Eesti Maaülikool 1 Application of soil information and agro- economic models for spatial land use optimization: a case study in Estonia ALAR ASTOVER, PhD Estonian University of Life Sciences, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Department of Soil Science and Agrochemistry

2 A lot of soil information but rarely used in decision making Why so? Limited knowledge (specific information is understandable for soil scientist but for others ?) Limited access Digital soil map at scale 1:10,000 for all territory Agrochemical soil monitoring

3 How to convert this information understandable for stakeholders?  Decision support systems  Money talks: soil economics (still unexploited area)  As possible detailed spatial scale  Must be applicable in wide areas (across Estonia)  Input data required in models must be available

4  A GIS including database of soil properties was developed covering the fields (>100,000 ha) of the agricultural land of Tartu county.  The algorithms used in the agronomic models were obtained from the regression analysis of numerous field experiments.  The calculated new agronomical values serve as a basis for the application of economic models.  GIS and modelling are in a loose coupling category that integrates GIS with agro-economic models through the exchange of data files. Case study

5 Optimization of barley fertilization Agronomically and economically effective rates of mineral N depending on soil humus content

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7 Example of functional map (1)

8 Example of functional map (2)

9 Thank You for Attention!