Listen to Soil Matters, a new podcast from the British Society of Soil Science

Episode 6
Old Knowledge – Indigenous Wisdom for Sustainable Land Management
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. 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.

Episode 5
From Soil to Supper: How Regenerative Farming is Transforming How We Eat
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.

Episode 4
The Secrets Beneath Colt Park Meadows
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.

Episode 3
Redefining Soil Health, Systems Thinking and the Future of Soil Science
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.

Episode 2
Regenerative Agriculture
In this episode of Soil Matters, host Paul Lincoln explores the practical and philosophical dimensions of regenerative agriculture with Professor Anna Krzywoszynska, Professor Lynn Dicks, and PhD researcher Raquel Falcão. Together, they unpack recent research published in Soil Use and Management, delving into how farmers understand and apply sustainable soil practices, the risks of greenwashing in regenerative claims, and the crucial role of collaboration between farmers, scientists, and policymakers. From soil lifespans to farmer-led innovation, this conversation challenges assumptions and highlights the urgent need for holistic, context-specific support in soil stewardship.

Episode 1
Bioremediation
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 Fred 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 addressed 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.