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3. Research in Urban Soils
Research and development is a critical part of any soil
interpretation. The mechanistic soil processes for a foundation for
recognizing changes in those processes as soil behavior changes. Inputs
to the soil system greatly influence the dynamics of soil processes at a
very detailed level and many interactions occur that are difficult to
measure. Four major areas of research for interpretations in urban soils
are 1) heavy metal toxicity, 2) landscape, hydrology, and related
transport of sediment & chemicals, 3) biological transformations of
waste/new boundaries, and 4) infiltration linked to heavy use and
management.
A systems approach to these research areas is the focus of ecosystem
studies, although urban customers often hold deep concerns for specific
soil behaviors (lead toxicity, dust inhalation, mud transfer) that are
seen as the controlling the whole system. The challenge is to address
customer's specific concerns while setting those concerns in the
timeframe and the larger context of the ecosystem. Monitoring projects
for soils, such as those for streams or water quality, need a base of
scientific method so that urban customers can tell when and how they
have answered their own questions. The management choices become evident
more quickly when the balance of inputs and outputs, sources and sinks,
stresses and responses becomes clear to decision-makers.
The goal of scientific research is to recognize an observed problem,
to form ideas about causes of the problem, to design and implement a
project with specific measurements and observations concerning the
problem and suspected causes, and to use the information gathered to
revisit the original problem and to test the ideas. Problem-solving with
a base in research leads customers to solutions with minimal risk and
optimal levels of increased understanding of soil and its role in
ecosystem changes.
Next item - 4. Urban
Conservation Programs
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