Soil Science in Mexico Hstory, Chailenges, and the Future

摘要

There is a lack of information;concerning the history of soil science in developing countnes such as Mqxico. This article exannines the histcpry. development, and challenges of soil science in Mexico Soil knowledge in the pre-Colombian era was notable attnbute of indigenous people in Mexico. Mayas and Aztecs cidkssified soils basdd on properties and land use and developed a termincaogy still used by locals. In addition, internationdi organizations and institutions advocating modern agncultur practices have ayed an importailt role in the develo|iment of soil science in Mexico, in conjunction with the Green Revolution in which the use of fertilizers for crop production was implemented. Soil fiertility. as an area of study, has developed significantly in the country. One of ihe most significant impacts of the Green Revolution on the development of soil science In Mexico was through academic exchange, in which Mexican soil scientists obtained graduate-level degrees in the United States and later returned to MexIco to conduct research programs. Although Mexico has a long higtory of soil" knowledge: soil scientists are facing several challenges today, including the lack of communication between farmers and scientists, soil erosion, soil contamination, and water usage Some researchers have suggested that ethnopedological knowledge should be incorporated i into modern soil science.