How to Refocus Soil Research When Reacting to the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture

Abstract

The recent strategic policy dialogue on the future of agriculture in the European Union focuses on sustainable development and presents a clear challenge to the research community, including soil science. Framing sustainability in the context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a recent case study is reviewed in this Opinion paper showing that techniques are available to assess ecosystem services with indicators and thresholds in line with some key SDGs and the EU dialogue. Also, soil health, which partly defines SDG 15 and has a major impact on several other ecosystem services, can be characterised with traditional and innovative methods. However, research on soil-specific thresholds needs more attention in future research. The tendency in science to develop new technologies and insights is crucial to scientific progress but may inhibit the application of available technology that is urgently needed to meet the present sustainability challenge. Specific case studies on the role of soils contributing to ecosystem services in line with the production of healthy food, maintaining the quality of ground and surface water, climate mitigation and preservation of biodiversity are needed to better demonstrate crucial contributions of soil science in an interdisciplinary context. The case study showed that field research is still needed to check assumptions being made when applying certain methods or simulation models. Living Labs and Lighthouses are ideal vehicles to allow true interaction between farmers and researchers, while Lighthouses will allow stimulating exchanges among farmers. If farmers do not embrace innovative methodologies to achieve sustainable development, all reports and dialogues will remain fruitless.