STIR
The STIR (Soil Tillage Intensity Rating) is an indicator that measures the intensity of mechanical soil disturbances caused by agricultural work[1][2]. Initially developed by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) to assess erosion risk, this tool was adapted by the FiBL (Research Institute of Organic Agriculture) to help farmers understand the impact of their practices on soils[1].
Calculation of STIR
STIR takes into account several factors to calculate a score:
- The type of machines used
- The working speed
- The working depth
- The worked surface area
Each mechanical action receives a score, and the sum of these actions determines a rating per crop[1]. The higher the score, the more the cultivation method is considered disturbing to the soil[1].
Usage and interpretation
- A low STIR score indicates less disturbing practices for the soil.
- A high STIR score suggests more intensive and potentially more damaging practices for soil structure.
For example, conventional plowing (STIR > 120) is considered more disturbing than no-till with diverse winter cover crops (STIR < 60)[3].
STIR allows farmers to compare different technical routes and adjust their practices to reduce the impact on soils[1]. It can be calculated for a specific crop or for an entire farm operation[1].
Sources
- STIR (FiBL): https://www.progres-sol.ch/stir.html
- https://www.prometerre.ch/s3/site/1696251368_livretdefeteswissnotill2023jdetter.pdf
- https://irda.blob.core.windows.net/media/8118/irda_eessaq_rapport2_mai2023.pdf
- https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPURL.cgi?Dockey=91022XWF.TXT
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/362288627_Agriculture_Science_Research_and_Review_VII
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 https://www.tema-agriculture-terroirs.fr/cultivar-grandes-cultures/materiel/stir-un-indicateur-pour-mesurer-les-perturbations-mecaniques-des-sols-864915.php
- ↑ https://www.progres-sol.ch/fileadmin/progres-sol/documents/22_PPT_00P_2eme_conference-presentation_Marina.pdf
- ↑ https://www.vd.ch/fileadmin/user_upload/themes/environnement/sol/fichiers_pdf/210217_R%C3%A9sum%C3%A9_Qualite_des_sols_et_s%C3%A9questration_de_carbopne_organique_-synthese_et_recommandations.pdf
