Soil Quality
The mission of our research is to help protect the nation’s soils.
Firstly we seek to develop and apply methodologies to assess soil quality – allowing us to judge whether a soil’s capacity to carry out a specific function (or functions) has been compromised.
In this way we move away from just measuring changes in soil properties, to determining whether those changes have any impact on soil’s ability to function.
Secondly, we conduct research that will lead to the development of soil management strategies that will enhance soil function and value.
Poor management of soils can have major long-term consequences for its ability to sustain natural habitats and biodiversity, for agriculture and forestry, and for our ability to sustain our landscapes. Poor soil management can also impact on both water and air quality.
There have been instances where soil management has lead to soil degradation, and our work seeks to redress that balance.
We are also undertaking novel valuation work that recognizes the multi-functional role of soils and the social, agricultural and political influences that affect it.
Our work on soils requires collaboration across scientific disciplines both within the Institute and with academic colleagues in the UK, Europe and world wide.
Principal Research Areas
Associated Research Areas
|
Updated: 23 Sep 2009, Content by: CN
|