Sustainable Management of Soil Resources in the Humid Tropics (UNU, 1995, 146 pages): IX. Ecological approach to sustainable land use in the humid tropics: E. Mineral cycling

Sustainable Management of Soil Resources in the Humid Tropics (UNU, 1995, 146 pages)

IX. Ecological approach to sustainable land use in the humid tropics

		(introductory text...)
		A. Soil erosion control
		B. Soil organic matter maintenance
		C. Soil structure
		D. High soil biodiversity
		E. Mineral cycling
		F. Soil resilience
		G. Ecological compatibility

E. Mineral cycling

It is important that the nutrient reserves of the ecosystem are not depleted but are enhanced and recycled. The recycling mechanisms (e.g., a combination of deep-rooted and shallow-rooted species, returning biomass to the soil surface, high soil biodiversity) must be strengthened. The loss of nutrients by erosion, leaching, and volatilization must be minimized.