A unified conceptual framework is helpful for the concerted efforts of restorationists to address farmland heavy metal pollution in China and other countries.
Dr. LI suggested that any remediation measures must respect the nature of the soil. To soil scientists, soil is a viable entity with a long history of biogeochemical weathering. Mineral ameliorants require careful and systematic evaluation before their large-scale promotion. It is not recommended to apply any chemicals to permanently change the constitution of arable soil.
Besides, he held that any technical solutions should respect the interests of farmers. Unlike ecological restoration of natural ecosystems, safe farming per se is the safe utilization of land resources that denies long-term economic input.
As far as it goes, both theoretical synthesis and large-scale field trials are required for a path towards a unified set of approaches that are accessible and feasible internationally and could be applied by governmental agencies.
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