Listen to Soil Matters, a podcast from the British Society of Soil Science
Episode 11
Restoring Land, Restoring Hope
In this special edition of Soil Matters, recorded at UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, the British Society of Soil Science takes listeners inside one of the world’s most important international gatherings focused on land degradation, desertification, drought and soil health. Hosted by Paul Lincoln, with insights from Andrew Morris, Executive Director of the British Society of Soil Science and UNCCD Civil Society Organisation Panel Representative, and Sopiko Babalashvili, sustainable development advocate and regional representative on the UNCCD CSO Panel, this episode explores why restoring land is central to food security, climate resilience, biodiversity and global stability.
Hear exclusive interviews and reflections from an exceptional line-up of global leaders and experts, including Former President of Finland and UNCCD Land Ambassador Tarja Halonen, Indigenous Peoples’ leader Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, UNCCD Youth Caucus Global Focal Point Rico Rau, EU soil scientist Dr Karen Daly, Spanish UNCCD National Focal Point María Medina, Juliane Wiesenhüter of GIZ and advisor to the German UNCCD Focal Point, Professor Paul Hallett, President of the British Society of Soil Science, Linda Sparrow of Bangalow Koalas, Harrison Achibe Nonoco, Mariana Kapović-Solomun, and members of the UNCCD Civil Society Organisation Panel. Together they discuss the future of land restoration, the growing role of science in policymaking, Indigenous and local knowledge, youth leadership, food security, and the challenges and opportunities emerging from COP17.
From high-level diplomacy to grassroots action, this is a powerful and timely conversation about the future of our soils, our landscapes and our shared responsibility to restore hope through restoring land.
Chapters:
- 00:00 Introduction with Andrew Morris and Sopiko Babalashvili
- 23:54 Discussion with Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim
- 31:27 Discussion with Rico Rau
- 40:02 Discussion with Tarja Halonen
- 55:26 Discussion with Karen Daly
- 1:04:06 Discussion with Linda Sparrow
- 1:09:43 Discussion with Harrison Achibe Nonoco
- 1:15:34 Discussion with Mariana Kapović-Solomun
- 1:23:20 Discussion with Juliane Wiesenhüter
- 1:35:07 Discussion with María Medina
- 1:47:21 Discussion with Paul Hallett
- 1:54:32 Discussion with the UNCCD Civil Society Organisation Panel
- 2:06:26 Final Remarks
Episode 10
Earth Rover Innovation
Paul Lincoln is joined by Professor Simon Jeffery and environmental writer George Monbiot to unpack the groundbreaking Earth Rover Program—a pioneering initiative using high‑frequency seismology and AI to “see” into the soil without disturbing it. By replacing traditional, destructive sampling methods with non‑invasive techniques, the programme aims to make high‑quality soil data accessible to farmers, scientists, and citizens alike. With ambitions to scale from field‑level analysis to global mapping—and even smartphone‑based tools—this work could revolutionise how we monitor soil health, carbon storage, water movement, and biodiversity.
The conversation explores the scientific challenges of studying soil, the limitations of current methods, and how interdisciplinary innovation—from geophysics to ecology—could unlock a deeper understanding of the living systems beneath our feet. It also highlights the growing role of citizen science, open data, and collaboration in shaping the future of soil science.
In the second half, the focus shifts from innovation to international policy, with Andrew Morris and Sopiko Babalashvili discussing the significance of COP17 under the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). With land degradation and desertification accelerating globally—including in Europe—the episode outlines why soil health is now central to tackling climate change, food security, and biodiversity loss.
Episode 9
Frontline Earth: Why Soil Is a National Security Issue
Episode 9 of Soil Matters brings together two leading voices from science and national security to explore a critical and often overlooked question: how does soil health and biodiversity loss threaten the UK’s national security? Professor Jack Hannam, former President of the British Society of Soil Science (2023–2024) and now Head of the Agriculture, Health and Environment Department at the Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, joins the conversation with deep expertise in soil systems and global environmental policy. Having represented the sector at international forums including COP29 and the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, and having advised both UK Parliament and the Canadian Senate, Jack brings a global scientific perspective on soil health, food production, and ecosystem resilience. She is joined by Lieutenant General Richard Nugee, a former senior British Army officer and Chief of Defence People, who led the UK Ministry of Defence’s landmark review on climate change and sustainability. Now an internationally recognised advisor on the intersection of climate and security, Richard provides a defence and strategic lens on how environmental degradation is reshaping global stability. Together, they unpack the implications of the UK Government’s Nature Security Assessment, which warns that biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse could trigger food shortages, supply chain disruption, migration pressures and geopolitical instability.
The discussion explores why climate and nature risks are still underrepresented in national security planning, and how concepts such as food, water and energy security are becoming central to resilience. Drawing on history—from the WWII “Dig for Victory” campaign to today’s reliance on synthetic fertilisers—the episode examines how society has become disconnected from the land, and what that means for future food systems. Jack highlights the science behind soil degradation, nutrient loss and sustainable alternatives, while Richard emphasises the need to redefine security beyond military capability to include the resilience of the nation itself.
Episode 8
A Presidential Special
Part 1 – Professor Paul Hallett: Leading the Society & Evolving the Discipline
The episode opens with an in‑depth interview with Professor Paul Hallett, President of the British Society of Soil Science and Professor of Soil Physics at the University of Aberdeen. Paul reflects on his unexpected route into soil science, shaped by environmental awareness, academic mentors, and early hands‑on fieldwork.
Part 2 – Adam Burton: A Student’s Perspective from Zambia to Aberdeen (33:47)
Next, Paul Lincoln welcomes Adam Burton, a third‑year Plant and Soil Science student at the University of Aberdeen and one of Paul Hallett’s undergraduates.
Part 3 – Professor Yong‑guan Zhu: Soil Science in China & Global Collaboration (50:22)
The third guest is Professor Yong‑guan Zhu, Director General of the Institute of Urban Environment at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and one of China’s most influential soil scientists.
Part 4 – Professor Xin Song: Emerging Contaminants & the World Congress of Soil Science (1:09:16)
The episode closes with Professor Xin Song from the Institute of Soil Science, Nanjing — a key organiser of the 2026 World Congress and an expert on soil contaminants, including PFAS (“forever chemicals”). Together, these four interviews paint a vivid picture of a discipline undergoing rapid change — scientifically, professionally, and globally. From the presidency of the BSSS to student experiences and major international collaborations, Episode 8 shows that soil science is more essential than ever in meeting global environmental, agricultural, and societal challenges.
Episode 7
Old Knowledge – Indigenous Wisdom for Sustainable Land Management (Part 2).
In this continuation of our exploration of indigenous leadership in sustainable land care, guests include Marioldy Sánchez Santivañez, CSO panel chair, who discusses the role of UNCCD, the CSO panel and its links to Soil Science; Kleily Vargas, and Jhon Guimaraes who offer a compelling insight into the ancestral knowledge systems that have protected soils, forests, and food systems for generations in Peru. This episode highlights how traditional ecological knowledge—rooted in community, biodiversity, and a profound respect for the land—provides practical, chemical-free alternatives for modern agriculture. Guests share how indigenous approaches to soil conservation, forest protection, and collective governance offer not only a blueprint for sustainability but also a hopeful vision for the future of global land stewardship.
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.
