A web-based approach to improve collation and communication of complex soil-landscape data with examples relating to agricultural production, environmental degradation and mineral exploration.

摘要

This paper provides examples of how to use web-based techniques to organize and communicate large quantities of complex and varied soil and landscape data. It describes a straightforward method for creating an interactive, web-based data site that can be used to facilitate more rapid and effective communication between project staff (scientists and managers) and clients (farmers and land managers). This can facilitate teleconferences between team members and be used to communicate information and ideas. Consequently, it reduces costs associated with travel and makes it easier to interpret data during collection. The web-based data site can be used to deliver easily understood final reports to clients that may have limited background knowledge in a particular area. Additionally, it provides a sufficiently logical and intuitive user interface for use by a wide range of end-users including farmers, land managers, policy makers and the general public. This approach has been used successfully to provide a framework to coordinate and report on the large quantities of complex data generated during the following three diverse projects: (i) a study of base metal exploration methods in an area impacted by mining and land clearance in the Mount Lofty Ranges in South Australia, (ii) acid drainage issues impacting on agricultural production in the Wheatbelt of Western Australia and (iii) inland acid sulphate soils impacting on land degradation and water quality in wetlands adjacent to the River Murray in the Riverland region of South Australia.Digital Object Identifier http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-2743.2011.00370.x