Soil Matters

Old Knowledge – Indigenous Wisdom for Sustainable Land Management Part 2

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 11:51:05 +0000

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

Old Knowledge – Indigenous Wisdom for Sustainable Land Management

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 10:47:39 +0000

In this special two part edition of Soil Matters, host Paul Lincoln explores how centuries of Indigenous knowledge are shaping modern approaches to soil health and sustainable land management across Africa.

In part 1, joined by three inspiring guests—Divine Ntiokam (Global Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network), Jemimah Kutata (Maasai disability rights advocate and community leader), and Dr Awdenegest Moges (Hawassa University, Ethiopia)—the conversation spans youth-led climate-smart agriculture, grassroots empowerment, and community driven soil restoration.

Together, they reveal how traditional practices complement modern soil science, strengthen resilience against desertification and drought, and connect local stewardship to global agendas on food security and climate justice. From Kenya’s Indigenous governance of land resources to Ethiopia’s Rift Valley restoration projects, this episode highlights the vital role of indigenous communities in safeguarding the future of our soils.

Subscribe now to hear how “old knowledge” offers fresh solutions for today’s soil challenges and why listening to Indigenous voices is key to building climate resilience worldwide.

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

From Soil to Supper: How Regenerative Farming is Transforming How We Eat

media@soils.org.uk (Kate Humble, Andy Cato, Lizzie Sagoo, Paul Lincoln) — Wed, 3 Sep 2025 15:45:03 +0000

What does it really mean to farm with nature, not against it? In this episode of Soil Matters, we dive deep into regenerative agriculture — exploring its principles, challenges, and potential to reshape the future of farming.

Host, Paul Lincoln, is joined by broadcaster and BSSS Patron Kate Humble, farmer, Wildfarmed co-founder and musician Andy Cato, and soil scientist and BSSS President-Elect Dr. Lizzie Sagoo. Together, they share personal journeys from smallholdings to large-scale projects, reflect on what it takes to bring degraded soils back to life, and unpack the realities behind the “regen ag” movement.

From cover crops and companion planting to biodiversity and building resilient food systems, this conversation bridges science, practice, and passion. Whether you’re a farmer, grower, researcher, or simply someone who cares about what’s on your plate, this episode offers fresh insight into how soil health underpins a sustainable future.

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

Time, Soil, and Transformation: The Secrets Beneath Colt Park Meadows

media@soils.org.uk (ben sykes, Richard Bardgett, Paul Lincoln) — Tue, 5 Aug 2025 15:03:48 +0000

In this special on-location episode of Soil Matters, host Paul Lincoln and the British Society of Soil Science with the Ecological Continuity Trust (ECT) visits Colt Park Meadows an experiment supported by ECT, situated within the heart of the Yorkshire Dales to explore one of the UK’s longest-running ecological experiments. Joined by Professor Richard Bardgett (Lancaster University) and Ben Sykes (ECT), the episode delves into the vital role of funding for long-term ecological field experiments in understanding soil health, biodiversity, and resilience to climate extremes. Together, they unpack over three decades of data, from red clover's surprising impact on carbon sequestration to the value of "do nothing" control plots. The conversation highlights how slow, subtle changes in soil and vegetation can carry powerful lessons for land managers, policymakers, and scientists alike.

Discover why long-term perspective matters, how research informs real-world practice, and how a humble meadow is helping shape the future of sustainable land use.

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

Redefining Soil Health: Systems Thinking and the Future of Soil Science

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 08:41:46 +0000

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 Realities: What Soil Health Means on the Ground

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 08:34:03 +0000

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

Tackling land contamination and how soil made it to a central London art gallery

media@soils.org.uk (Paul Lincoln, Frederic Coulon, Tony Gutierrez, Jack Hannam) — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 17:48:01 +0000

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

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