Sensitive soil factors for the North Pacific Landscape Conservation Cooperative

Soil Sensitivity

Soil sensitivity is a measure of a soil's ability to endure or recover from a disturbance. Soils declared "sensitive" may have characteristics that make them more susceptible to the impacts of climate change, fire or human disturbances.

Why do I care?

Sensitive soils may be more suscepible to impacts and more difficult to restore following a disurbance. Therefore, it is important to identify these soils and prepare mitigation strategies to maintain soil stability and productivity. 

What can I do about it?

Consider the potential impacts of any activities to take place on sensitive soils. Use strategies to reduce erosion and maintain soil productivity. Consult experts and best management practices for the specific site and disturbance regime. Make restoration and reclamation plans in case soils are negatively impacted. 

Soil Degradation

What is it?

Soil degradation is a reduction in a soil's ability to function. It can be moderate (repairable) to severe (beyond repair). There are two main types of soil degradation: physical and chemical. Physical degradation is an actual movement of the soil particles from their original location such as erosion or compaction. Chemical degradation is an extreme loss of beneficial nutrients such as carbon, nitrogen or calcium ions or an accumulation of a harmful substance such as sodium or calcium carbonate. 

Why do I care?

Physical degradation can lead to a loss of soil stability and a reduction of water and nutrients in the rooting zone. Chemical degradation can result in reduced plant access to nutrients, and under drier conditions, they can increase the likelihood of physical degradation. Both types of degradation have implications for food, air and water quality.

What can I do about it?

Monitor soil conditions. Improve soil quality. Limit activities that denude, compact, pollute or otherwise disturb sensitive soils. Strongly consider the implications of mining, farming, energy development, fire and other disturbances on sensitive soils.