which are derived from plants and animals. The single largest component of soil organic matter is soil organic carbon, usually about 58%.
2.
Rationale
2.1
Why do we want to know it?
Soil organic matter is a key soil component and plays a critical role in a range of physical, chemical and biological soils processes (Baldock 2007). Soil organic matter: •
provides energy for biological processes (Fontaine et al. 2003) and nutrients N, P, S
•
improves the structural stability, influences water retention properties and alters thermal properties
•
contributes to cation exchange capacity, enhances pH buffering and complexes cations.
Soil organic carbon is relatively easy to measure. Its concentration is a useful indicator of soil condition and the quantity of soil organic carbon is emerging as a key factor in greenhouse gas mitigation. For these reasons soil organic carbon is a ‘headline’ soil condition indicator both nationally and internationally. The recommended measures of soil organic carbon are:
2.2
•
baseline SOC expressed as a percentage and as density (tonnes per hectare)
•
change in SOC over time. Context in which it has been measured in national, state and regional resource management programs
This protocol is intended primarily for use by NRM regions, or state agencies acting on their behalf, which are interested in soil ‘performance’. It refers to monitoring SOC at a regional level over a minimum period of 5–10 years. States and territories are expected to contribute to the Audit’s ‘national report card’ which will show the progress of each NRM region with respect to soil condition. It is likely too that the data will be useful as carbon accounting schemes develop over the next few years.
3.
Monitoring methodology
The purpose of soil carbon monitoring is to •
establish baseline levels of SOC and observe trends in these in response to changes in land management practices
•
provide data for carbon accounting.
Field sampling and subsequent laboratory analyses can be for SOC, or more usefully, the carbon pools (CharC, particulate C, humus C) which contribute to the total. Note that for soil condition monitoring, the carbon percentages are sufficient because the standards are expressed as percentages and it is change from this standard which is of interest. For carbon accounting purposes it is quantities expressed in terms such as tonnes per hectare which are important and for this, soil bulk density measurements are needed. 3.1
Monitoring location selection
Selection of units for monitoring and reporting, and of sampling sites within those units is the key to a successful monitoring programme. This requires a process of stratification and a sound statistical basis (e.g. Grundy and Webb 1999, McKenzie et al. 2002). Stratification of the area into units suitable for sampling and reporting should be based on progressively finer levels of ASRIS soil mapping combined with land use and climatic information (Wilson et al. 2007). The number of sites within a stratification unit depends on the area of that unit while the number of samples (often around 10) at a site depends on the variability of the measured SOC. A biometrician can determine the number of sites required and the number of samples to be taken at each site. See McKenzie et al. (2002b) for further discussion on statistical design and the number of sites required. An essential element of monitoring SOC is that the point at which an observation is made is accurately recorded so that subsequent observations are made at that same point. This removes many random variables from the statistical analysis so fewer sites are needed (McKenzie et al. 2002). 3.2
Monitoring frequency required
In cropping or cropping/grazing systems SOC generally changes relatively slowly so a five year sampling interval is recommended unless there is a significant change in land use in which case more frequent measurements may be required. Forestry, savannah or pastoral land uses may be sampled every 10 years. Sampling should be at that time of the year when the SOC levels are expected to be most stable, avoid rapid changes in the pools or of total SOC. This will vary according to the climatic regime. For operational reasons it is preferable to sample a subset of the units each year. 3.3
Data measurement method
Field sampling
Sampling depths are 0–5 cm, 5-10 cm, 10–30 cm and in some soils for some purposes, 30–100 cm. The sample is collected using a 50 mm or larger diameter coring device with vertical sides to avoid bias of the sample towards surface material. The can also provide a bulk density measurement if required. Soil physical, chemical and morphological properties as well as land use and land management practices at the site should be recorded as an aid to interpretation and to provide data if models such as the soil carbon calculator are to be used. Site and profile morphology should be described in terms of McDonald et al. (1990) and soils classified according to Isbell (2002). Laboratory analysis
For soil performance purposes the ‘LECO’ combustion furnace technique (Spectrachem Analytical) method provides total SOC at reasonable cost but for soil condition monitoring an appreciation of the carbon pools is very important. Mid InfraRed spectroscopy (MIR) is expected to become the preferred technique for estimating the carbon pools once a reliable universal calibration set is available. In the meantime determining the various carbon
2
pools remains time consuming and costly. MIR may be used where a local calibration set already exists or can be readily developed. For carbon accounting purposes, total SOC as determined by LECO is recommended. Bulk density (BD) measurements are required to calculate the mass of SOC. BD is relatively easy to measure on many soils but can be difficult and time consuming in stony, loose or sodic soils. The Walkley and Black method of analysis (Rayment and Higginson 1992) is acceptable for samples with SOC less than 8.5%. Specimens are to be collected and prepared according to McKenzie et al. (2002) and analysed at an ASPAC- and NATA-accredited laboratory. Soil archives should be held by the nominated state agency according to the methods of McKenzie et al. (2002b). The minimum weight for an archive sample is 500 g of a composite specimen. 3.4
Data collation/calculation method
The list of data attributes and their required definitions appears in Appendix 1. These definitions and acceptable values must be strictly adhered to for all surveys at all times if long-term trends are to be extracted. Whether data are collated in field notebooks, a PDA (personal digital assistant) or field computer is a matter of choice, however if paper recording is used then the field sheets should be scanned and saved to disk. 3.5
Data storage and management
Institutional arrangements differ between jurisdictions and jurisdictions evolve, so great care must be taken not to corrupt or lose data, particularly given the initial cost involved in gathering and the fact that monitoring programmes may continue for some decades. Normal precautions for the storage and management of digital data apply. These include the appointment of a data custodian, satisfactory documentation (metadata) and off-site backup. Under the terms of the National M&E Framework, all data must be placed in state data repositories which are in turn uploaded to the national data repository of soil and soil condition monitoring data known as ASRIS. 3.6
Data analysis and interpretation
The framework for analysis and interpretation should be a map showing the stratification units used for analysis and reporting and the location of sites within these units. An example is provided in Figure 1.
Figure 1: The Guyra reporting unit for SOC monitoring in the Border Rivers Gwydir District
3
It is possible to show the percentage total SOC for each monitoring and reporting unit, as demonstrated in Figure 2.
LECO C %
LECO C % (0-5cm) by Land Use 5.00 4.50 4.00 3.50 3.00 2.50 2.00 1.50 1.00 0.50 0.00
Mean
Cropping
Improved Pasture
Native Pasture
Woodland
Figure 2: Percentage total soil carbon by land use at ‘T0’ for Guyra reporting unit The change in percentage total SOC can also be shown, as in Figure 3. Carbon density can be treated in the same way (Figure 4). Landuse scenarion 3 - Perennial Pasture Establishment, controlled grazing LECO Carbon (% ) (0-5cm) 7.00
LECO Carbon (%)
6.00 5.00 4.00
t=1 t=2
3.00 2.00 1.00 0.00 Cropping
Improved Pasture
Native Grass
Woodland
Figure 3: Change in percentage total soil carbon between ‘T0’ and ‘T1’ in response to improved cropping and native grass management practices for Guyra reporting unit Different soil, climate and land use combinations have significantly different carbon potentials, both total and in the pools. It is important to know this potential when setting targets and interpreting measured values. The CSIRO Carbon Calculator is a simple tool for estimating total SOC at equilibrium. The RothC model as a component of FullCAM (Richards 2001) is more complex but estimates the carbon pools even when the soil is not at equilibrium. The required inputs for RothC are various climatic parameters, plant residue inputs, initial TOC, carbon pool structure, soil bulk density, clay content, nature and management of residues. Although less informative, the Soil Carbon Calculator will be preferred by most users, while application of RothC may be limited to a small number of research sites.
4
Soil Carbon Density (t/ha)
Soil Carbon Density (to 30cm ) by Land Use (t/ha) 100.00 90.00 80.00 70.00 60.00 50.00 40.00 30.00 20.00 10.00 0.00
Mean
Cropping
Improved Pasture
Native Pasture
Woodland
Figure 4: Total soil carbon density (t/ha) by land use at ‘T0’ for Guyra reporting unit 3.7 Reliability, validity and quality assurance The key to quality assurance is to ensure that technical staff are adequately trained and all systems are in place and fully documented. 3.8
Metadata
Any metadata statements should be consistent with ANZLIC standards. See www.anzlic.org.au/policies.html
4.
Reporting/information products
4.1
Audiences
NRM regional bodies use monitoring to learn whether their programmes are having an impact, for project accountability purposes, and as a basis to establish funding priorities and develop policy; their timeframe will be from within-season to a few years. State, territory and federal jurisdictions are also be interested in the regional monitoring but their scope will be several or even many contiguous regions and they will require a situation analysis for example, every five years. 4.2
Information products
Information products are generally interpreted tables or maps showing indicator baseline condition and trend – as distinct from measured data – for each of the geographic units which had previously been established for sampling and reporting. Information products use ‘traffic lights’ to illustrate the baseline condition and the direction and degree of change. Clear decision rules must be developed as to what constitutes a good, average or poor baseline condition and also what is an improving, stable or declining trend. Figure 5 shows a possible information product for soil organic carbon under different land uses. Excellent examples of information products can be found at: http://nlwra.gov.au/Publications_and_Tools/Project_Reports/ then go to catchments to coast, wet tropics regional report card (April 2007).
5
Figure 5: Trends in percentage soil organic carbon for the Guyra reporting unit 4.3
Confidentiality
Any data which can be attributed to an individual or property should be password protected. There are no confidentiality issues associated with: •
data that have been aggregated or highly processed such that they cannot be attributed to an individual property or owner
•
data which the landholders have given permission to use
•
primary data that have been collected wholly or partially with public or project funds
•
information products.
4.4
Data collation/calculation method
See Section 3.6. 4.5
Data analysis, integration and interpretation information
See Section 3.6. For further examples see Wilson et al. (2007) and McDonald et al. (2007). 4.6
Data access and storage
As with data, under the National M&E Framework, information products generated from NRM regional monitoring must be stored in a state-managed repository and from there regularly uploaded into the Audit’s Australian Resources Online (ARO) where it will be web accessible. 4.7
Product definition statement
Information products must have a statement outlining: •
the type of product and product description
•
why, when and by whom the product was produced
•
product contents.
6
5.
Current national activities
The Soil Carbon Calculator requires minor adaptation to enable users to enter locally derived data, particularly rainfall and yield history/expectation and a national calibration dataset is required before MIR Spectroscopy can be universally recommended. Both of these will be developed under CSIRO Land and Water’s new MASALA (Managing Australia’s Soil and Land Assets) theme.
6.
Future development
Consideration is being given to establishing a limited number of permanent monitoring sites (perhaps 20–30) in catchments representing the main agricultural, urban and forestry regions of Australia. A ‘site’ might be several tens of thousands of hectares, large enough to adequately represent interactions between land use and landscape processes. Research and information gathered at these sites would contribute to a better understand the soil organic carbon processes and provide data to calibrate and independently validate computer simulation models. Modelling requires contextual data and some improved contextual datasets of national extent would also be developed, including vegetation cover, land use and land management, climatic data.
7.
Links to other indicators
There is the possibility of combining the field components of pH and soil carbon sampling. If a network of permanent monitoring sites were established, any or all of the four soil condition indicators could be studied together with other indicators including nutrient contamination and the impacts of changing land use.
8.
Further information
Australian Soil Resource Information System (ASRIS) Website www.asris.csiro.au Baldock J (2007) ‘An overview of the role of soil organic matter.’ Website at www.soilquality.org.au/articles/presentations/western-australian-soil-health-forum-presentations (accessed May 2008) Fontaine S, Mariotti A, Abbadie L (2003) ‘The priming effect of organic matter: a question of microbial competition?’ Soil Biology and Biochemistry 6, 35, 837-843. Grundy M, Webb A (1999) Discussion Paper 2: Stratification options for the estimation of changes in soil carbon. In: Estimation of changes in soil carbon resulting from land use change. Webbnet Land Resource Services Pty Ltd, National Carbon Accounting System Technical Report No. 2, Australian Greenhouse Office, Canberra. Isbell RF (2002) The Australian Soil Classification, Revised edition. CSIRO Publishing. McDonald D, Baldock J, Kidd D (2007) Cradle Coast organic carbon monitoring trial. National Land & Water Resources Audit. Website www.nlwra.gov.au/ (accessed July 2007) McDonald RC, Isbell RF, Speight JG, Walker J, Hopkins MS (1990) Australian Soil and Land Survey Handbook, 2nd edition. (Inkata Press: Melbourne) McKenzie NJ, Coughlan KJ, Cresswell HP (2002) Soil physical measurement and interpretation for land evaluation, Australian Soil and Land Survey Handbook Series, Vol. 5. (CSIRO Publishing: Melbourne) McKenzie NJ, Henderson B, McDonald WS (2002) ‘Monitoring soil change: principles and practices for Australian condition.’ CSIRO Land and Water Technical Report 18/02, Canberra. Rayment GE, Higginson FR (1992) Australian laboratory handbook of soil and water chemical methods, pp 17-23. (Inkata Press: Melbourne)
7
Richards GP (2001) The FullCAM Carbon Accounting Model: Development, Calibration and Implementation for the National Carbon Accounting System. National Carbon Accounting System Technical Report No. 28. Australian Greenhouse Office, Canberra, ACT. Spectrachem analytical LECO combustion furnace total carbon analysis. Website http://www.crl.co.nz/spectrachem/default.htm (accessed May 2008) Wilson B, Browne W, Chapman G (2007) Report on indicator protocol trial for soil carbon monitoring, Border Rivers Gwydir Catchment NSW. National Land & Water Resources Audit at website www.nlwra.gov.au/ (accessed July 2007)
9.
Glossary
Glossary of terms Monitoring unit
A monitoring and reporting unit is the result of ‘stratification’ of the study area, it representing a unique combination of soil, climate, land use and land management practices
Sampling site
A georeferenced point within a monitoring unit where one or more samples are taken for analysis
Acronyms ACLUMP
Australian Collaborative Land Use Mapping Program
ANZLIC
Australian New Zealand Land Information Council
ASPAC
Australasian Soil and Plant Analysis Council
ASRIS
Australian Soil Resources Information System
NATA
National Association of Testing Authorities
NLWRA (the Audit)
National Land & Water Resources Audit
National M&E Framework
National Monitoring and Evaluation Framework
NRM (regional bodies)
Natural Resource Management (regional bodies); also known as CMAs or Catchment Management Authorities
8
Appendix 1 Data entities and definitions for soil organic carbon monitoring. Attribute
Definition
Acceptable values
Project and survey information Survey ID
Unique value, note that for monitoring purposes the same site might be visited on many occasions. The same survey ID will be used but the dates will be different in each case.
Numerical value
Transect ID
As above
Alpha or numerical value
Surveyor ID
The principal field observer on each return
Alpha, first 3 letters of family name, first letter of personal name e.g. CARD
Date
Date of field observation
dd/mm/yyyy
Land use
Land use at the time of observation classified according to ACLUMP
www.brs.gov.au/landuse
Land management practices
Land management practices at the time of observation classified according to ACLUMP
www.brs.gov.au/landuse
Rotational phase
Current rotation phase on 200 m x 200 m observation site f = cultivated fallow cf = chemical fallow p = pasture s = stubble c = cereal crop or any undetermined crop gl = grain legume crop ca = canola or other minor oilseed crop
f, cf, p, s, c, gl, ca
Soil/landscape map unit
Most detailed unit as determined from available mapping
Photo #
Combination of project, site ID, data and file format
###
AAA###.jpg
9
Location information Site ID Datum
Datum to which the GPS is set
GDA 94
Projection
Projection to which the GPS is set
UTM
Zone
Zone(s) within which the survey takes place
49–56
Coordinates
Eastings and northings Observations
Soil classification
The soil profile data will be collected as per the requirements of the state soil database and the ASRIS database
0–5 cm % SOC LECO Bulk density 5–10 cm % SOC LECO Bulk density 10–20 cm % SOC LECO Bulk density 20-30 cm % SOC LECO Bulk density
10
Soil condition INDICATOR PROTOCOL
Soil Organic Carbon
Endorsed This protocol has been endorsed by the National Land and Water Resources Audit Advisory Council. Version 1 – December 2007. The indicators will need to be further developed as identified within the protocol.
www.nlwra.gov.au
Soil Organic Carbon
SOIL CONDITION
Status of indicator agreement The National Land & Water Resources Audit (the Audit) coordinates the collation of data to support reporting on natural resource condition required under the National NRM Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (National M&E Framework). The National M&E Framework identifies three requirements for monitoring natural resource condition: •
a set of resource condition indicators to measure progress toward the agreed national outcomes on a medium and long term basis
•
a set of indicators for monitoring community and social processes relevant to or affected by NRM programs, as well as measures of the adoption of sustainable development and production techniques
•
contextual data pertinent to the indicator being considered.
The Audit Advisory Council has agreed to a process for achieving a practical set of indicators under the National Monitoring and Evaluation Framework. This process is to: •
obtain on-going recommendations from the relevant National Coordination Committees for each thematic area (including “Matters for Target”) on appropriate indicators, protocols and information needs
•
seek endorsement from the Audit Advisory Council that the indicators and protocols can be implemented at the national, state / territory and regional levels seek agreement from the Natural Resource Policies and Programs Committee (NRPPC) (or the Marine and Coastal Committee –MACC- for Estuarine, Coastal and Marine) that the indicators will be used and promoted by jurisdictions to underpin evaluations of NRM initiatives.
•
The NRPPC and MACC report to the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council (NRMMC).
i
Indicator Protocol: soil organic carbon Matter for target: Soil condition.
Indicator heading: Soil condition.
Indicator name: Soil Organic Carbon (SOC).
1.
Definition
Soil organic matter comprises all of the soil components which are derived from plants and animals. The single largest component of soil organic matter is soil organic carbon, usually about 58%.
2.
Rationale
2.1
Why do we want to know it?
Soil organic matter is a key soil component and plays a critical role in a range of physical, chemical and biological soils processes (Baldock 2007). Soil organic matter: •
provides energy for biological processes (Fontaine et al. 2003) and nutrients N, P, S
•
improves the structural stability, influences water retention properties and alters thermal properties
•
contributes to cation exchange capacity, enhances pH buffering and complexes cations.
Soil organic carbon is relatively easy to measure. Its concentration is a useful indicator of soil condition and the quantity of soil organic carbon is emerging as a key factor in greenhouse gas mitigation. For these reasons soil organic carbon is a ‘headline’ soil condition indicator both nationally and internationally. The recommended measures of soil organic carbon are:
2.2
•
baseline SOC expressed as a percentage and as density (tonnes per hectare)
•
change in SOC over time. Context in which it has been measured in national, state and regional resource management programs
This protocol is intended primarily for use by NRM regions, or state agencies acting on their behalf, which are interested in soil ‘performance’. It refers to monitoring SOC at a regional level over a minimum period of 5–10 years. States and territories are expected to contribute to the Audit’s ‘national report card’ which will show the progress of each NRM region with respect to soil condition. It is likely too that the data will be useful as carbon accounting schemes develop over the next few years.
3.
Monitoring methodology
The purpose of soil carbon monitoring is to •
establish baseline levels of SOC and observe trends in these in response to changes in land management practices
•
provide data for carbon accounting.
Field sampling and subsequent laboratory analyses can be for SOC, or more usefully, the carbon pools (CharC, particulate C, humus C) which contribute to the total. Note that for soil condition monitoring, the carbon percentages are sufficient because the standards are expressed as percentages and it is change from this standard which is of interest. For carbon accounting purposes it is quantities expressed in terms such as tonnes per hectare which are important and for this, soil bulk density measurements are needed. 3.1
Monitoring location selection
Selection of units for monitoring and reporting, and of sampling sites within those units is the key to a successful monitoring programme. This requires a process of stratification and a sound statistical basis (e.g. Grundy and Webb 1999, McKenzie et al. 2002). Stratification of the area into units suitable for sampling and reporting should be based on progressively finer levels of ASRIS soil mapping combined with land use and climatic information (Wilson et al. 2007). The number of sites within a stratification unit depends on the area of that unit while the number of samples (often around 10) at a site depends on the variability of the measured SOC. A biometrician can determine the number of sites required and the number of samples to be taken at each site. See McKenzie et al. (2002b) for further discussion on statistical design and the number of sites required. An essential element of monitoring SOC is that the point at which an observation is made is accurately recorded so that subsequent observations are made at that same point. This removes many random variables from the statistical analysis so fewer sites are needed (McKenzie et al. 2002). 3.2
Monitoring frequency required
In cropping or cropping/grazing systems SOC generally changes relatively slowly so a five year sampling interval is recommended unless there is a significant change in land use in which case more frequent measurements may be required. Forestry, savannah or pastoral land uses may be sampled every 10 years. Sampling should be at that time of the year when the SOC levels are expected to be most stable, avoid rapid changes in the pools or of total SOC. This will vary according to the climatic regime. For operational reasons it is preferable to sample a subset of the units each year. 3.3
Data measurement method
Field sampling
Sampling depths are 0–5 cm, 5-10 cm, 10–30 cm and in some soils for some purposes, 30–100 cm. The sample is collected using a 50 mm or larger diameter coring device with vertical sides to avoid bias of the sample towards surface material. The can also provide a bulk density measurement if required. Soil physical, chemical and morphological properties as well as land use and land management practices at the site should be recorded as an aid to interpretation and to provide data if models such as the soil carbon calculator are to be used. Site and profile morphology should be described in terms of McDonald et al. (1990) and soils classified according to Isbell (2002). Laboratory analysis
For soil performance purposes the ‘LECO’ combustion furnace technique (Spectrachem Analytical) method provides total SOC at reasonable cost but for soil condition monitoring an appreciation of the carbon pools is very important. Mid InfraRed spectroscopy (MIR) is expected to become the preferred technique for estimating the carbon pools once a reliable universal calibration set is available. In the meantime determining the various carbon
2
pools remains time consuming and costly. MIR may be used where a local calibration set already exists or can be readily developed. For carbon accounting purposes, total SOC as determined by LECO is recommended. Bulk density (BD) measurements are required to calculate the mass of SOC. BD is relatively easy to measure on many soils but can be difficult and time consuming in stony, loose or sodic soils. The Walkley and Black method of analysis (Rayment and Higginson 1992) is acceptable for samples with SOC less than 8.5%. Specimens are to be collected and prepared according to McKenzie et al. (2002) and analysed at an ASPAC- and NATA-accredited laboratory. Soil archives should be held by the nominated state agency according to the methods of McKenzie et al. (2002b). The minimum weight for an archive sample is 500 g of a composite specimen. 3.4
Data collation/calculation method
The list of data attributes and their required definitions appears in Appendix 1. These definitions and acceptable values must be strictly adhered to for all surveys at all times if long-term trends are to be extracted. Whether data are collated in field notebooks, a PDA (personal digital assistant) or field computer is a matter of choice, however if paper recording is used then the field sheets should be scanned and saved to disk. 3.5
Data storage and management
Institutional arrangements differ between jurisdictions and jurisdictions evolve, so great care must be taken not to corrupt or lose data, particularly given the initial cost involved in gathering and the fact that monitoring programmes may continue for some decades. Normal precautions for the storage and management of digital data apply. These include the appointment of a data custodian, satisfactory documentation (metadata) and off-site backup. Under the terms of the National M&E Framework, all data must be placed in state data repositories which are in turn uploaded to the national data repository of soil and soil condition monitoring data known as ASRIS. 3.6
Data analysis and interpretation
The framework for analysis and interpretation should be a map showing the stratification units used for analysis and reporting and the location of sites within these units. An example is provided in Figure 1.
Figure 1: The Guyra reporting unit for SOC monitoring in the Border Rivers Gwydir District
3
It is possible to show the percentage total SOC for each monitoring and reporting unit, as demonstrated in Figure 2.
LECO C %
LECO C % (0-5cm) by Land Use 5.00 4.50 4.00 3.50 3.00 2.50 2.00 1.50 1.00 0.50 0.00
Mean
Cropping
Improved Pasture
Native Pasture
Woodland
Figure 2: Percentage total soil carbon by land use at ‘T0’ for Guyra reporting unit The change in percentage total SOC can also be shown, as in Figure 3. Carbon density can be treated in the same way (Figure 4). Landuse scenarion 3 - Perennial Pasture Establishment, controlled grazing LECO Carbon (% ) (0-5cm) 7.00
LECO Carbon (%)
6.00 5.00 4.00
t=1 t=2
3.00 2.00 1.00 0.00 Cropping
Improved Pasture
Native Grass
Woodland
Figure 3: Change in percentage total soil carbon between ‘T0’ and ‘T1’ in response to improved cropping and native grass management practices for Guyra reporting unit Different soil, climate and land use combinations have significantly different carbon potentials, both total and in the pools. It is important to know this potential when setting targets and interpreting measured values. The CSIRO Carbon Calculator is a simple tool for estimating total SOC at equilibrium. The RothC model as a component of FullCAM (Richards 2001) is more complex but estimates the carbon pools even when the soil is not at equilibrium. The required inputs for RothC are various climatic parameters, plant residue inputs, initial TOC, carbon pool structure, soil bulk density, clay content, nature and management of residues. Although less informative, the Soil Carbon Calculator will be preferred by most users, while application of RothC may be limited to a small number of research sites.
4
Soil Carbon Density (t/ha)
Soil Carbon Density (to 30cm ) by Land Use (t/ha) 100.00 90.00 80.00 70.00 60.00 50.00 40.00 30.00 20.00 10.00 0.00
Mean
Cropping
Improved Pasture
Native Pasture
Woodland
Figure 4: Total soil carbon density (t/ha) by land use at ‘T0’ for Guyra reporting unit 3.7 Reliability, validity and quality assurance The key to quality assurance is to ensure that technical staff are adequately trained and all systems are in place and fully documented. 3.8
Metadata
Any metadata statements should be consistent with ANZLIC standards. See www.anzlic.org.au/policies.html
4.
Reporting/information products
4.1
Audiences
NRM regional bodies use monitoring to learn whether their programmes are having an impact, for project accountability purposes, and as a basis to establish funding priorities and develop policy; their timeframe will be from within-season to a few years. State, territory and federal jurisdictions are also be interested in the regional monitoring but their scope will be several or even many contiguous regions and they will require a situation analysis for example, every five years. 4.2
Information products
Information products are generally interpreted tables or maps showing indicator baseline condition and trend – as distinct from measured data – for each of the geographic units which had previously been established for sampling and reporting. Information products use ‘traffic lights’ to illustrate the baseline condition and the direction and degree of change. Clear decision rules must be developed as to what constitutes a good, average or poor baseline condition and also what is an improving, stable or declining trend. Figure 5 shows a possible information product for soil organic carbon under different land uses. Excellent examples of information products can be found at: http://nlwra.gov.au/Publications_and_Tools/Project_Reports/ then go to catchments to coast, wet tropics regional report card (April 2007).
5
Figure 5: Trends in percentage soil organic carbon for the Guyra reporting unit 4.3
Confidentiality
Any data which can be attributed to an individual or property should be password protected. There are no confidentiality issues associated with: •
data that have been aggregated or highly processed such that they cannot be attributed to an individual property or owner
•
data which the landholders have given permission to use
•
primary data that have been collected wholly or partially with public or project funds
•
information products.
4.4
Data collation/calculation method
See Section 3.6. 4.5
Data analysis, integration and interpretation information
See Section 3.6. For further examples see Wilson et al. (2007) and McDonald et al. (2007). 4.6
Data access and storage
As with data, under the National M&E Framework, information products generated from NRM regional monitoring must be stored in a state-managed repository and from there regularly uploaded into the Audit’s Australian Resources Online (ARO) where it will be web accessible. 4.7
Product definition statement
Information products must have a statement outlining: •
the type of product and product description
•
why, when and by whom the product was produced
•
product contents.
6
5.
Current national activities
The Soil Carbon Calculator requires minor adaptation to enable users to enter locally derived data, particularly rainfall and yield history/expectation and a national calibration dataset is required before MIR Spectroscopy can be universally recommended. Both of these will be developed under CSIRO Land and Water’s new MASALA (Managing Australia’s Soil and Land Assets) theme.
6.
Future development
Consideration is being given to establishing a limited number of permanent monitoring sites (perhaps 20–30) in catchments representing the main agricultural, urban and forestry regions of Australia. A ‘site’ might be several tens of thousands of hectares, large enough to adequately represent interactions between land use and landscape processes. Research and information gathered at these sites would contribute to a better understand the soil organic carbon processes and provide data to calibrate and independently validate computer simulation models. Modelling requires contextual data and some improved contextual datasets of national extent would also be developed, including vegetation cover, land use and land management, climatic data.
7.
Links to other indicators
There is the possibility of combining the field components of pH and soil carbon sampling. If a network of permanent monitoring sites were established, any or all of the four soil condition indicators could be studied together with other indicators including nutrient contamination and the impacts of changing land use.
8.
Further information
Australian Soil Resource Information System (ASRIS) Website www.asris.csiro.au Baldock J (2007) ‘An overview of the role of soil organic matter.’ Website at www.soilquality.org.au/articles/presentations/western-australian-soil-health-forum-presentations (accessed May 2008) Fontaine S, Mariotti A, Abbadie L (2003) ‘The priming effect of organic matter: a question of microbial competition?’ Soil Biology and Biochemistry 6, 35, 837-843. Grundy M, Webb A (1999) Discussion Paper 2: Stratification options for the estimation of changes in soil carbon. In: Estimation of changes in soil carbon resulting from land use change. Webbnet Land Resource Services Pty Ltd, National Carbon Accounting System Technical Report No. 2, Australian Greenhouse Office, Canberra. Isbell RF (2002) The Australian Soil Classification, Revised edition. CSIRO Publishing. McDonald D, Baldock J, Kidd D (2007) Cradle Coast organic carbon monitoring trial. National Land & Water Resources Audit. Website www.nlwra.gov.au/ (accessed July 2007) McDonald RC, Isbell RF, Speight JG, Walker J, Hopkins MS (1990) Australian Soil and Land Survey Handbook, 2nd edition. (Inkata Press: Melbourne) McKenzie NJ, Coughlan KJ, Cresswell HP (2002) Soil physical measurement and interpretation for land evaluation, Australian Soil and Land Survey Handbook Series, Vol. 5. (CSIRO Publishing: Melbourne) McKenzie NJ, Henderson B, McDonald WS (2002) ‘Monitoring soil change: principles and practices for Australian condition.’ CSIRO Land and Water Technical Report 18/02, Canberra. Rayment GE, Higginson FR (1992) Australian laboratory handbook of soil and water chemical methods, pp 17-23. (Inkata Press: Melbourne)
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Richards GP (2001) The FullCAM Carbon Accounting Model: Development, Calibration and Implementation for the National Carbon Accounting System. National Carbon Accounting System Technical Report No. 28. Australian Greenhouse Office, Canberra, ACT. Spectrachem analytical LECO combustion furnace total carbon analysis. Website http://www.crl.co.nz/spectrachem/default.htm (accessed May 2008) Wilson B, Browne W, Chapman G (2007) Report on indicator protocol trial for soil carbon monitoring, Border Rivers Gwydir Catchment NSW. National Land & Water Resources Audit at website www.nlwra.gov.au/ (accessed July 2007)
9.
Glossary
Glossary of terms Monitoring unit
A monitoring and reporting unit is the result of ‘stratification’ of the study area, it representing a unique combination of soil, climate, land use and land management practices
Sampling site
A georeferenced point within a monitoring unit where one or more samples are taken for analysis
Acronyms ACLUMP
Australian Collaborative Land Use Mapping Program
ANZLIC
Australian New Zealand Land Information Council
ASPAC
Australasian Soil and Plant Analysis Council
ASRIS
Australian Soil Resources Information System
NATA
National Association of Testing Authorities
NLWRA (the Audit)
National Land & Water Resources Audit
National M&E Framework
National Monitoring and Evaluation Framework
NRM (regional bodies)
Natural Resource Management (regional bodies); also known as CMAs or Catchment Management Authorities
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Appendix 1 Data entities and definitions for soil organic carbon monitoring. Attribute
Definition
Acceptable values
Project and survey information Survey ID
Unique value, note that for monitoring purposes the same site might be visited on many occasions. The same survey ID will be used but the dates will be different in each case.
Numerical value
Transect ID
As above
Alpha or numerical value
Surveyor ID
The principal field observer on each return
Alpha, first 3 letters of family name, first letter of personal name e.g. CARD
Date
Date of field observation
dd/mm/yyyy
Land use
Land use at the time of observation classified according to ACLUMP
www.brs.gov.au/landuse
Land management practices
Land management practices at the time of observation classified according to ACLUMP
www.brs.gov.au/landuse
Rotational phase
Current rotation phase on 200 m x 200 m observation site f = cultivated fallow cf = chemical fallow p = pasture s = stubble c = cereal crop or any undetermined crop gl = grain legume crop ca = canola or other minor oilseed crop
f, cf, p, s, c, gl, ca
Soil/landscape map unit
Most detailed unit as determined from available mapping
Photo #
Combination of project, site ID, data and file format
###
AAA###.jpg
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Location information Site ID Datum
Datum to which the GPS is set
GDA 94
Projection
Projection to which the GPS is set
UTM
Zone
Zone(s) within which the survey takes place
49–56
Coordinates
Eastings and northings Observations
Soil classification
The soil profile data will be collected as per the requirements of the state soil database and the ASRIS database
0–5 cm % SOC LECO Bulk density 5–10 cm % SOC LECO Bulk density 10–20 cm % SOC LECO Bulk density 20-30 cm % SOC LECO Bulk density
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