Advancements in soil science for sustainable agriculture: conventional and emerging knowledge and innovations

Abstract

Soil science plays an important role in advancing sustainable agriculture. Key topics in this domain include soil biodiversity, soil management practices, climate change impacts on soils, and innovative soil remediation techniques. In this article, soil biodiversity is emphasized as a significant factor influencing nutrient cycling and ecosystem services. Preserving soil biodiversity is important for maintaining soil fertility and long-term agricultural sustainability. Proper soil management practices like irrigation, crop rotation, and organic matter management can help soils retain structure, fertility, and productivity over time. The impacts of climate change on soil health, such as increasing temperatures, altering precipitation patterns, and more extreme weather, are also reviewed. Understanding these effects is vital for developing mitigation and adaptation strategies. Promising soil remediation techniques like phytoremediation and bioaugmentation utilize plants and microorganisms to restore degraded soils. Nanotechnology and advanced materials show promise for efficiently removing contaminants. Collaboration and knowledge sharing between scientists, farmers, policymakers, and other stakeholders is highlighted; working together to disseminate innovations and best practices can help address agricultural challenges and ensure sustainability. By fostering collaboration and staying informed about emerging soil science advances, the long-term sustainability of agricultural systems can be supported. In summary, this article outlines key topics in soil science and stresses their importance in advancing sustainable agriculture through discussions of biodiversity, management, climate impacts, remediation techniques, and the need for collaborative efforts.