New Indication Method Using Pedo-Econometric Approach

Conventional multivariate statistics that have been used to create indication systems to assess soil functions raise theoretical and practical issues. The Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) that can overcome such issues is a well-known management tool in other fields than soil science. This study is the first to use the DEA for a soil-related phenomenon across a large region. Soil carbon sequestration (SCseq) capability index scores in Florida, USA, were computed using the DEA with two settings (free disposability hull, FDH and variable returns-to-scale, VRS) to assess the soil carbon sequestration function. Findings suggest that sites with high annual temperature, precipitation, and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index as inputs were most efficient to sequester carbon in soils. The novel pedo-econometric approach enables to optimize the SCseq and guides future management to enhance soil carbon, and thus, soil health.