Soil Health Within Soil Security

초록

Soil health and soil security are integral to the long-term sustainability of soils. While soil health is a widely recognised concept, it is limited by its lack of standardisation and often its anthropocentric approach, neglecting broader ecological functions. This study assesses soil health within the soil security framework, employing a series of tables that examine the intersection of soil roles (functions, services, and threats) with the five dimensions of soil security: capacity, condition, codification, connectivity, and capital. A survey conducted across seven regions of the world shows that regional variations are apparent; Europe achieved the highest scores in codification and Asia scored low in most of the dimensions. The study further identifies areas of most agreement and regional aggregation, pinpointing regions with a significant focus on soil health. Soil health initiatives were mostly found to be strongly associated with the condition dimension, particularly in soil functions like food production and carbon storage. By embedding soil health within the soil security assessment framework, it becomes interpretable, manageable, and actionable, thereby enhancing understanding of its critical role. Recognising the role of soil health as a part of soil security amplifies awareness and promotes meaningful actions toward soil sustainability. This approach underscores the interconnectedness of soil health, ecosystems, and human and planetary well-being.

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