Soil Matters host, Paul Lincoln, is joined by Professor Jim Harris, Dr. Daniel Evans from Cranfield University, and Dan Lambeth, Trustee of the British Society of Soil Science, to explore the evolving concept of soil health and its far-reaching implications for science, technology, communication, and practice. Marking the 75th anniversary of the European Journal of Soil Science and its special call for papers, the panel discusses the origins and challenges of defining soil health—a concept that has inspired policymakers and land managers but continues to spark debate among scientists.

Jim Harris and Dan Evans reflect on their personal journeys in soil science and the discipline’s shift from viewing soil as a static material to understanding it as a dynamic, complex system. They highlight how the accessibility of the term “soil health” makes it a powerful tool for engagement, while also cautioning against oversimplification. The conversation underscores the need for dynamic, systems-based approaches to measurement that capture the true complexity, resilience, and emergent properties of healthy soils.

Dan Lambeth offers his perspective on bridging soil science, policy, communication, and sustainable investment, drawing on his experience in finance and sustainability reporting. He discusses the increasing interest in soil health from the private sector, the importance of robust data for investment, and the need for a shared language among scientists, policymakers, and land managers.

The episode also features Professor Jenni Dungait, Editor in Chief of the European Journal of Soil Science, who shares her vision for the journal’s future as it enters an exciting new chapter.

Read more about Dan and Jim's research on soil health in 'A New Theory for Soil Health' from the European Journal of Soil Science.

To learn more about the European Journal of Soil Science and how to submit a paper, click here

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

Regenerative agriculture is an approach to farming that focuses on restoring and enhancing the health of the soil, enhancing ecosystems and also supporting the communities that sustain them. The practice emphasizes the regeneration of topsoil, increasing biodiversity, improving the water cycle and strengthening the health and vitality of farm soil. Key principles include minimal soil disturbance, diversifying crop rotations and integrating livestock by prioritizing soil health. Regenerative agriculture aims to create resilient farming systems that can adapt to climate change, improve food security and support sustainable agricultural practices.

Professor Anna Krzywoszynska is an environmental social scientist at the University of Oulu in Finland. Professor Lynn Dicks is a conservation scientist at the University of Cambridge, and Raquel Falcão is completing her PhD at the Czech Technical University in Prague. Professor Leo Condron is the Editor-in-Chief of the Soil Use and Management journal (SUM) which is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025.

The podcast is inspired by two articles published recently in the journal. The first is called Sustainable soil management in the United Kingdom: A survey of current practices and how they relate to the principles of regenerative agriculture. The second is called Farmers' perception of soil health: The use of quality data and its implication for farm management.

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

In previous years, land contamination was seen as an impediment to making the most of a site. Groundbreaking new approaches to bioremediation have completely changed the approaches to reclaiming land and to realising its true worth. Speaking on behalf of the EBNet project, soil scientists Professor Frederic Coulon and Professor Tony Gutierrez, outline their current research and their plans for the future.

At the heart of their work is the potential for using bioremediation for carbon capture, a topic that is also address in a new art exhibition at London’s Somerset House. British Society of Soil Science Past-President, Professor Jack Hannam, visited in the opening week and explains why this landmark exhibition offers an amazing opportunity to connecting the public to a scientific body of research and elevate the importance of soil science in tackling climate change and food security.

You can find more details about their research here

You can find out about EBNet Pollutants & Media theme here

This episode is sponsored by the Environmental Biotechnology Network, or EBNet, a network in industrial biotechnology and bioenergy comprising a community of academics and industry dedicated to engineering microbio systems for environmental protection, bioremediation and resource recovery.

EBNet is one of six networks in industrial biotechnology and bioenergy supported by UK research and innovation.

You can find out more information about the EBNet themes covered here

To find out more about the British Society of Soil Science, you can visit our website or keep up to date via our social media channels:

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