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Soil Matters

Soil Matters

By: The British Society of Soil Science
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The British Society of Soil Science is thrilled to announce the launch of its new podcast, Soil Matters, a platform dedicated to bridging the gap between cutting-edge scientific research and real-world application. Each episode will feature leading experts, researchers, and practitioners discussing the latest findings, innovations, and challenges in soil science. From exploring soil's role in climate change mitigation, food security to sustainable agriculture and biodiversity, Soil Matters aims to engage listeners with accessible, thought-provoking content that highlights the importance of soil in shaping our planet's future. Whether you're a researcher, policymaker, or simply curious about the ground beneath your feet, this podcast offers something for everyone passionate about soil science.2025 British Society of Soil Science Earth Sciences Science
Episodes
  • Frontline Earth: Why Soil Is a National Security Issue

    Frontline Earth: Why Soil Is a National Security Issue
    Jun 17 2026

    Professor Jack Hannam, former President of the British Society of Soil Science (2023–2024) and now Head of the Agriculture, Health and Environment Department at the Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, joins the conversation with deep expertise in soil systems and global environmental policy. Having represented the sector at international forums including COP29 and the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, and having advised both UK Parliament and the Canadian Senate, Jack brings a global scientific perspective on soil health, food production, and ecosystem resilience.

    She is joined by Lieutenant General Richard Nugee, a former senior British Army officer and Chief of Defence People, who led the UK Ministry of Defence’s landmark review on climate change and sustainability. Now an internationally recognised advisor on the intersection of climate and security, Richard provides a defence and strategic lens on how environmental degradation is reshaping global stability.

    Together, they unpack the implications of the UK Government’s Nature Security Assessment, which warns that biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse could trigger food shortages, supply chain disruption, migration pressures and geopolitical instability. The discussion explores why climate and nature risks are still underrepresented in national security planning, and how concepts such as food, water and energy security are becoming central to resilience.

    Drawing on history—from the WWII “Dig for Victory” campaign to today’s reliance on synthetic fertilisers—the episode examines how society has become disconnected from the land, and what that means for future food systems. Jack highlights the science behind soil degradation, nutrient loss and sustainable alternatives, while Richard emphasises the need to redefine security beyond military capability to include the resilience of the nation itself.

    The conversation ultimately issues a clear call to action: soil is not just an environmental concern, but a strategic asset. For scientists, policymakers and citizens alike, understanding and restoring soil health is essential to safeguarding food systems, ecosystems and the stability of nations in an increasingly uncertain world.

    For more information, visit: soils.org.uk/soilmatters
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    45 mins
  • From Aberdeen to Nanjing: The Future of Soil Science with President Prof. Paul Hallett & Guests

    From Aberdeen to Nanjing: The Future of Soil Science with President Prof. Paul Hallett & Guests
    Apr 24 2026
    Part 1 – Professor Paul Hallett: Leading the Society & Evolving the Discipline The episode opens with an in‑depth interview with Professor Paul Hallett, President of the British Society of Soil Science and Professor of Soil Physics at the University of Aberdeen. Paul reflects on his unexpected route into soil science, shaped by environmental awareness, academic mentors, and early hands‑on fieldwork. He discusses: his career in soil physics and biophysics, including research on root–soil interactions, slope stabilisation, soil degradation, and international development;the balance between research, teaching, and supervising more than 120 PhD students;highlights from his presidency so far — record membership growth, winning the EuroSoil 2028 bid for Edinburgh, strengthening member engagement, and expanding policy and education initiatives;major challenges facing soil science, including declining university funding, low student numbers, and rising industry demand;his hopes for the remainder of his presidency, including the forthcoming State of Soil Science Report, deeper education collaboration, and greater international reach;and his extensive research links in Ethiopia and China, including work on soil degradation, land regeneration, and major bilateral Critical Zone Observatory collaborations. Paul also shares his thoughts on how soil science teaching must evolve over the next decade to remain relevant, inclusive, and aligned with real‑world needs. Part 2 – Adam Burton: A Student’s Perspective from Zambia to Aberdeen (33:47) Next, Paul Lincoln welcomes Adam Burton, a third‑year Plant and Soil Science student at the University of Aberdeen and one of Paul Hallett’s undergraduates. Adam discusses: growing up on his family’s third‑generation farm in Zambia and witnessing the limitations of synthetic, input‑heavy farming;how these experiences inspired him to pursue soil science in the UK;how his degree has transformed his understanding of soil processes, sustainability, and plant‑soil interactions;his evolving career interests — from regenerative agronomy to consultancy, carbon sequestration, and global food systems;the changing public and agricultural appreciation of soil health, particularly across Africa, Europe, and the UK;and what better soil communication could mean for the next generation of farmers, scientists, and decision‑makers. His reflections offer an inspiring student‑level view of the challenges and opportunities ahead for soil science. Part 3 – Professor Yong‑guan Zhu: Soil Science in China & Global Collaboration (50:22) The third guest is Professor Yong‑guan Zhu, Director General of the Institute of Urban Environment at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and one of China’s most influential soil scientists. Professor Zhu discusses: the transformation of soil science in China over the past 30 years, including rapid internationalisation and major national investment;the central role of soil science in China’s food security, environmental quality, and sustainable development goals;career pathways for soil scientists within and beyond academia in China;his leadership in the China‑UK Critical Zone Observatory programme, bringing together atmospheric, hydrological, ecological, and soil systems research;the importance of peri‑urban soil systems in recycling nutrients, protecting biodiversity, and supporting growing cities;and China’s pioneering work on nutrient recycling, especially phosphorus. He also previews the World Congress of Soil Science in Nanjing, where he will deliver a keynote lecture, and reflects on the value of long‑term scientific friendships and collaborations. Part 4 – Professor Xin Song: Emerging Contaminants & the World Congress of Soil Science (1:09:16) The episode closes with Professor Xin Song from the Institute of Soil Science, Nanjing — a key organiser of the 2026 World Congress and an expert on soil contaminants, including PFAS (“forever chemicals”). Xin explains: the global significance of this year’s Congress and its theme: “Soils and a Shared Future for Humanity”;the major themes for 2026: soil health, climate adaptation, soil carbon, digital soil science, biodiversity, remediation, and sustainable land management;why international collaboration is vital for understanding and regulating PFAS, microplastics, and other emerging contaminants;her research on PFAS transport through soils, uptake into crops such as rice, and impacts on groundwater and human health;innovative remediation strategies such as in‑situ treatment, bioremediation, advanced materials, and life‑cycle‑based design;and the growing prospects for students and early‑career researchers, including AI, remote sensing, carbon markets, consultancy, and policy pathways. She also discusses major shifts in the profession — digital transformation, global equity, and stronger integration between science, policy, and practice — and ...
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    1 hr and 35 mins
  • Old Knowledge – Indigenous Wisdom for Sustainable Land Management Part 2

    Old Knowledge – Indigenous Wisdom for Sustainable Land Management Part 2
    Feb 13 2026

    Guests Marioldy Sanchez Santivanez, Kleily Vargas and Jhon Guimaraes offer a compelling look into the deep-rooted relationship between indigenous communities and the land—revealing how traditional knowledge, community governance, and a commitment to ecological balance have sustained landscapes for generations.

    Listeners will discover how indigenous farming practices—guided by ancestral understanding of seasons, biodiversity, and soil life—offer viable, chemical-free alternatives for modern agriculture. Juan highlights the importance of keeping forests as forests, managing land collectively, and honouring the natural rhythms of the environment.

    This episode shines a light on the transformative potential of indigenous agriculture as both a model and a movement for global sustainability. With collaboration between communities and professionals growing, and with renewed recognition of indigenous contributions, the future of sustainable land stewardship looks brighter than ever.

    For more information, visit: soils.org.uk/soilmatters
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    59 mins
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