For soil 'beginners'

Soils are amazing, and there is so much to learn about them. Here is some content that you may find interesting as a starting point on your journey into the soil.

Understanding soils

Learn about a fascinating and crucially important matter!

Soils are not just dirt! We often think so, because soils are hidden below-ground, out of sight. But did you know that soils are home to over one quarter of all living species? Or that globally soil are the largest terrestrial carbon pool? Soils also clean our drinking water, are a source of raw materials, and they are 3-D archives of our natural and also cultural history.

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The British Society of Soil Science (BSSS) presents:

'Soil Matters' Podcast

Each episode features leading experts, researchers, and practitioners discussing the latest findings, innovations, and challenges in soil science. From exploring soil’s role in dealing with climate change mitigation and adaptation, to sustainable agriculture, food security and biodiversity, Soil Matters hopes to engage you with content that highlights the importance of soil in shaping our planet’s future.

Explore all episodes

Podcast: The soils beneath our feet (2025)

Host Rebecca Bloomer is joined by soil scientist Pierre Roudier, President of the New Zealand Society of Soil Science (NZSSS), to explore how soils support ecosystems, store carbon, manage water, reduce flood risk and even shape urban planning.

Pierre reveals how modern soil science is transforming our understanding of the land — from advanced mapping tools like S-map to new ways of monitoring change. These innovations help guide land-use decisions and protect high-value soils from urban pressure.

The episode also looks ahead to the future of soil science, including soil moisture monitoring, carbon sequestration and viewing soil as a living ecosystem.

We wrap up with an invitation to mark World Soil Day by taking a moment to notice and appreciate the soils beneath our feet.

To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

Listen to episode on Spotify

Here's some other stuff that might interest you

Soil survey - the basics

On why and how we do soil surveys, and what the outcomes of a soil survey look like.

Learn more

Visual Soil Assessment (VSA)

Self-assess your soil

Use our guides to assess soil quality easily, quickly, reliably and cheaply on a paddock scale.

Learn more

Soils in Te Ao Māori

Learn about Māori–soil relationships, and the role these relationships could play in safeguarding and managing our precious soils for the future.

Learn more