I wish you choose SOIL QUALITY MAPPING with special reference to microbial load and diversity to research on. Soil mapping merely for physiographic features , chemical properties and classification is inadequate in the current scientific context. That the soil is a living phase has long been ignored by soil scientists unfortunately since half a century.

I don´t think that e.g. microbial activity and/or CO2 mass balances have been ignored since half a century. There are also truckloads of literature concerning nitrogen cycle and the like.

It is not ignored for the purpose of research whereas it it totally ignored in restoring living phase of the soils all over the world due to extreme chemicalization of agriculture under field conditions. It is evident from insignificant status given to organic farming in the world.

Dear Firoz, Persons like youi need to undo the damage done thus far, to the soil, water, air and environment in general as quaality life is endangered for plants, animals and humans on Earth. This is accomplished to start with by the application of organic matter of plant and animal origin what is termed as organic wastes, to the soils with a sole intention to feed the soil sheltered organims which also require sufficient air and moisture for their comfortable living. That is all. Rest will take care of itself as a cycle.

Please contact European Soil Bureau Network based in ISPRA,Italy which has also a big web site.Prof.D.Magaldi, University of Firenze