Summary
This forum paper articulates the strategic role of soil science in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, arguing that soil scientists must engage across disciplinary and stakeholder boundaries to demonstrate soil science's relevance to global sustainability challenges. The authors propose six key actions for the soil science community: embracing the SDG framework, demonstrating applied value, leading systems analysis, raising soil organic matter awareness, improving knowledge brokerage, and strengthening educational and policy engagement.
UK applicability
The recommendations are directly applicable to UK soil science practice and policy engagement, particularly regarding food security and water management under climate change. The emphasis on educational programmes and knowledge brokerage aligns with opportunities in UK agricultural advisory systems and land management policy frameworks.
Key measures
Conceptual mapping of soil functions to SDG targets; policy and disciplinary recommendations; ecosystem service frameworks
Outcomes reported
The paper identifies how soil science and soil functions relate to multiple UN SDGs and recommends strategic actions for the soil science community to maximise its contribution to sustainable development by 2030. It frames soil organic matter, ecosystem services, and systems-level analysis as central to achieving SDG targets in food security, water, climate, biodiversity and health.
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