The concept of soil quality and innovative approaches used in its assessment (2010-2024)

Each scientific advancement enables the development of approaches, the filling of knowledge gaps, and the discovery of new perspectives based on prior research. In this context, monitoring soil quality is of critical importance in terms of sustainability, soil conservation, environmental health, and food security. To accurately define the concept of soil quality, it is essential to understand soil functions and the relationship between soil properties and soil quality. This thesis comprehensively examines the concept of soil quality and the innovative approaches used in its assessment between 2010 and 2024. Soil quality is a key indicator of agricultural productivity, ecosystem sustainability, and environmental health. In addition to traditional assessment methods, recent technological advancements and interdisciplinary analytical techniques have enabled a more accurate and holistic evaluation of soil quality. Accordingly, this study addresses the integration of biological, chemical, and physical indicators with technological innovations such as remote sensing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, geographic information systems (GIS), and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) in soil quality assessments. Furthermore, the thesis discusses how emerging parameters such as the carbon cycle, microbial diversity, the use of bioindicators, and soil health indices are employed in recent evaluations. In addition to an extensive literature review, practical analyses conducted in selected pilot regions were used to compare the accuracy and effectiveness of these new methods. The findings underscore the significance of multidisciplinary approaches in the assessment of soil quality and provide a scientific basis for the development of sustainable soil management strategies.