Stocktake Sale on now: wide range of books at up to 70% off!
Register      Login
Soil Research Soil Research Society
Soil, land care and environmental research
REVIEW

Insights, implications and challenges of studying local soil knowledge for sustainable land use: a critical review

Ha T. N. Huynh https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5525-5607 A B , Lisa A. Lobry de Bruyn https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0173-2863 A , Brian R. Wilson A and Oliver G. G. Knox A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A The University of New England, School of Environmental and Rural Science, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia.

B Corresponding author. Email: thuynh6@myune.edu.au

Soil Research 58(3) 219-237 https://doi.org/10.1071/SR19227
Submitted: 21 August 2019  Accepted: 1 December 2019   Published: 14 January 2020

Abstract

Local soil knowledge (LSK) has been recognised for its importance in sustainable soil management and agroecosystems. This paper examines peer-reviewed articles and grey literature documents on LSK during 2003–2018. Research continues to be geographically focused on developing countries, but often in collaboration with researchers from developed countries. There were five key research themes: soil classification and agreement between local and scientific soil knowledge (Theme 1), value of LSK for soil management and decision-making (Theme 2), scientific approach to the incorporation of LSK (Theme 3), application of LSK for identification of and solutions to soil problems (Theme 4) and factors influencing soil knowledge development (Theme 5). Although Theme 1 continued to be a prevalent research area, confirming the importance of visible and topsoil characteristics identified by farmers, examining subsurface soil properties has garnered less research. For LSK to be thoroughly documented requires support by a pluralistic scientific assessment and greater incorporation of social science methodologies. An overarching finding from Themes 2–4 was the importance of designing national programs that incorporate LSK derived from local people and other stakeholders (e.g. scientists and policymakers) to conserve soils. Local soil maps, using LSK terminology, could broaden the appeal and use of maps by local stakeholders to support sustainable land-use planning from the field to national policy-making processes. Finally, cultural and political aspects, known to influence LSK, should be given greater consideration in further research to sustain and develop this knowledge (Theme 5).

Additional keywords: ethnopedology, farmers, rural development, soil classification, soil health.


References

Abera Y, Belachew T (2011) Local perceptions of soil fertility management in south-eastern Ethiopia. International Research Journal of Agricultural Science and Soil Science 1, 064–069.

Adjei-Nsiah S, Leeuwis C, Giller KE, Sakyi-Dawson O, Cobbina J, Kuyper TW, Abekoe M, Van Der Werf W (2004) Land tenure and differential soil fertility management practices among native and migrant farmers in Wenchi, Ghana: implications for interdisciplinary action research. NJAS Wageningen Journal of Life Sciences 52, 331–348.
Land tenure and differential soil fertility management practices among native and migrant farmers in Wenchi, Ghana: implications for interdisciplinary action research.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ajayi OC (2007) User acceptability of sustainable soil fertility technologies: lessons from farmers’ knowledge, attitude and practice in southern Africa. Journal of Sustainable Agriculture 30, 21–40.
User acceptability of sustainable soil fertility technologies: lessons from farmers’ knowledge, attitude and practice in southern Africa.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ali AMS (2003) Farmers’ knowledge of soils and the sustainability of agriculture in a saline water ecosystem in Southwestern Bangladesh. Geoderma 111, 333–353.
Farmers’ knowledge of soils and the sustainability of agriculture in a saline water ecosystem in Southwestern Bangladesh.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Alves ÂGC, Silva IDFD, Queiroz SBD, Ribeiro MR (2007) Sodium-affected Alfisols of the Agreste region, state of Paraiba, Brazil, as known by potter-farmers and agronomists. Scientia Agrícola 64, 495–505.
Sodium-affected Alfisols of the Agreste region, state of Paraiba, Brazil, as known by potter-farmers and agronomists.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Amsalu A, de Graaff J (2006) Farmers’ views of soil erosion problems and their conservation knowledge at Beressa watershed, central highlands of Ethiopia. Agriculture and Human Values 23, 99–108.
Farmers’ views of soil erosion problems and their conservation knowledge at Beressa watershed, central highlands of Ethiopia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bailey SW (2003) Farmer perception of land degradation and land quality in the Pindars river sub-watershed, Clarendon, Jamaica. Caribbean Geography 13, 130–144.

Bandura A (1977) ‘Social learning theory.’ (Prentice-Hall: Englewood Cliffs, NJ)

Barbero-Sierra C, Marques M, Ruíz-Pérez M, Bienes R, Cruz-Maceín J (2016) Farmer knowledge, perception and management of soils in the Las Vegas agricultural district, Madrid, Spain. Soil Use and Management 32, 446–454.
Farmer knowledge, perception and management of soils in the Las Vegas agricultural district, Madrid, Spain.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Barrera-Bassols N (2016) Linking ethnopedology and geopedology: a synergistic approach to soil mapping. Case study in an indigenous community of Central Mexico. In ‘Geopedology’. (Eds JA Zinck, G Metternicht, G Bocco, HF Del Valle) pp. 167–181. (Springer, Cham.)

Barrera-Bassols N, Zinck JA (2000) ‘Ethnopedology in a worldwide perspective: an annotated bibliography.’ (ITC: Enschede, Netherlands)

Barrera-Bassols N, Zinck JA (2003) Ethnopedology: a worldwide view on the soil knowledge of local people. Geoderma 111, 171–195.
Ethnopedology: a worldwide view on the soil knowledge of local people.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Barrera-Bassols N, Zinck JA, Van Ranst E (2006a) Local soil classification and comparison of indigenous and technical soil maps in a Mesoamerican community using spatial analysis. Geoderma 135, 140–162.
Local soil classification and comparison of indigenous and technical soil maps in a Mesoamerican community using spatial analysis.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Barrera-Bassols N, Zinck JA, Van Ranst E (2006b) Symbolism, knowledge and management of soil and land resources in indigenous communities: ethnopedology at global, regional and local scales. Catena 65, 118–137.
Symbolism, knowledge and management of soil and land resources in indigenous communities: ethnopedology at global, regional and local scales.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Barrera-Bassols N, Zinck J, Van Ranst E (2009) Participatory soil survey: experience in working with a Mesoamerican indigenous community. Soil Use and Management 25, 43–56.
Participatory soil survey: experience in working with a Mesoamerican indigenous community.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Barrios E, Trejo M (2003) Implications of local soil knowledge for integrated soil management in Latin America. Geoderma 111, 217–231.
Implications of local soil knowledge for integrated soil management in Latin America.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Barrios E, Delve RJ, Bekunda M, Mowo J, Agunda J, Ramisch J, Trejo MT, Thomas RJ (2006) Indicators of soil quality: a South-South development of a methodological guide for linking local and technical knowledge. Geoderma 135, 248–259.
Indicators of soil quality: a South-South development of a methodological guide for linking local and technical knowledge.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Barrios E, Coutinho HL, Medeiros CA (2012) ‘InPaC-S: participatory knowledge integration on indicators of soil quality: methodological guide.’ (World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), Embrapa, International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT): Nairobi)

Barroga RF, Tonts M, Siddique KH (2010) Creating multiple communication pathways to improve the flow of complex agricultural knowledge in remote farming villages of the Philippines. In ‘Proceedings of the Future Imperatives of Communication and Information for Development and Social Change, International Conference, 20–22 December 2010, Bangkok, Thailand.’ 19 pp.

Bautista F, Zinck JA (2010) Construction of an Yucatec Maya soil classification and comparison with the WRB framework. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 6, 7
Construction of an Yucatec Maya soil classification and comparison with the WRB framework.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 20152047PubMed |

Beckford C, Barker D (2007) The role and value of local knowledge in Jamaican agriculture: adaptation and change in small-scale farming. The Geographical Journal 173, 118–128.
The role and value of local knowledge in Jamaican agriculture: adaptation and change in small-scale farming.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bekele W, Drake L (2003) Soil and water conservation decision behavior of subsistence farmers in the Eastern Highlands of Ethiopia: a case study of the Hunde-Lafto area. Ecological Economics 46, 437–451.
Soil and water conservation decision behavior of subsistence farmers in the Eastern Highlands of Ethiopia: a case study of the Hunde-Lafto area.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bennett JM, Cattle S (2012) The role of landholder education in adoption of soil health management systems. In ‘Proceedings of the 5th Joint Australian and New Zealand Soil Science Conference: Soil Solutions for Diverse Landscapes (SSA 2012)’. (Australian Society of Soil Science: Hobart, Tasmania)

Bennett JM, Cattle S (2013) Adoption of soil health improvement strategies by Australian farmers: I. attitudes, management and extension implications. Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension 19, 407–426.
Adoption of soil health improvement strategies by Australian farmers: I. attitudes, management and extension implications.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Birmingham DM (2003) Local knowledge of soils: the case of contrast in Côte d’Ivoire. Geoderma 111, 481–502.
Local knowledge of soils: the case of contrast in Côte d’Ivoire.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Breuning-Madsen H, Bruun TB, Elberling B (2010) An indigenous soil classification system for Bellona Island–a raised atoll in Solomon Islands. Singapore Journal of Tropical Geography 31, 85–99.
An indigenous soil classification system for Bellona Island–a raised atoll in Solomon Islands.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Brinkmann K, Samuel L, Peth S, Buerkert A (2018) Ethnopedological knowledge and soil classification in SW Madagascar. Geoderma Regional 14, e00179
Ethnopedological knowledge and soil classification in SW Madagascar.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bünemann EK, Bongiorno G, Bai Z, Creamer RE, De Deyn G, de Goede R, Fleskens L, Geissen V, Kuyper TW, Mäder P, Pulleman M, Sukkel W, van Groenigen JW, Brussaard L (2018) Soil quality – a critical review. Soil Biology & Biochemistry 120, 105–125.
Soil quality – a critical review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Buthelezi N, Hughes J, Modi A (2013) The use of scientific and indigenous knowledge in agricultural land evaluation and soil fertility studies of two villages in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. African Journal of Agricultural Research 8, 507–518.

Buthelezi-Dube NN, Hughes JC, Muchaonyerwa P (2018) Indigenous soil classification in four villages of eastern South Africa. Geoderma 332, 84–99.
Indigenous soil classification in four villages of eastern South Africa.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Christie ME, Parks M, Mulvaney M (2016) Gender and local soil knowledge: linking farmers’ perceptions with soil fertility in two villages in the Philippines. Singapore Journal of Tropical Geography 37, 6–24.
Gender and local soil knowledge: linking farmers’ perceptions with soil fertility in two villages in the Philippines.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Clemens G, Fiedler S, Cong ND, Van Dung N, Schuler U, Stahr K (2010) Soil fertility affected by land use history, relief position, and parent material under a tropical climate in NW-Vietnam. Catena 81, 87–96.
Soil fertility affected by land use history, relief position, and parent material under a tropical climate in NW-Vietnam.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Conklin HC (1957) ‘Hanunoo agriculture. A report on an integral system of shifting cultivation in the Philippines.’ (FAO: Rome)

Dang VM (2007) Quantitative and qualitative soil quality assessments of tea enterprises in Northern Vietnam. African Journal of Agricultural Research 2, 455–462.

Das T, Das AK (2005) Local soil knowledge of smallholder rice farmers: a case study in Barak Valley, Assam. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge 4, 94–99.

Dawoe EK, Quashie-Sam J, Isaac ME, Oppong SK (2012) Exploring farmers’ local knowledge and perceptions of soil fertility and management in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Geoderma 179–180, 96–103.
Exploring farmers’ local knowledge and perceptions of soil fertility and management in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Daxini A, O’Donoghue C, Ryan M, Buckley C, Barnes AP, Daly K (2018) Which factors influence farmers’ intentions to adopt nutrient management planning? Journal of Environmental Management 224, 350–360.
Which factors influence farmers’ intentions to adopt nutrient management planning?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 30059933PubMed |

de Lima ACR, Brussaard L (2010) Earthworms as soil quality indicators: local and scientific knowledge in rice management systems. Acta Zoológica Mexicana 26, 109–116. –

Desbiez A, Matthews R, Tripathi B, Ellis-Jones J (2004) Perceptions and assessment of soil fertility by farmers in the mid-hills of Nepal. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 103, 191–206.
Perceptions and assessment of soil fertility by farmers in the mid-hills of Nepal.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Duruiheoma F, Burek C, Bonwick G, Alexander R (2015) Farmers’ perception of soil: implications for soil conservation and sustainable agriculture in the UK. Global Journal of Agricultural Research 3, 11–24.

Ericksen P, Ardón M (2003) Similarities and differences between farmer and scientist views on soil quality issues in central Honduras. Geoderma 111, 233–248.
Similarities and differences between farmer and scientist views on soil quality issues in central Honduras.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Erkossa T, Stahr K, Gaiser T (2004) Participatory soil quality assessment: the case of smallholder farmers in Ethiopian highlands. Soil Research 42, 793–797.
Participatory soil quality assessment: the case of smallholder farmers in Ethiopian highlands.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Estrada-Medina H, Bautista F, Jiménez-Osornio JJM, González-Iturbe JA, Aguilar Cordero WDJ (2013) Maya and WRB soil classification in Yucatan, Mexico: differences and similarities. ISRN Soil Science 2013, 634260
Maya and WRB soil classification in Yucatan, Mexico: differences and similarities.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ettema CH (1994) ‘Indigenous soil classifications. What are their structure and function and how do they compare with scientific soil classifications?’ (Institute of Ecology, University of Georgia: Athens, GA, USA)

Fairhead J, Scoones I (2005) Local knowledge and the social shaping of soil investments: critical perspectives on the assessment of soil degradation in Africa. Land Use Policy 22, 33–41.
Local knowledge and the social shaping of soil investments: critical perspectives on the assessment of soil degradation in Africa.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Garcia-Vila M, Corselli R, Bonet MT, Lopapa G, Pillitteri V, Fereres E (2017) Local soil classification and crop suitability: implications for the historical land use and soil management in Monti di Trapani (Sicily). In ‘EGU General Assembly Conference Abstracts’ (Vol. 19, p. 19088).

Giordano R, Liersch S (2012) A fuzzy GIS-based system to integrate local and technical knowledge in soil salinity monitoring. Environmental Modelling & Software 36, 49–63.
A fuzzy GIS-based system to integrate local and technical knowledge in soil salinity monitoring.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Giordano R, Liersch S, Vurro M, Hirsch D (2010) Integrating local and technical knowledge to support soil salinity monitoring in the Amudarya river basin. Journal of Environmental Management 91, 1718–1729.
Integrating local and technical knowledge to support soil salinity monitoring in the Amudarya river basin.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 20417023PubMed |

Gosai K, Arunachalam A, Dutta B, Prasanna G (2011) Indigenous knowledge of soil fertility management in the humid tropics of Arunachal Pradesh. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge 10, 508–511.

Gowing J, Payton R, Tenywa M (2004) Integrating indigenous and scientific knowledge on soils: recent experiences in Uganda and Tanzania and their relevance to participatory land use planning. Uganda Journal of Agricultural Sciences 9, 184–191.

Gray LC, Morant P (2003) Reconciling indigenous knowledge with scientific assessment of soil fertility changes in southwestern Burkina Faso. Geoderma 111, 425–437.
Reconciling indigenous knowledge with scientific assessment of soil fertility changes in southwestern Burkina Faso.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Grossman J (2003) Exploring farmer knowledge of soil processes in organic coffee systems of Chiapas, Mexico. Geoderma 111, 267–287.
Exploring farmer knowledge of soil processes in organic coffee systems of Chiapas, Mexico.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Gruver J, Weil R (2007) Farmer perceptions of soil quality and their relationship to management-sensitive soil parameters. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems 22, 271–281.
Farmer perceptions of soil quality and their relationship to management-sensitive soil parameters.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Hagel HK, Clemens G, Schuler U, Weiß A (2013) ‘Local soil knowledge in Southeast Asia’s mountainous regions: case studies among different ethnic groups in Vietnam and Thailand.’ (Margraf Publishers: Weikersheim, Germany)

He X, Xu Y, Zhang X (2007) Traditional farming system for soil conservation on slope farmland in southwestern China. Soil & Tillage Research 94, 193–200.
Traditional farming system for soil conservation on slope farmland in southwestern China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ingram J (2008) Are farmers in England equipped to meet the knowledge challenge of sustainable soil management? An analysis of farmer and advisor views. Journal of Environmental Management 86, 214–228.
Are farmers in England equipped to meet the knowledge challenge of sustainable soil management? An analysis of farmer and advisor views.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 17374435PubMed |

Ingram J, Fry P, Mathieu A (2010) Revealing different understandings of soil held by scientists and farmers in the context of soil protection and management. Land Use Policy 27, 51–60.
Revealing different understandings of soil held by scientists and farmers in the context of soil protection and management.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ingram J, Mills J, Dibari C, Ferrise R, Ghaley BB, Hansen JG, Iglesias A, Karaczun Z, McVittie A, Merante P (2016) Communicating soil carbon science to farmers: incorporating credibility, salience and legitimacy. Journal of Rural Studies 48, 115–128.
Communicating soil carbon science to farmers: incorporating credibility, salience and legitimacy.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Isaac ME, Dawoe E, Sieciechowicz K (2009) Assessing local knowledge use in agroforestry management with cognitive maps. Environmental Management 43, 1321–1329.
Assessing local knowledge use in agroforestry management with cognitive maps.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 18820966PubMed |

Jacobi J, Mathez-Stiefel SL, Gambon H, Rist S, Altieri M (2017) Whose knowledge, whose development? Use and role of local and external knowledge in agroforestry projects in Bolivia. Environmental Management 59, 464–476.
Whose knowledge, whose development? Use and role of local and external knowledge in agroforestry projects in Bolivia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 28040828PubMed |

Karltun E, Lemenih M, Tolera M (2013) Comparing farmers’ perception of soil fertility change with soil properties and crop performance in Beseku, Ethiopia. Land Degradation & Development 24, 228–235.
Comparing farmers’ perception of soil fertility change with soil properties and crop performance in Beseku, Ethiopia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kelly B, Allan C, Wilson B (2009) Soil indicators and their use by farmers in the Billabong Catchment, southern New South Wales. Soil Research 47, 234–242.
Soil indicators and their use by farmers in the Billabong Catchment, southern New South Wales.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Klingen KE, Graaff JD, Botelho MIV, Kessler A (2012) Farmers’ visions on soils: a case study among agroecological and conventional smallholders in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension 18, 175–189.
Farmers’ visions on soils: a case study among agroecological and conventional smallholders in Minas Gerais, Brazil.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kome GK, Enang RK, Yerima BPK (2018) Knowledge and management of soil fertility by farmers in western Cameroon. Geoderma Regional 13, 43–51.
Knowledge and management of soil fertility by farmers in western Cameroon.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Krasilnikov PV, Tabor JA (2003) Perspectives on utilitarian ethnopedology. Geoderma 111, 197–215.
Perspectives on utilitarian ethnopedology.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Krull G, Duart JM (2017) Research trends in mobile learning in higher education: a systematic review of articles (2011–2015). The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning 18, 2893
Research trends in mobile learning in higher education: a systematic review of articles (2011–2015).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kuria AW, Barrios E, Pagella T, Muthuri CW, Mukuralinda A, Sinclair FL (2019) Farmers’ knowledge of soil quality indicators along a land degradation gradient in Rwanda. Geoderma Regional 16, e00199
Farmers’ knowledge of soil quality indicators along a land degradation gradient in Rwanda.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Laekemariam F, Kibret K, Mamo T (2017) Farmers’ soil knowledge, fertility management logic and its linkage with scientifically analysed soil properties in southern Ethiopia. Agriculture & Food Security 6, 57
Farmers’ soil knowledge, fertility management logic and its linkage with scientifically analysed soil properties in southern Ethiopia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lima ACR, Hoogmoed WB, Brussaard L, dos Anjos FS (2011) Farmers’ assessment of soil quality in rice production systems. NJAS Wageningen Journal of Life Sciences 58, 31–38.
Farmers’ assessment of soil quality in rice production systems.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lippe M, Minh TT, Neef A, Hilger T, Hoffmann V, Lam N, Cadisch G (2011) Building on qualitative datasets and participatory processes to simulate land use change in a mountain watershed of Northwest Vietnam. Environmental Modelling & Software 26, 1454–1466.
Building on qualitative datasets and participatory processes to simulate land use change in a mountain watershed of Northwest Vietnam.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lobry de Bruyn LA (2019) Learning opportunities: understanding farmers’ soil testing practice through workshop activities to improve extension support for soil health management. Soil Use and Management 35, 128–140.
Learning opportunities: understanding farmers’ soil testing practice through workshop activities to improve extension support for soil health management.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lobry de Bruyn L, Abbey J (2003) Characterisation of farmers’ soil sense and the implications for on-farm monitoring of soil health. Animal Production Science 43, 285–305.
Characterisation of farmers’ soil sense and the implications for on-farm monitoring of soil health.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lobry de Bruyn L, Andrews S (2016) Are Australian and United States farmers using soil information for soil health management? Sustainability 8, 304
Are Australian and United States farmers using soil information for soil health management?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Macharia P, Ng’ang’a L (2005) Integrating indigenous soil and land classification systems in the identification of soil management constraints in the tropics: a Kenyan case study. Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems 5, 67–73.

Mairura FS, Mugendi DN, Mwanje JI, Ramisch JJ, Mbugua PK, Chianu JN (2007) Integrating scientific and farmers’ evaluation of soil quality indicators in Central Kenya. Geoderma 139, 134–143.
Integrating scientific and farmers’ evaluation of soil quality indicators in Central Kenya.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Malinowski B (1935) ‘Coral gardens and their magic: a study of the methods of tilling the soil and of agricultural rites in the Trobriand Islands.’ (Allen & Unwin: London)

Mikkelsen JH, Langohr R (2004) Indigenous knowledge about soils and a sustainable crop production, a case study from the Guinea Woodland Savannah (Northern Region, Ghana). Geografisk Tidsskrift-Danish Journal of Geography 104, 13–26.
Indigenous knowledge about soils and a sustainable crop production, a case study from the Guinea Woodland Savannah (Northern Region, Ghana).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Montanarella L, Pennock DJ, McKenzie N, Badraoui M, Chude V, Baptista I, Mamo T, Yemefack M, Singh Aulakh M, Yagi K, Young Hong S, Vijarnsorn P, Zhang GL, Arrouays D, Black H, Krasilnikov P, Sobocká J, Alegre J, Henriquez CR, de Lourdes Mendonça-Santos M, Taboada M, Espinosa-Victoria D, AlShankiti A, AlaviPanah SK, Elsheikh EAEM, Hempel J, Camps , Arbestain M, Nachtergaele F, Vargas R (2016) World’s soils are under threat. Soil (Göttingen) 2, 79–82.
World’s soils are under threat.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Montgomery SC, Martin RJ, Guppy C, Wright GC, Tighe MK (2017) Farmer knowledge and perception of production constraints in Northwest Cambodia. Journal of Rural Studies 56, 12–20.
Farmer knowledge and perception of production constraints in Northwest Cambodia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Nabahungu NL, Visser SM (2013) Farmers’ knowledge and perception of agricultural wetland management in Rwanda. Land Degradation & Development 24, 363–374.
Farmers’ knowledge and perception of agricultural wetland management in Rwanda.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Nath JA, Lal R, Das AK (2015) Ethnopedology and soil quality of bamboo (Bambusa sp.) based agroforestry system. The Science of the Total Environment 521–522, 372–379.
Ethnopedology and soil quality of bamboo (Bambusa sp.) based agroforestry system.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Nethononda L, Odhiambo J (2011) Indigenous soil knowledge relevant to crop production of smallholder farmers at Rambuda irrigation scheme, Vhembe District South Africa. African Journal of Agricultural Research 6, 2576–2581.

Nguyen T (2008) ‘The impact of land reform on farm households in the Northern Uplands of Vietnam.’ (Margraf Publishers: Weikersheim, Germany)

Nguyen TT, Lippe M, Marohn C, Stahr K, Hilger T, Lam NT, Cadisch G (2009) Assessment of land cover change in Chieng Khoi Commune, Northern Vietnam, by combining remote sensing tools and historical local knowledge. Abstract from ‘Conference on International Research on Food Security, Natural Resource Management and Rural, Development.’ (University of Hohenheim: Stuttgart, Germany)

Niemeijer D, Mazzucato V (2003) Moving beyond indigenous soil taxonomies: local theories of soils for sustainable development. Geoderma 111, 403–424.
Moving beyond indigenous soil taxonomies: local theories of soils for sustainable development.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Norgrove L, Hauser S (2016) Biophysical criteria used by farmers for fallow selection in West and Central Africa. Ecological Indicators 61, 141–147.
Biophysical criteria used by farmers for fallow selection in West and Central Africa.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Oberthür T, Barrios E, Cook S, Usma H, Escobar G (2004) Increasing the relevance of scientific information in hillside environments through understanding of local soil management in a small watershed of the Colombian Andes. Soil Use and Management 20, 23–31.
Increasing the relevance of scientific information in hillside environments through understanding of local soil management in a small watershed of the Colombian Andes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Oda M, Chongpraditnun P, Sanoh S, Suphanchaimat N, Fujihara Y, Yamada R, Fujii H, Ito O (2013) Indigenous soil fertility knowledge of rainfed lowland rice farmers in Central Laos indigenous soil fertility knowledge. Tropical Agriculture and Development 57, 86–93.
Indigenous soil fertility knowledge of rainfed lowland rice farmers in Central Laos indigenous soil fertility knowledge.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Okoba BO, De Graaff J (2005) Farmers’ knowledge and perceptions of soil erosion and conservation measures in the Central Highlands, Kenya. Land Degradation & Development 16, 475–487.
Farmers’ knowledge and perceptions of soil erosion and conservation measures in the Central Highlands, Kenya.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Owens CC (2008) Exploring indigenous soil knowledge in Gourel Yoba, Senegal: two years as a Peace Corps volunteer. Soil Horizons 49, 31–35.
Exploring indigenous soil knowledge in Gourel Yoba, Senegal: two years as a Peace Corps volunteer.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Pauli N, Barrios E, Conacher A, Oberthür T (2012) Farmer knowledge of the relationships among soil macrofauna, soil quality and tree species in a smallholder agroforestry system of western Honduras. Geoderma 189–190, 186–198.
Farmer knowledge of the relationships among soil macrofauna, soil quality and tree species in a smallholder agroforestry system of western Honduras.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Pauli N, Abbott L, Negrete-Yankelevich S, Andrés P (2016) Farmers’ knowledge and use of soil fauna in agriculture: a worldwide review. Ecology and Society 21, 19
Farmers’ knowledge and use of soil fauna in agriculture: a worldwide review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Payton R, Barr J, Martin A, Sillitoe P, Deckers J, Gowing J, Hatibu N, Naseem S, Tenywa M, Zuberi M (2003) Contrasting approaches to integrating indigenous knowledge about soils and scientific soil survey in East Africa and Bangladesh. Geoderma 111, 355–386.
Contrasting approaches to integrating indigenous knowledge about soils and scientific soil survey in East Africa and Bangladesh.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Pincus L, Ballard H, Harris E, Scow K (2018) Seeing below the surface: making soil processes visible to Ugandan smallholder farmers through a constructivist and experiential extension approach. Agriculture and Human Values 35, 425–440.
Seeing below the surface: making soil processes visible to Ugandan smallholder farmers through a constructivist and experiential extension approach.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Prager K, Curfs M (2016) Using mental models to understand soil management. Soil Use and Management 32, 36–44.
Using mental models to understand soil management.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Prager K, Schuler J, Helming K, Zander P, Ratinger T, Hagedorn K (2011) Soil degradation, farming practices, institutions and policy responses: an analytical framework. Land Degradation & Development 22, 32–46.
Soil degradation, farming practices, institutions and policy responses: an analytical framework.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Price L (2007) Locating farmer-based knowledge and vested interests in natural resource management: the interface of ethnopedology, land tenure and gender in soil erosion management in the Manupali watershed, Philippines. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 3, 30
Locating farmer-based knowledge and vested interests in natural resource management: the interface of ethnopedology, land tenure and gender in soil erosion management in the Manupali watershed, Philippines.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 17803809PubMed |

Rainey SJ (2005) Folk classification and capability assessment of soils in two highland Guatemalan Municipios. Journal of Latin American Geography 4, 77–106.
Folk classification and capability assessment of soils in two highland Guatemalan Municipios.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Raji B, Malgwi W, Berding F, Chude V (2011) Integrating indigenous knowledge and soil science approaches to detailed soil survey in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Journal of Soil Science and Environmental Management 2, 66–73.

Reed MS, Dougill AJ, Taylor MJ (2007) Integrating local and scientific knowledge for adaptation to land degradation: Kalahari rangeland management options. Land Degradation & Development 18, 249–268.
Integrating local and scientific knowledge for adaptation to land degradation: Kalahari rangeland management options.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Reinhardt N, Herrmann L (2017) Fusion of indigenous knowledge and gamma spectrometry for soil mapping to support knowledge-based extension in Tanzania. Food Security 9, 1271–1284.
Fusion of indigenous knowledge and gamma spectrometry for soil mapping to support knowledge-based extension in Tanzania.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Reséndiz-Paz MDLL, Gutiérrez-Castorena MDC, Gutiérrez-Castorena EV, Ortiz-Solorio CA, Cajuste-Bontempts L, Sánchez-Guzmán P (2013) Local soil knowledge and management of Anthrosols: a case study in Teoloyucan, Mexico. Geoderma 193–194, 41–51.
Local soil knowledge and management of Anthrosols: a case study in Teoloyucan, Mexico.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Richelle L, Visser M, Bock L, Walpole P, Mialhe F, Colinet G, Dendoncker N (2018) Looking for a dialogue between farmers and scientific soil knowledge: learnings from an ethno-geomorphopedological study in a Philippine’s upland village. Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems 42, 2–27.
Looking for a dialogue between farmers and scientific soil knowledge: learnings from an ethno-geomorphopedological study in a Philippine’s upland village.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Roesch-McNally G, Arbuckle JG, Tyndall JC (2018) Soil as social-ecological feedback: examining the “ethic” of soil stewardship among Corn Belt farmers. Rural Sociology 83, 145–173.
Soil as social-ecological feedback: examining the “ethic” of soil stewardship among Corn Belt farmers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Rushemuka N, Bizoza R, Mowo J, Bock L (2014) Farmers’ soil knowledge for effective participatory integrated watershed management in Rwanda: toward soil-specific fertility management and farmers’ judgmental fertilizer use. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 183, 145–159.
Farmers’ soil knowledge for effective participatory integrated watershed management in Rwanda: toward soil-specific fertility management and farmers’ judgmental fertilizer use.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ryder R (2003) Local soil knowledge and site suitability evaluation in the Dominican Republic. Geoderma 111, 289–305.
Local soil knowledge and site suitability evaluation in the Dominican Republic.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Saïdou A, Kuyper T, Kossou D, Tossou R, Richards P (2004) Sustainable soil fertility management in Benin: learning from farmers. NJAS Wageningen Journal of Life Sciences 52, 349–369.
Sustainable soil fertility management in Benin: learning from farmers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Saint-Macary C, Keil A, Zeller M, Heidhues F, Dung PTM (2010) Land titling policy and soil conservation in the northern uplands of Vietnam. Land Use Policy 27, 617–627.
Land titling policy and soil conservation in the northern uplands of Vietnam.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Saito K, Linquist B, Keobualapha B, Shiraiwa T, Horie T (2006) Farmers’ knowledge of soils in relation to cropping practices: a case study of farmers in upland rice based slash-and-burn systems of northern Laos. Geoderma 136, 64–74.
Farmers’ knowledge of soils in relation to cropping practices: a case study of farmers in upland rice based slash-and-burn systems of northern Laos.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Schneider F, Fry P, Ledermann T, Rist S (2009) Social learning processes in Swiss soil protection—The ‘From farmer-to farmer’ project. Human Ecology 37, 475–489.
Social learning processes in Swiss soil protection—The ‘From farmer-to farmer’ project.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Schuler U, Choocharoen C, Elstner P, Neef A, Stahr K, Zarei M, Herrmann L (2006) Soil mapping for land-use planning in a karst area of N Thailand with due consideration of local knowledge. Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science 169, 444–452.
Soil mapping for land-use planning in a karst area of N Thailand with due consideration of local knowledge.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Shi X, Long R, Dekett R, Philippe J (2009) Integrating different types of knowledge for digital soil mapping. Soil Science Society of America Journal 73, 1682–1692.
Integrating different types of knowledge for digital soil mapping.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Siderius W, De Bakker H (2003) Toponymy and soil nomenclature in the Netherlands. Geoderma 111, 521–536.
Toponymy and soil nomenclature in the Netherlands.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Sillitoe P (1998) Knowing the land: soil and land resource evaluation and indigenous knowledge. Soil Use and Management 14, 188–193.
Knowing the land: soil and land resource evaluation and indigenous knowledge.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Stringer LC, Reed MS (2007) Land degradation assessment in Southern Africa: integrating local and scientific knowledge bases. Land Degradation & Development 18, 99–116.
Land degradation assessment in Southern Africa: integrating local and scientific knowledge bases.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Talawar S, Rhoades RE (1998) Scientific and local classification and management of soils. Agriculture and Human Values 15, 3–14.
Scientific and local classification and management of soils.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Tesfahunegn GB, Tamene L, Vlek PL (2011) Evaluation of soil quality identified by local farmers in Mai-Negus catchment, northern Ethiopia. Geoderma 163, 209–218.
Evaluation of soil quality identified by local farmers in Mai-Negus catchment, northern Ethiopia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Testen AL (2017) ‘Participatory research to improve soil and plant health on vegetable farms in Tanzania and Ohio.’ (Ohio State University: Columbus, OH)

Trung ND, Verdoodt A, Dusar M, Van TT, Van Ranst E (2008) Evaluating ethnopedological knowledge systems for classifying soil quality. A case study in Bo Hamlet with Muong people of Northern Vietnam. Geographical Research 46, 27–38.
Evaluating ethnopedological knowledge systems for classifying soil quality. A case study in Bo Hamlet with Muong people of Northern Vietnam.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Vanek SJ, Drinkwater LE (2019) Integrating scientific and local soils knowledge to examine options by context interactions for phosphorus addition to legumes in an Andean agroecosystem. Experimental Agriculture 55, 145–168.
Integrating scientific and local soils knowledge to examine options by context interactions for phosphorus addition to legumes in an Andean agroecosystem.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

West R (1947) ‘The cultural geography of the Tarascan area.’ (Institute of Social Anthropology, Smithsonian Institution: WA, USA)

WinklerPrins AMGA (1999) Insights and applications local soil knowledge: a tool for sustainable land management. Society & Natural Resources 12, 151–161.
Insights and applications local soil knowledge: a tool for sustainable land management.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

WinklerPrins AMGA, Barrera-Bassols N (2004) Latin American ethnopedology: a vision of its past, present, and future. Agriculture and Human Values 21, 139–156.
Latin American ethnopedology: a vision of its past, present, and future.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

WinklerPrins AM, Barrios E (2007) Ethnopedology along the Amazon and Orinoco Rivers: a convergence of knowledge and practice. Revista Geográfica 111–129.

WinklerPrins AM, Sandor JA (2003) Local soil knowledge: insights, applications, and challenges. Geofísica Internacional 111, 165–170.

Winowiecki LA, Whelan MP, McDaniel PA, Villalobos M, Somarriba E (2014) Local soil knowledge and its use in crop allocation: Implications for landscape-scale agricultural production and conservation efforts in Talamanca, Costa Rica. Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries 3, 93–101.
Local soil knowledge and its use in crop allocation: Implications for landscape-scale agricultural production and conservation efforts in Talamanca, Costa Rica.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Winstone B, Filson G, Heck RJ, De Araújo Filho JC (2019) How organic and conventional farmers in Brazil’s Natuba Basin understand soil. Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems 43, 409–428.
How organic and conventional farmers in Brazil’s Natuba Basin understand soil.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wood MD, Bostrom A, Bridges T, Linkov I (2012) Cognitive mapping tools: review and risk management needs. Risk Analysis: An International Journal 32, 1333–1348.
Cognitive mapping tools: review and risk management needs.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Yodda S, Rambo AT (2018) Lack of consensus about indigenous soil knowledge among wet rice farmers in a Thai-Lao village in Northeast Thailand. Land Degradation & Development 29, 4121–4128.
Lack of consensus about indigenous soil knowledge among wet rice farmers in a Thai-Lao village in Northeast Thailand.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |