Transition in soil policy and associated knowledge development

This article discusses an approach to a policy for sustainable use of soil and subsoil for the benefit of global, national, regional or local societal challenges. It explains the main drivers and related social issues of today. Demographic changes, economic growth and decline, climate change and a shortage of resources will have an impact on land use and the quality of the soil–water system. This paper argues that the soil–water system can contribute to economic and societal tasks. Today, the first contours can be seen of a broadened soil policy that places more emphasis on a sustainable use of soil, to cite one example, in the European Union soil strategy. To succeed in any such transition, awareness of the opportunities that the subsurface offers and the involvement of stakeholders will be necessary. To realise ambitions for a sustainable use of the soil–water system, knowledge development should be tailored to the societal challenges of today.These issues were discussed in two workshops held during the Wageningen Conference on Applied Soil Science in 2011. The workshops focussed on the knowledge development necessary and the role of the soil–water system in all of these issues. This article presents the main findings of the discussions. It will note key drivers and important societal issues for a further transition of current soil policies and will propose possible solutions. Examples will be shown and discussed.For research to be effective in terms of policy, it is necessary for both policymakers and scientists to understand the societal tasks and the urgencies emanating from the market and society. Optimising the communication interface between science and policy is essential. This factor is broadly recognised but needs ongoing attention. We conclude that future soil policy should–in addition to soil protection and the restoration of soil quality–focus on the sustainable use of the soil–water system in order to contribute to recognised social challenges.

► For policy-effective research, researchers should understand the societal tasks, urgencies and priorities within society, along with the market and drivers and trends that influence them.
► Soil policy should focus, in addition to the protection and restoration of soil quality, on an innovative use of the soil–water system in order to contribute to the societal challenges of today.
► Dealing with societal issues implies an integrated and system-oriented approach which combines soil, water, atmosphere, people and ecology.