Fuzzy Indicator Approach: Development of Impact Factor of Soil Amendments

Soil amendments have been shown to be useful for improving soil condition, but it is often difficult to make management decisions as to their usefulness. Utilization of Fuzzy Set Theory is a promising method for decision support associated with utilization of soil amendments.  In this article a tool based on fuzzy indicator model was developed.  The effectiveness of soil amendments in frame of work of this tool can be evaluated by two indicators: Impact Factor Simple (IFS), and Impact Factor Complex (IFC). Using IFS, an estimate of the effectiveness of soil amendments can be determine when only one experimental soil parameter is available.  Using IFC, an estimation of soil amendment effectiveness can be calculated based on information about several soil parameters.  This methodology was utilized in two case-studies. In the first, evaluation of the effectiveness of using polyacrylamide application as an amendment to reduce subsoil compaction was evaluated.  In the second, the evaluation of the organic material “Fluff” as a soil amendment for establishing native prairie grasses was evaluated.  In both cases, improved understanding of the effectiveness of the amendments was demonstrated and the decision support associated with utilization of soil amendments was improved.