A RESEARCH ON SCIENTIFIC BASE TO ESTABLISH THE MAP OF PROVINCIAL SOIL ENVIRONMENT FOR MANAGING AND PROTECTING SOIL ENVIRONMENT (TAKE HAIDUONG PROVINCE FOR RESEARCH AREA) = Nghiên cứu cơ sở khoa học thành lập bản đồ môi trường đất cấp tỉnh phục vụ quản lý

1
INTRODUCTION
1. RATIONAL
Environmental Quality (EQ) in almost all provinces has been transformed towards
negative trend, especially soil environment with the reduced produce ability and
popularity of pollution in everywhere. Habitat quality of both human and organisms
has been declining. This causes considerable impacts on life and socio-economic
development each locality.
Not surprisingly, there exists an urgent need of review and assessment of soil
environment quality in every province. This, in one hand, is to identify areas that have
not yet be degraded to propose reasonable exploitation and protection strategies. In
other hand, this action enable us to find out areas that started degrade, degrade, strongly
degrade, extremely degrade to build up appropriate land use plan, effectively exploit
land resource, control soil environment quality development and have effectual soil
environment protection methods, create highly qualified habitat and contribute to
promote socio-economic development of province.
Research and evaluation on soil environment quality in developed countries have
long been conducted; while in Vietnam they have just been focused for 10 years. This
has brought about great achievements in scientific research, planning, management and
environmental protection for not only studied areas but also nation. However, this trend
of research in Vietnam has landed certain difficulties and limitations in terms of
collecting monitoring data, analyzing soil sample, building scientific basis of
environmental maps for soil environment management and protection under national
standards.
In this thesis, author applied TSQI method in evaluating soil environmental
quality. This method overcome the shortcomings of previous approaches, created
accurate and objective assessments as well gained in high economic efficiency.
Furthermore, the thesis built up a scientific base for establishing the map of soil
environment in provincial level to serve soil environment management and
protection with case study in Haiduong province, which can be replicated in many
other localities.

2. SUBJECTS AND SCOPES OF PROJECT
2.1. Subjects
- Identifying scientific base for establishing the map of soil environment in
provincial level to server soil environment management and protection, and
contribute to the rules of technical process in establishing soil environment map.
1
2
Besides, this can be viewed as scientific basis supporting for finalizing national
standards in soil environment in Vietnam. The thesis then applied this scientific
basis in establishing the map of evaluation of soil environment quality in Haiduong
province to verify.
- Appling TSQI method in evaluating soil environmental quality in Haiduong
province.
2.2. Scopes
- Reviewing literature on establishing thematic maps and evaluating soil
environment quality for the purpose of soil environment management and
protection.
- Researching scientific base of establishing the thematic maps of soil environment
quality, proposing technical process in establishing soil environment map in
provincial level.
- Building up the plan and collecting data as well as soil samples in Haiduong
province. Processing data, calculating parameters to define TSQI in evaluating soil
environment quality.
- Establish the maps as follow: the map of network of soil sampling locations, the
map of soil environment quality assessment in land for rice, in land for rice and
crops, in land for food crops in Haiduong province in the scale of 1:100,000.
- Proposing solutions for soil environment management and protection in
Haiduong province, contributing to sustainably promote socio-economic
development.
3. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES AND RESEARCH CONTENTS

3.1. Reseach objectives
The thesis research the following issues: formation factors, processes of soil
formation and degradation; criteria to evaluate soil; principle and method to
represent SEQ in map; technique process to establish the map of evaluating SEQ
in provincal level applying GIS and observation in practice.
3.2. Research contents
- Spatial respect: researching the scientific basis for establishing map of soil
environmental quality in provincial level, which was applied for study area - Hai
Duong province.
- Time respect: almost all contents were from 2007 to 2010, except for a minority
of data was up-to-date to 2012.
- Content respect:
+ General scientific base for establishing provincial soil map in which focus on
technical process of establishing the map. Applying synthetic indicators method in
evaluate soil environmental quality in Hai Duong province.
+ For the reason that agriculture land prevail in land use structure in Haiduong
province, in which, land for rice, or land for rice and crops account for the vast
2
3
majority, the thesis did not evaluate SEQ in the whole province and just focused on
agriculture land, to be more specific, land for food.
+ The thesis did not apply the method of evaluating SEQ by separate indicators.
Alternatively, we employed the method of evaluating SEQ named total environment
quality indicator (TEQI) developed by Pham Ngoc Ho [83] to build TEQI indexs taking
the weight of indexs groups of soil quality and metal contamination into account.
+ Set up principles, methods and processes in establishing the maps of evaluating
SEQ in Haiduong in 2010 at the scales of 1:100.000.4. SCIENTIFIC AND
PRACTICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE THESIS
- Scientific significance: the results of the thesis contributed to finalizing
theoretical basis of thematic map establishment for provincial level, which can be

replicated for other localities in the country.
- Practical significance: the results presented in the thesis, the maps, and the
analysis results are important scientific arguments serving effectively for the
territory organization, exploiting, monitoring, using and protecting environment.
The suggestions and recommendations in the thesis also are considered as arguments
helping local authorities in soil environment management and protection towards
sustainable development.
4.RESEARCH PERSPECTIVES AND METHODS
4.1. Research perspectives
The study apply some perspectives in research, such as: soil formation
perspective, system perspective, historical perspective, territorial synthesis
perspective, sustainable development perspective.
4.2. Research methods
4.2.1. Statistic, analysis and materials synthesis method
This is a group of methods was employed in the process of approaching research
objectives and territory.
4.2.2. Using maps and GIS
We used maps and GIS as versatile research tools to extensively and intuitively
approach the research territory.
4.2.3. Field survey
The author went field trip to investigate the reality of using land in Haiduong as
well as the source of waste generation, the implementation of environmental
regulations and to collect data.
4.2.4. Sociological survey
We conducted surveys to gather information on using land and its effectiveness,
pros and cons in using land, trend in using land and soil protection.
5. SCIENTIFIC AND PRACTICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE THESIS
3
4
- Scientific significance: results of the study contribute to finilize the theoretical

basis in establishing the map of provincial soil environment, which can be applied for
other province.
- Practical significance: research results together with maps presented in the thesis
are important scientific arguments serving effectively in territory organization,
exploitation, monitoring, exploitation monitoring, environmental use and protection.
The recommendations of the thesis can be viewed as appropriate suggestions for local
authorities in managing and protecting soil environment towards sustainable
development.
6. NEW CONTRIBUTION OF THE THESIS
- Applying TSQI method in assessing soil environment, contributing to finilizing
methods of assessing soil environment and building scientific base for establishing
the map of provincal soil environment to meet the needs of researching, evaluating
land resource for soil environment management and protection in Vietnam.
- Develop technical process for establishing provincal map of soil environment
and can be applied for other provinces in soil environment mapping.
7. THEORETICAL POINT FOR DEFENSE
- The first point: Applying GIS and monitoring in field survey to build scientific
base to finalizing technical process in establishing the provincial map of soil
environment quality; contributing to completing theoretical basis for establishing the
map of soil environment; Creating effective tool in environment management and
protection.
- The second point: Applying the method TSQI in establishing the map of
evaluating soil environment quality in Haiduong province.
8. THESIS’ STRUCTURE
Besides the introduction, conclusion, references and appendices, the thesis
includes three chapters:
Chapter 1. Cơ sở khoa học thành lập bản đồ môi trường đất.
Chapter 2. Establishing the maps of soil environment quality of Haiduong
province serving soil environment management and protection.
Chapter 3. Chất lượng môi trường đất và bảo vệ môi trường đất tỉnh Hải Dương

Thesis was presented in 156 pages, 30 tables and 27 figures in which included 8
maps. The appendix was presented in 16 tables reflecting all data for mapping and
assessing soil environment quality in Haiduong province in 2010.
CHAPTER 1
CƠ SỞ KHOA HỌC THÀNH LẬP BẢN ĐỒ MÔI TRƯỜNG ĐẤT
1.1. REVIEWING LITERATURE ON SOIL ENVIRONMENT QUALITY RESEARCH AND
ESTABLISHING SOIL ENVIRONMENT MAP
1.1.1. In the world
4
5
- There have been many researches on evaluating soil environment. For example,
J.Dumanski and C.Pieri (2000), W.R.Ott (1978) introduced the method to assess
environment quality (air , water and soil) taking into account the weight of experts’
opinion. Some standard examples for this method are the method of ranking from 1 to 4
to classify environment quality of Belgium, the method of assessing soil environment
quality of Canada (CCME, 2001). This approach, however, was considered as heavy
subjectivity, not surprisingly, results usually lack objectivity.
- The method of applying synthetic indicator in assessing every components of
environment which has been used since the 80s of 21
st
century in the Soviet Union,
Canada and the United States [32], and has been gaining in popularity in over the world.
1.1.2. In Vietnam
1.1.2.1. Theoretical base of thematic map and its applications
Research in this area focusing on building up a theoretical basis and applications
of thematic maps has widenly developed and contributed to socio-economic
development and science research in Vietnam.
1.1.2.2. The methods of assessing soil environment quality
This is a deeply specialized research trend. Researches often use individually
criteria in assessing soil environment quality or indirectly evaluate through directive

indicators related to soil environment quality. Besides, there exits a number of
researches apply the method of FAO in assessing soil capabilities [29], [37].
1.1.2.3. The studies on assessing soil environment quality
In 2000, Pham Ngoc Ho, Hoang Xuan Co et al, Environmental Impacts
Assessment in Hoabinh province, initially launched a new method to evaluate SEQ.
In 2009, the General Department of the Environment issued a method to
calculate indicators serving evaluating water environment quality. However, this
method has not been applied for indicators evaluating other components of
environment such as soil, air.
1.1.3. In Haiduong province
In 2007, the project "Environmental planning in Haiduong province from 2006 to
2020" was implemented by the People's Committee, Department of Resources and
Environment of Haiduong province and the Centre of researching, monitoring and
modeling, belonging to Hanoi University of Sciences, VNU [62].
In 2011, the Center of Investigating and Evaluating land resources, the General
Department of Land Management has conducted a project named "Surveying and
assessing soil environment in the Northern key economic region to serve sustainable
land use and management "[60].
1.2. SOME CONCEPTS RELATED TO ESTABLISHING SOIL ENVIRONMENT MAP
1.2.1. The concepts of soil and land
5
6
1.2.1.1. The concepts of soil
1.2.1.2. The concepts ò land
Inheriting the concepts of V.V Docuchaev [according to 6] and FAO
[according to 20].
1.2.2. The concepts of environment and soil environment
1.2.2.1. The concepts of environment
These concepts were quoted as in the Law of environment protection of
Vietnam 2012.

1.2.2.2. The concepts of soil environment
Soil environment is a very broad category, encompasses many issues such as:
poor soil fertility, unbalanced nutrition, the pressure of rapid population growth, soil
degradation due to soil erosion, land policy and the implementation, salinization,
deforestation, accretion, shifting cultivation, flooding, drought, soil acidity, soil
contamination, desertification, overgrazing problem, poor crop structure, etc.
However, these issues are considered as two categories: the process making soil
environment degradation and soil pollution [20].
1.2.2.3. Factors altering the soil environment quality
- The natural factors include parent materials, climate, hydrology, topography,
the activities of animals, plants and microorganisms. These factors impact on the
soil environment, enhance or deteriorate soil environment quality depending on
every specific condition.
- The artificial factors: human and their living activities have continuously
affected to soil environment in direct or indirect ways.
1.2.2.4. Classification of soil environment
- Basing on the purposes of using, soil environment can be divided into following
types: agriculture and rural land, urban land, transport land, industry land, tourism
land, etc.
- Basing on the soil environment quality, there are five categories as following:
not degrade, started degrade, degrade, strongly degrade and extremely degrade.
Every degradation level corresponds to a given scale in the synthetic soil
environment quality index – TSQI – which was set up based on soil environment
quality evaluation method using synthetic indexes.
1.2.2.5. Indexes reflecting soil environment quality
SEQ was represented through indexs of chemical, biological and physical
properties of soil.
1.2.3. The concepts of environment map and soil environment map
1.2.3.1. Environment map
Environment map is a model reflecting environment components and its

characteristics that are distributed in space depending on specific purposes.
6
7
1.2.3.2. Soil environment map
Soil environmental map is a component of environement map reflecting elements
of soil environment that are distributed in space to serve for specific purpose. Soil
environment fulfills requirements of an environment map and a thematic map.
Hai Duong is a province located in the north of the Red River Delta region, with
coordinates from 20
0
36' to 21
0
13'N and from 106
0
08' to 106
0
36'E. Haiduong
province shares its border with six provinces: Bacninh, Bacgiang, Quangninh,
Thaibinh, Haiphong and Hungyen.
2.1.1.2. Topography and minerals
- Topography: terrain is quite flat but still witness a slight difference between
Western North and Eastern South, the evaluation gradually decrease according to
that direction in accordance with general characteristics of the Red river delta.
Geology: limestone mixed shale accounts for large propotion in mountain;
cobbles, gravel and sand are distributed in the southwest of Hai Duong; sand, clay
creating fertile alluvial layer can be found in almost all everywhere in the province.
- Hai Duong is not of abundant in mineral types. However, some kinds
concentrated high quantity and are of good quality that can meet industrial
development requirement, especially building materials produce.
2.1.1.3. Climate and hydrology

- Hai Duong climate fulfills the pattern of tropical humid monsoon with a cold
and dry winter and a hot, humid and rainy summer.
- Hai Duong has a dense network of rivers, lakes and ponds consisting Thai Binh
river system and other tributaries.
2.1.1.4. Soil change processes in Haiduong
In the province exits changing processes like feralit process, leaching process,
acidification process, organic transformation process, humus formation process,
salinization process, alkaline process.
2.1.1.5. Soil classification in Haiduong
- According to original source formation: alluvial soil and mountainous soil.
- According to soil characteristics: includes 5 categories and 10 types of soil;
alluvial soil prevails.
- According to land use purpose: agricultural land (63.8%), non-agricultural land
(35.83%), unused land (0.34%).
2.1.1.6. Organisms
The most important organism resource in Hai Duong is forest in Chi Linh district
with an area of 1,000 hectares [62]. Ecosystem has expeciened a decline in both
7
8
terms of area and quality making degradation of biodiversity in the area [61] after a
long period of overexploiting and indiscriminate hunting.
2.1.2. Socio-Economic Characteristics of Haiduong province
2.1.2.1. Economic characteristics
Haiduong’s economy is a typical symbol of agricultural economy and is
transforming into industrialization.
2.1.2.2. Population
Total population of the province is approximately 1,718,895 (2011), accounting
nearly 2% of the national population. Hai Duong ranks 10
th
in terms of population

over the country.
2.1.2.3. Infrastructure and technical facilities
Infrastructure and technical facilities in Haiduong gained a quite good base to
motivate economic development. However, these factors also indirectly affect SEQ
through produce process and transport activities [62].
2.2. SCIENTIFIC BASES OF SOIL SAMPLING AND ASSESSMENT METHOD
OF SOIL ENVIRONMENT QUALITI
2.2.1. Scientific bases of soil sampling
Soil sampling was conducted basing on: soil map, the classification map of the
study area, size and scale of study area map to choose appropriate sample size, a
rating scale of key indicators of soil environment, result of soil geographic slide in
study area.
2.2.2. Method of evaluating SEQ by total environment quality index
2.2.2.1. Recipe of total environment quality index (TEQI)
In 2011, Pham Ngoc Ho [83, 84] proposed a new indicator named TEQI to
evaluate environment quality of each element (air, water and soil) to overcome
drawbacks of EQI employed broadly in over the world.
Assessment threshold in TEQI has advantage of that depending on the parameter
n surveys, which do not self-regulate and fix as other EQI methods.
Calculation of weight and hierarchical depends on parameter n which is set by
theory based on mathematical conditions: minimum value, maximum value, MIN
value, MAX value, median and mean values [83,84]. In the reference number 84 has
just built assessment thresholds and hierarchical for air and water environment
quality, but not for soil environment quality. This problem will be addressed in this
PhD thesis.
2.2.2.2. Setting total soil quality index (TSQI) to assess soil environment quality
a. Recipe of TSQI
By applying TEQI, we have the recipe to evaluate SEQ:
8
9

100 1
k
n
P
TSQI
P
 
= −
 ÷
 
(2.5);
1 2
0
n m k m m k
P P P P P P= + = + + >
with
1 2
m m m= +
(2.6)
In which:
m
1
: the number of parameters with value satisfying the condition
1
i
q
=
.
m
2

: the number of parameters satisfying
1
i
q
<
.
k : the number of survey parameters satisfying
1
i
q
>
.
1
1
1
w
m
m i i
i
P q
=
=
∑
(2.7);
( )
2
2
1
w 1
m

m i i
i
P q
=
= −
∑
(2.8);
( )
1
w 1
k
k i i
i
P q
=
= −
∑
(2.9).
In which:
*
i
i
i
C
q
C
=
is temporary index;
i
C

is value content of monitoring soil
environment of parameter i and
*
i
C
is the permitted limit value of i according to
prescribed environment standards to each type of soil (heavy metal group, total
dosage group, etc).
b. Converting soil rating scale to SEQ rating scale
To apply the recipe 2.5, it should firstly convert soil rating scale to SEQ rating
scale for each separate indicator. The following was based on researching
Vietnamese and international literature regarded soil standards for each soil goup
(rich, poor and medium) illustrated in appendix 2.
- Target group calculated by total content will be summarized in the following table:
Table 2.7. Conversion from soil rating scale to soil environment quality rating
scale for total parameters
Parameter Level Classification
Reference
source
Convert
to SEQ
∈
[a,b]
Soil
quality
OM
> 2,5% High
Agricultural
Compendium,
1989

> 2,5 Good
1,25 –
2,5%
Medium
1,26 –
2,5
Medium
< 1,25% Low <1,25 Bad
Total N
> 0,2% High
Soil and
fertilizers
research
institude, 2005
> 0,2% Good
0,1 – 0,2% Medium
0,1 –
0,2%
Medium
<0,1% Low <0,1% Bad
Total P
2
O
5
>0,1% High
Le Van Can,
1968
>0,1% Good
0,06 –
0,1%

Medium
0,06 –
0,1%
Medium
<0,06% Low <0,06% Bad
Total K
2
O >2% High Curriculum of >2% Good
9
10
Parameter Level Classification
Reference
source
Convert
to SEQ
∈
[a,b]
Soil
quality
soil practice
1 – 2% Medium 1 – 2% Medium
<1% Low <1% Bad
[Appendix 2 and 9]
- Criteria to calculate digestible content as the way of converting as the above
table will be shown in the table 2.8.
- Salt content in soil will be shown in the table 2.9.
- Heavy metals group in soil will be shown in the table 2.10.
c. Calculating weight W
i
of parameters i

- Step 1: Calculating temporary weight (extra weight) W
i
of parameter i
- Step 2: Calculating final weight W
i
as the formula:
'
'
1
w
w
w
i
i
n
i
i=
=
∑
(2.10), n is total number of surveyed parameters.
For the reason that criteria to evaluate degradation of soil (rich, poor, average)
includes many different groups, each group has different divisions, while W
i
is not a
dimensionless parameter (it is just a specific number). Therefore, the author divided
different groups to calculate the weight Wi
’
and W
i
for each parameter in the

surveyed group. This will be applied in calculating and ranking the soil sample to
point D1 as an example.
d . Applying for a specific case study in the study area: the author based on table 2.7,
2.8 , 2.9 and 2.10 in the thesis to classify:
d.1. Group 1:
- Metal group, called as the lower standard meaning that if the value C
i
of
parameters i is smaller than permitted limit C
i
*
, SEQ is good; if
*
i i
C C=
, SEQ will be
average; if
*
i i
C C
>
, SEQ will be bad. Corresponding to this, the individual
indicators: q
i
< 1; q
i
= 1 và q
i
> 1. In this case, temporary weight of i will be
calculated as follow:

*
'
1
*
w
i
i
C
C
=
(2.11). In which, C
1
*
is value of parameter choosen to be
standardized parameters; C
i
*
is permitted limitation value of i, i = 1, 2,…n. allow the
survey i , i = 1 , 2 , n. C
1
*
was selected from n surveyed arameters satisfying the
10
11
condition of being the parameter has minimum permitted limitation (most toxic).
The choice of C
1
*
as above has been proven as not affect the result of the final
weighted Wi [84].

The final weight is calculated as the recipe 2.10.
For example, there are 5 metals in Vietnam Standard [9] synthesizied as
following:
Table 2.7: Vietnam standard of some heavy metal in agriculture land
Paramete Asen (As) Cadini (Cd) Copper (Cu)
Lead
(Pb)
Zinc (Zn)
C
i
*
(mg/kg dry land) 12 2 50 70 200
Source [9].
Thus, n = 5 (there are 5 parameters surveyed). Cd is the parameter possesses
minimum value of C
i
*
(2), therefore,it is selected as standardized parameter
* *
1
2
Cd
C C
= =
.
Appling formula 2.11 we will calculate temporary weight as follow:
*
'
1
*

2
w 1
2
Cd
Cd
C
C
= = =
;
*
'
1
*
2
w 0,167
12
As
As
C
C
= = =
;
*
'
1
*
2
w 0,04
50
Cu

Cu
C
C
= = =
;
*
'
1
*
2
w 0,029
70
Pb
Pb
C
C
= = =
;
*
'
1
*
2
w 0,01
200
Zn
Zn
C
C
= = =

.
It is easy to calculate the temporary weight of these five parameters, then apply
the formula 2.10 to compute final weight for each parameter i.
5
'
1
w 1 0,167 0,04 0,029 0,01 1,246
i
i=
= + + + + =
∑

In this example, if surveyed parameters just are taken into account in the heavy
metal group and other groups will not be taken into consideration, result of the final
weight
W
i
:
'
5
'
1
w
1
w 0,08
1,246
w
Cd
Cd
i

i=
= = =
∑
;
'
5
'
1
0,167
w 0,13
1,246
As
As
i
i
w
w
=
= = =
∑
;
'
5
'
1
0,04
w 0,032
1,246
Cu
Cu

i
i
w
w
=
= = =
∑
;
'
5
'
1
0,029
w 0,023
1,246
Pb
Pb
i
i
w
w
=
= = =
∑

'
5
'
1
0,01

w 0,008
1,246
Zn
Zn
i
i
w
w
=
= = =
∑
.
d.2. Group 2:
Group of parameters with rating scale in the limit [a, b]. It is supposed that
groups of parameters in the following limit: [a
1
,b
1
], [a
2
,b
2
], [a
3
,b
3
], …. [a
n
,b
n

]
11
12
- Calculating temporary weights W
i
’
, i=1, 2, …n.
Supposing that in the above limits there exists a condition: a
1
< a
2
< a
3
< a
3
… < a
n
,
therefore, we choose a
1
– the minimum standard value to standardize and it will be
called a
1
*
, then there are following possibilities:
+ Case 1: if monitoring parameter i has value C
i
< a
i
, then

1
i
i
i
a
q
C
= >
.
It means
*
'
1
*
w
i
i
a
a
=
with i = 1, 2,…n. (2.12)
+ Case 2: if monitoring parameter has value C
i
∈
[a
i
,b
i
] , then
*

1
i
i
i
C
q
C
= =
Temporary weight will be calculated depending to average value of the rating
scale limit:
* *
'
1 1
2
w
( ) / 2 ( )
i
i i i i
a a
a b a b
= =
+ +
với i = 1, 2,…n. (2.13)
+ Case 3: if monitoring parameter has value C
i
> a
i
, then
1
i

i
i
b
q
C
= <
Temporary weight will be calculated as following
*
'
1
*
w
i
i
a
b
=
với i = 1, 2,…n.(2.14)
e. Building assessment thresholds and rating scale of TSQI
The assessment method of TEQI will be applied to develop assement thresholds
and rating scale for TSQI.
e.1. Building assessment threshold
Scientific basis to establish assessment threshold of TSQI is determined by the
following formula: (2.15)
In which: n – total number of surveyed parameters (actual observation), k -
number of parameters does not match the Environment Standard. Considering the
following cases:
1) the upper threshold of rating scale is 100 (good level) when n surveyed
parameters match Environment standard; it means that n parameters have
1

i
q
≤
. In
this case, the smallest value of k is 0.
2) the lower threshold of rating scale is 0 (extremely bad) when all investigated
parameters are not fit to Environment Standard; it means that all parameters n have
1
i
q
>
. In this case, the maximum value of k = n.
3) Poor threshold when MIN (k) = 1,
12
13
1 1
100 (1 ) 100
k
n
T
n n
−
= × − = ×
(2.16)
4) Bad threshold: n must meet the condition of being positive integer and n≥2,
therefore, k=0, 1, 2, , n, there are two possibilities:
Case 1: if n is an even number and k is median of n,
2
n
k =

,
100(1 ) 50
2
k
n
T
n
= − =
(2.17)
Case 2: if n is an odd number,
1
2
n
k
+
=
,
1 1
100(1 ) 50
2
k
n n
T
n n
+ −
= − = ×
(2.18)
5) Very bad threshold, when MAX (k) = n-1,
1 100
100 (1 )

k
n
T
n n
−
= × − =
(2.19)
6) Average threshold is the average value of bad and the upper hreshold:
1 1 2 1
100 100 50
2
k
n n
T
n n
− −
 
= + =
 ÷
 
(2.20)
e.2. SEQ rating scale of TSQI

Gather the mentioned-above case, we have SEQ rating scale as following:
Table 2.12. SEQ rating scale (setting TSQI = I)
n even n odd SEQ

2 1
50 100
n

I
n
−
< ≤

2 1
50 100
n
I
n
−
< ≤
Good/Very good
(Very good when I =100)
(has not yet degraded)
1 2 1
100 50
n n
I
n n
− −
< ≤

1 2 1
100 50
n n
I
n n
− −
< ≤

Average
(Starting to degrade)
1
50 100
n
I
n
−
< ≤
1 1
50 100
n n
I
n n
− −
< ≤
Poor
(Slightly degrade)
100
50I
n
< ≤
100 1
50
n
I
n n
−
< ≤

Bad
(Strongly degrade)
100
0 I
n
≤ ≤
100
0 I
n
≤ ≤

Very bad
(Extremly degrade)
Source [33],[84]
Note:
In case n=2, assessment thresholds of “bad, very bad and extremely bad” are the
same, then there exist three scales in the table 2.12; In case n=3, assessment
13
14
thresholds of “bad and very bad” are the same, then there exist four scales in the
table 2.12
f. The process of calculating and assessing SEQ by total indicators (using TSQI)
- Analysing data to eliminate unreliable observed values: if finding any anomalies
(very large compared with the others) when processing seri of data (of the whole study
area), investigating reasons at the sampling location to decide to keep or remove.
- Calculating the sub-index (single index) for each monitoring parameter under
the following circumstances:
+ Case 1: For the inferior standard parameters group:
*
i

i
i
C
q
C
=
(2.21) q
i
< 1, if
*
i i
C C<

, q
i
= 1, if
*
i i
C C=
q
i
>1, if
*
i i
C C>

+ Case 2: For the standard parameters in limit [a, b]:
If
i
C a<

then
i
i
a
q
C
=

(2.22); If
i
a C b
≤ ≤
then
1
i
q =
(2.23);
If
i
C b
>
then
i
i
b
q
C
=
(2.24).
In which :

i
C
: actual monitoring value of parameter i;
*
i
C
: permitted limit value of
parameter i; a, b: standard values in limit [a,b].
- Calculating temporary weights W
’
i
and final weights Wi

of each parameter as the
fomulars (2.10) and (2.11).
- Calculating groups P
m
, P
m1
in cases q
i
=1, P
m2
in case q
i
<1 and P
k
in case q
i
>1.

- Computing P
n
= P
m
+P
k
= P
m1
+P
m2
+ P
k
as fomular (2.6)
- Computing SEQ index TSQI as the fomular (2.5)
- Applying n as total number of actual monitoring parameter in the table 2.12 to
infer the SEQ rating scale for study area.
- Comparing TSQI results to rating scale to infer SEQ in a certain monitoring
location: good/moderate/poor/bad/very bad, corresponding to soil quality of:has not
yet degraded, start to degrade/slightly degrade/strongly degrade/extremely degrade in
the table 2.12.
2.3. CALCULATING TSQI INDEX FOR RESEARCH SUBJECTS IN HAIDUONG
PROVINCE
2.3.1. Calculating weights of the 11 parameters
First thing to do to have data to present on maps is calculating TSQI index.
Subsequently, analysing collected 104 soil samples on 2 main types of land as: land
for rice and land for rice and crops. The results show that soil samples are
appropriate and have no case of anomalies. The parameters analyzed in each soil
14
15
sample are diversity while assessment rating scales in practice are limited or even do

not exist. Consequently, the author selected 11 parameters (including 4 groups of
heavy metal, total content group, easily digestible content group and salt content
group) as a basis for assessing SEQ in Haiduong. Total number of surveyed
parameters n=11 (odd), so when applying to the table 2.12, the SEQ rating scale as
table 2.13 was found.
Table 2.13: SEQ rating scale in Haiduong with n=11
TSQI (n=11) SEQ Colour
95,5 < TSQI ≤ 100

Good
(has not yet degraded)
90,1 <

TSQI ≤ 95,5

Moderate
(Stating to degrade)
45,5 < TSQI ≤ 90,1
Poor
(Slightly degrade)
9,1<TSQI ≤ 45,5

Bad
(Strongly degrade)
0 ≤ TSQI≤ 9,1
Very bad
(Extremly degrade)
The parameters are classified according to content (units) and at the same time
reflecting standard characteristics of evaluation criteria belonging to inferior standard
group or cluster standard group. Based on these evaluation criteria to identify

normalized parameters, then apply the formulas (2.11), (2.12), (2.13) and (2.14) to
calculate temporary weights
'
W
i
of parameter i corresponding to each group. Results are
shown in the table 2.14.
Table 2.14. Parameters, rating scale and temporary weights of 11 criteria
Group
Heavy metals Total content Easily digestible content Salt content
Inferior standard
Standards ∈ [a
h
,b
h
] Standards ∈ [a
h
,b
h
]
Standards
∈[a
h
,b
h
]
*
Cd- standardized substance
*
P

2
O
5ts
- standardized substance
*
N
dt
- standardized substance
*
Na
+
-
standardi-zed
substance
Paramet
er
*
Cd Cu Pb
*
P
2
O
5ts
OM N
ts
K
2
O
ts
*

N
dt
P
2
O
5dt
K
2
O
dt
*
Na
+
Unit
mg/kg
soil
mg/kg
soil
mg/kg
soil
% % % %
mg/100g
soil
mg/100g
soil
mg/100g
soil
lđl/100g soil
Environ
ment

Standard
2 50 70
<0,06 < 1,25 <0,1% <1 < 2 <3,6 <10 <0,3
0,06 –
0,1
1,25 –
2,5
0,1 –
0,2
1 – 2 2,0-8,0 3,6-4,6 10-15 0,3-0,7
>0,1 > 2,5 > 0,2 >2 >8 >4,6 >15 >0,7
Case1
q
1
<1
when
C
1
<2
q
2
<1
when
C
2
<50
q
3
<1
when

C
3
<70
q
4
<1
when
C
4
>0,1
q
5
<1
when
C
5
>2,5
q
6
<1
when
C
6
>0,2
q
7
<1
when
C
7

>2
q
8
<1
when
C
8
>8
q
9
<1 when
C
9
>4,6
q
10
<1
when
C
10
>15
q
11
<1 when
C
11
>0,7
W'
i
1 0,04 0,029 0,6 0,02 0,3 0,03 0,25 0,43 0,13 0,43

15
16
Group
Heavy metals Total content Easily digestible content Salt content
Inferior standard
Standards ∈ [a
h
,b
h
] Standards ∈ [a
h
,b
h
]
Standards
∈[a
h
,b
h
]
*
Cd- standardized substance
*
P
2
O
5ts
- standardized substance
*
N

dt
- standardized substance
*
Na
+
-
standardi-zed
substance
Case2
q
1
=1
when
C
1
=2
q
2
=1
when
C
2
=50
q
3
=1
when
C
3
=70

q
4
=1
when
C
4
=0,06-
0,1
q
5
=1
when
C
5
=1,2
5-2,5
q
6
=1
when
C
6
=0,1-
0,2
q
7
=1
when
C
7

=1
-2
q
8
=1
when
C
8
=2-8
q
9
=1 when
C
9
=3,6-4,6
q
10
=1
when
C
10
=10-15
q
11
=1 when
C
11
=0,3-0,7
W'
i

1 0,04 0,029 0,75 0,032 0,4 0,04 0,04 0.49 0,16 0,6
Case3
q
1
>1
when
C
1
>2
q
2
>1
when
C
2
>50
q
3
>1
when
C
3
>70
q
4
>1
when
C
4
<0,06

q
5
>1
when
C
5
<1,2
5
q
6
>1
when
C
6
<0,1
q
7
>1
when
C
7
<1
q
8
>1
when
C
8
<2
q

9
>1 when
C
9
<3,6
q
10
>1
when
C
10
<10
q
11
>1 when
C
11
<0,3
W'
i
1 0,04 0,029 1,00 0,05 0,60 0,06 1 0,56 0,2 1
2.3.2. Calculating TSQI for land for rice
Based on the data system of the sampling points in land for rice, the author
calculated for example for soil sample D1 according to the process of computing total
indicator SEQ (TSQI) as following:
a. Step 1: Source of data
Table 2.15. Values of the parameters for soil sample D1 position in the area of land
for rice
Paran
eter

Cd Cu Pb P
2
O
5 ts
OM N
ts
K
2
O
ts
N
dt
P
2
O
5 dt
K
2
O
dt
Na
+
I 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
D1- C
i
0,01 9,55 18,58 0,167 1,64 0,18 0,61 6,16 15,56 4 3,54
Appendix 4 and [62]
b. Step 2:
Based on the formulas from (2.21) to (2.24), it is easy to calculate sub-indexs q
i

and based on the table 2.14, appropriate temporary weights for each circumstance
also can be easily choosen.:
- Regarding Cd, therefore, this is standardized substance for heavy metals group
*
1
2a
=
, temporary weight .
- Regarding Cu, therefore , temporary weight .
- Regarding Pb, therefore , temporary weight .
- Regarding P
2
O
5ts
, therefore , this is standardized substance for total content
group, temporary weight .
- Regarding OM, , therefore
5
1,64
1
1,64
q = =
, temporary weight
*
'
4
5
5 5
2 2 0,06
W 0,032

1,25 2,5
a x
a b
= = =
+ +
.
- Regarding
N
ts
, , therefore

6
0,18
1
0,18
q = =
, temporary weight
*
'
4
6
6 6
2 2 0,06
W 0,4
0,1 0,2
a x
a b
= = =
+ +
16

17
- Regarding
K
2
O
ts
, therefore , temporary weight
*
'
4
7
7
0,06
W 0,06
1
a
a
= = =
- Regarding
N
dt
, , therefore
8
6,16
1
6,16
q = =

, this is standardized substance for easily
digestible content group, temporary weight

*
'
8
8
8 8
2
2 2
W 0,4
2 8
a
x
a b
= = =
+ +
- Regarding P
2
O
5dt
, therefore , temporary weight
'
9
2
w 0,43
4,6
= =
- Regarding K
2
O
dt
, therefore , tr temporary weight .

- Regarding Na
+
, therefore , this is standardized substance for salt content group
*
11
0,3a
=
, temporary weight .
c. Step 3: Calculating temporary weights of 11 parameters
+ Sum of temporary weights
11
'
1
w 1 0,04 0,029 0,6 0,032 0,4 0,06 0,4 0,43 0,2 0,43 3,621
i
i=
= + + + + + + + + + + =
∑

+ Applying the formula 2.10 to compute final weights W
i
for each parameter:
W
1
= 0,276; W
2
= 0,011; W
3
= 0,008; W
4

= 0,166; W
5
= 0,009;
W
6
= 0,11; W
7
= 0,017; W
8
= 0,11; W
9
= 0,119; W
10
= 0,055; W
11
= 0,119.
+ Checking: if
11
1
W 1
i
i=
=
∑
, weights are right and vice versa.
11
1
w 0,276 0,011 0,008 0,166 0,009 0,11 0,017 0,11 0,119 0,055 0,119 1
i
i=

= + + + + + + + + + + =
∑
d. Calculating parameters P
m1
, P
m2
, P
k
Applying the formula 2.7, if q
i
=1,
1
2
1
w 0,23
m i i
i
P q
=
= =
∑
.
Applying the formula 2.8, if q
i
<1 ,
6
2
1
w (1 ) 0,535
m i i

i
P q
=
= − =
∑
Applying the formula 2.9, if q
i
>1,
2
1
w ( 1) 0,093
k i i
i
P q
=
= − =
∑
17
18
e. Step 5: Calculating sum P
n
:
Applying the formula 2.6:
1 2
0,858
n m m k
P P P P
= + + =

f. Step 6: Calculating total index TSQI:

Applying the formula 2.5:
100 1 89,112
k
n
P
TSQI
P
 
= − =
 ÷
 

g. Step 7 and 8: Assessing SEQ for soil sample D1: slightly degrade
- Other soil samples in area of land for rice were calculated and presented results
in appendix 4, 5, 6.
2.3.3. Calculating TSQI for area of land for rice and crop
The principle of calculating for this option is the same as for area of land for rice
as above. Results were presented in table 2.17 in the thesis.
2.4. TECHNICCAL PROCESS IN ESTABLISHING SEQ MAPS FOR HAIDUONG
PROVINCAL
2.4.1. General provisions
- Technical process was applied for State management agencies in local and
organizations, individuals engaged in setting up soil environment maps.
- Limit was set up for these maps are provincial level to serve soil environment
planning and protection.
- Base map (data used as geographical background) in provincal soil environment
maps (at scale 1:100,000) was established from topographic maps at the scale
1:50,000 or 1:100,000.
- Designing glossary for geographical base maps.
2.4.2. Technical process for establishing provincial soil environment maps

In this thesis, process of using topographic map combined with measurement and
observation practice was applied. The process includes scientific editor, preparation,
collecting environment data in practice, synthesing, analyzing and enriching
geographical data, map editor, creating database for maps, testing, editing and finishing.
2.5. ESTABLISHING PROVINCAL SOIL ENVIRONMENT MAPS IN HAIDUONG
2.5.1. Establishing the map of soil sampe locations in Haiduong province in 2007
2.5.1.1. Determining the name, scale, purpose and meaning of the map
- Name and scale of the map: Map of soil sample locations in Haiduong province
in 2007, the scale of 1:100.000.
- Purpose: to serve soil samples collection throughout the study area, important
equally, to analysis, update data to reflect the soil environment status.
- Meaning: the map describes the exact soil sample locations. This is the
scientific basis for implementation other purposes like: soil components research,
pollution in soil in study areas.
2.5.1.2. Principles in establishing map
18
19
- Mathematical base was exactly built to VN2000 reference, to be more detail, using
WGS-84 ellipsoid in accordance with Vietnam’s territory, 6
0
projection zone, 10’ grids
density. The map just presents parameters of the geographic coordinate system.
- The collected soil samples depending on a scientific basis and ensuring the
principles of sampling. The soil samples were numbered from D1 to D104 in 52
sample locations. Location of soil samples was determined by GPS or determined on
paper maps.
2.5.1.3. The contents and methods to show contents
- The boundaries between provinces and between districts are expressed by liner
symbols, distinguished to each other by type of roads.
- The transport system includes national highways, provincial roads and

important roads connecting districts. These objects were presented by liner symbols
in difference colour, kind of lines.
- Hydrological system is shown by liner and area symbols differed with
transportation and boundaries by colour.
- The main contents of the map:
+ Soil sample locations were shown by red point symbols combining with
number of points.
+ Determining soil group distribution was based soil characteristics. The
presenting method was mosaic method to illustrate distribution and characteristics of
every kind of soil in the study area.
2.5.1.4. Content presenting and legend disigning
The map was designed as the figure 2.9 in the thesis.
2.5.2. Establishing the map of soil environment quality in Haiduong province
in 2010
2.5.2.1. Determining the name, scale, purpose and meaning of the map
- There are three maps established in the thesis, including: the map of
environment quality of land cultivated rice, the map of environment quality of land
cultivated rice and crops, the map of environment quality of land cultivated food
crops, all at the scale of 1:100,000. Purposes of these maps are to serve environment
management and protection, help to visually present soil environment situation and
evaluate this situation of the whole province.
2.5.2.2. Principles in establishing the maps
- Mathematical be constructed in accordance with the provisions of the
coordinate system and the reference system VN2000, center meridian is 105
0
30’E.
- Letter systems are clearly designed, covered with map scale, content as well as
the purpose of use.
- The maps must ensure scientific accuracy, logic, and visual aesthetics.
19

20
- Principle of overlaying layers on the map must meet the requirement of that
contents are not obstructed (order of the layers from top to bottom are: notes, points,
lines, regions).
- Standardizing data throughout the process of establishing the map is ensured to
avoid deviation or deformation.
- Applying a proper process in mapping with GIS and field observations.
2.5.2.3. Map contents and methods showed contents
- Geographical bases:
+ Location of the city and centers of different districts, using symbol map
differentiated together by two different kind of symbols and notes to clarify the
district name.
+ Provincal and districal boundaries: using liner map method with two different
types of line to distinguish.
+ Transport system: national highways, provincial roads, some important inter-
district roads and railways, using liner symbol map method. Different kinds of roads
are distinguished by liner symbol with different size, color and street names,
symbols that do not coincide with boundaries).
+ Hydrology: showing the major river systems, the level of detail of the
hydrological system is presented in accordance with the degree of generalization of
map contents. Using liner and area symbol map method combined with notes to
represent river name.
+ Additional information: surrounding provinces, directional symbols on the map.
These above contents are designed for 3 maps.
- Main content: showing the level of SEQ assessment of land quality, using
choropleth map method.
2.5.2.4. Editoring map contents and glossary
- The geographical elements are built in independent information layers as a
basis for designing thematic maps.
- Based on the TSQI calculation results to establish each map:

+ The map of SEQ for land for rice in Haiduong is shown in figure 2.11.
+ The map of SEQ for land for rice and crop is shown in figure 2.12.
+ The map of SEQ for land for food is shown in figure 2.13.
CHAPTER 3
SOIL ENVIRONMENT QUALITY AND PROTECTING SOIL
ENVIRONMENT IN HAIDUONG PROVINCE
20
21
3.1. SOIL ENVIRONMENT QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF HAIDUONG PROVINCE
3.1.1. SEQ distribution by districts of Haiduong
3.1.1.1. Degradation of land for rice
Based on the map of SEQ for land for rice in 2010, areas of each type of soil as
rating scale were calculated for each district and then build up a diagram for
visualization purpose. SEQ of land for rice in districts range from “has not yet
degraded” to “slightly degrade”.
3.1.1.2. Degradation of land for rice and crops
Based on the map of SEQ for land for rice and crops – figure 2.12, it is easy to
extract information and build up a diagram. As can be seen from the map and graph,
SEQ of land for rice and crops experienced four levels, range from has not yet
degraded to strongly degrade. The overwhelming majority of strongly degrade
concentrate in Haiduong. This will raise an emergency message to authorities and
people in Haiduong to have appropriate policies in the process of soil environment
resources exploitation, use and protection.
3.1.1.3. Degradation of land for food
Based on the map of SEQ for land for food, data can be extracted to build up a
diagram. As can be seen from the map and diagram, SEQ of land for food
experienced four levels from has not yet degraded to strongly degrade. This kind of
land covered in all districts of the province.
3.1.2. SEQ distribution by region in Haiduong
Based on the terrain morphology, Haiduong’s soil environment is divided into

two main areas: plain and hill.
3.1.2.1. SEQ in land cultivated food crops in plain
Plain is divided into three smaller areas including: high plain, average plain and
low plain. It appears four levels of SEQ from has not yet degraded to strongly
degrade.
3.1.2.2. SEQ in land cultivated food crops in hill
To be more specific, upland in Haiduong is divided into mountain and hill. SEQ
is these areas range from starting degrade, slightly degrade and strongly degrade.
3.1.3. Some main sources of waste generation affecting SEQ in Haiduong
3.1.3.1. Daily life activities of people
Household waste accounted for about two in three of total waste collected in
Haiduong. The remaining, a third of waste are depleting environment quality for
living of people in the province.
3.4.3.2. Industrial and handicraft activities
Industrial and handicraft activities in Haiduong has been generating a large
amount of waste into environment. This factor has been directly or indirectly cause
negative impacts on soil environment.
3.1.3.3. Agriculture and forestry activities
21
22
Agriculture and forestry production cause negative impacts on soil environment
as these activities have taken away a considerable amount of nutrients from soil and
created harmful consequences of chemical fertilizer and pesticides.
3.1.3.4. Other service activities (health care, transportation, natural resources
exploitation, etc.)
Activities such as health care services, transportation, natural resources
exploitation, etc. are also considerable causes of soil environment pollution. For
example, medical waste (bandages, syringes, swabs, etc.) once there is no proper
way to handle, can spread on environment and cause not only pollution in soil
environment but also adverse impacts on other environmental components such as

water and air.
3.2. SOIL ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT AND PROTECTION
3.2.1. Environment management and protection in the world and in Vietnam
Vietnam committed to implement the provisions of the UN. Besides, Vietnam
uniformly issued Environmental Protection Law as well as bylaws documents from
the government to local levels to well implement environment management and
protection.
3.2.2. Soil environment management and protection in Haiduong
3.2.2.1. Foundations on soil environment management and protection
- Managing and controlling waste from industry, agriculture, urban,
transportation, hospital and rural areas [18]. Specifically:
+ Agriculture: protecting soil and water environment, preventing erosion and
restructuring in agriculture production to ensure sustainable ecosystems.
Implementing a green and clear agriculture.
+ Industry: upgrading new technology to reduce waste, gradually removing
outdated technology plants that cause pollution and badly affect public health.
+ Tourisim and Service: building rules and strict regulations on environmental
protection to apply in tourist sites, restaurants, hotels, parks, clubs , etc. Collecting
and treating waste in time to prevent contamination.
+ Developing environmental management and control resources as staff training,
strengthening equipments for environmental inspection and monitoring.
- Building proper land use plans in both short-term and long-term, timely
updating and adjusting to be in accordance with new policies.
3.2.2.2. Proposing rational land use and protection plans
- Process of land use need to comply with plans approved by authorities.
- People should have long, sustainable and rational land use plans to avoid
depletion disregarding to the rehabilitation of SEQ.
22
23
- Authorities need to have rational policies in land management, closely monitor

the policy implementation of local and waste generation, especially discharge
activities damaging SEQ as well as water and air environment quality.
- Enhancing awareness people about using, cotrolling and protecting soil
environment.
- Setting up specific measures in different areas that have different degradation
levels towards sustainably using and exploying environment.
3.2.3. Using SEQ assessment maps in soil management and protection in
Haiduong
3.2.3.1. In soil environment management
- Basing on soil environment management goals and tasks of the province and
established maps to identify critical places, routes and areas to monitor and adjust in
management. Regularly updating new information and changes into databases and
electronic maps in GIS.
- Applying GIS, periodically monitoring, re-calculating the indexs of SEQ and
reestablishing maps to monitore changes in SEQ in the province. Timely making
decisions about policy adjustment in land use plan.
3.2.3.2. In soil environment protection
- Studying information on SEQ maps combining with information on soil
environment management to identify points, routes and areas at risk of degradation.
Making plans for soil environmental protection.
23
24
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Conclusions
- The thesis has clearly identified the scientific basis of establishing the map of
provincial SEQ through researching and science-based analyzing soil, land, soil
environment, thematic map, environment map, soil environment map. Besides, the
thesis also analyzed the technical processes and provisions in establishing
environment map, topographic map, cadastral map and land use map. On the other
hand, we studied the location, size and shape of provinces in the country. From all

mentioned-above things, we build basic contents for technical process in
establishing the maps of provincial soil environment.
- Classifying the system of provincial soil environment maps, assessing the
importance and significance of each map in the system. Subsequently, applying to the
actual conditions in Haiduong to establish important maps that scientificly and
intuitively represent soil environment quality. The selected maps include: the map of
soil samples locations in Haiduong province in 2007 and 3 SEQ assessment maps: the
map of environment quality assessment of land cultivated rice in 2010, the map of
environment quality assessment of land cultivated rice and crops in 2010 and the map
of environment quality assessment of land cultivated food crops in 2010, all at the
scale of 1:100,000. Data source includes spatial data from the Department of Natural
Resources and Environment of Hai Duong and statistical data from the General
Statistics Office of Hai Duong with high precision to ensure quality of the maps.
There are 5 main categories of soil in Haiduong, including salinity soil, acid
sulphate soil, alluvial soil, gray and barren soil and feralit soil. In which, there are 10
sub-categories, including light salinity soil and intense salinity soil, potential deep
and salt acid sulphate soil, neutral and less acidic alluvial soil, silted and sour
alluvial soi, glay alluvial soil, alluvial soil with patchy red and yellow, gray soil on
ancient alluvial, feralit soil on clay and chalk laid schist, light yellow soil on
sandstone, feralit soil changed due to wet rice cultivation. Kinds of soil are
distributed unequally in the whole province.
- The SEQ assessment maps were applied by new assessment method - using
total indicators TSQI method inherited TEQI method of author Pham Ngoc Ho. This
24
25
new method reflected an overall picture of SEQ through 11 indicators (for Haiduong
province), with 5 SEQ levels in rating scale including good, moderate, poor, bad,
very bad corresponding to 5 soil degradation levels: has not yet degraded, starting to
degrade, slightly degrade, strongly degrade and extremely degrade. Establishing
these maps also helps to develop and finilize technical process of establishing

provincal SEQ maps.
- SEQ of land for is generally good with 30.74% of has not yet degraded, 36.25%
of starting to degrade, 28.56% of slightly degrade and 4.46% of strongly degraded. The
areas with different levels of degradation are not equally distributed in the province of
Hai Duong. Increasing waste causing pollution and degrading soil quality has raised
new urgent tasks for environment management and protection in Hai Duong.
- The established maps are appropriate and strong tools to support for
environment management and protection in local areas. It can be easily to extract
data about area of each SEQ level, or statistic by districts to serve soil environment
management in Haiduong province. Besides, this process can be applied for other
provinces in the whole country. Additionally, the maps illustrated visually and
scientifically for an over view of SEQ in the whole province that effectively serve
for planning territory development for decision makers as well as to consulting
options in mineral exploitation for companies.
2. Recommendation
- The Government State, ministries, departments should research to timely issue
technical standards for assessing SEQ by each criterion. Besides, it should be
completed technical process min establishing soil environment maps to unify the
system of soil environment maps in environment management and protection.
- Employing maps in environment management and protection.
- Developing database on soil environment and national monitoring system of soil
and land environment to update every year and monitor changes in soil environment.
From that proposing appropriate decisions for development strategies for every local.
Hai Duong Province should clearly identify areas of land for food crops with
different level of soil evironment quality to have appropriate plans of soil
25