Summary
This paper examines the disconnect between soil science and urban planning practice by analysing seven global urban plans and a decade of soil ecosystem service case studies. Although most urban plans recognise soil as a key resource, the study found weak integration of soil-related concepts in implementation and monitoring, and inconsistent or inappropriate measurement of soil ecosystem service indicators across case studies. The authors conclude that developing standardised, interdisciplinary soil ecosystem service metrics is essential for meaningful integration into urban planning.
UK applicability
The findings are directly relevant to UK urban planning, where soil considerations remain marginal in local authority and strategic planning frameworks. UK planners and soil professionals could benefit from the authors' recommendations for developing bridging tools and standardised indicators that both disciplines can understand and apply.
Key measures
Text-mining and qualitative analysis of urban plans; systematic review of soil ecosystem service case studies and their indicator methodologies; assessment of soil concept integration in planning documents
Outcomes reported
The study analysed how soil and soil-related ecosystem services are currently represented in urban plans from seven world cities, and reviewed case studies from the past decade on soil ecosystem services in urban contexts. It identified significant gaps between soil science knowledge and urban planning practice, particularly in implementation and monitoring phases.
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