SSS12.3

Soils are fundamental resources that deliver critical services such as food production, water purification, nutrient cycling, habitat provision, carbon sequestration, raw material supply, and the safeguarding of biodiversity. Notwithstanding the importance of soil resources in supporting these functions, many of these services are facilitated, or relied upon, by stakeholders including farmers, land managers, local authorities, businesses, industries, and municipalities. To ensure that soils continue to deliver these services and meet the needs of those who rely upon them, soil scientists must engage and sustain close partnerships with these stakeholder groups. Better dissemination of research is a vital component of stakeholder engagement, since this can cement a pathway to social, environmental, and economic impact. However, dialogue at the research conception stage has just as much, if not more, value. This can lead to improved co-development of research which ensures that the needs of stakeholders can be more precisely delivered.

In this session, we aim to highlight the multitude of ways that soil scientists have engaged with policy makers and stakeholders, alongside potential ways to improve how soils research can serve these needs. These could include (but are not limited to): (1) the co-development of research; (2) innovative techniques for research dissemination and knowledge exchange; (3) scientists engaging in internship and work-placement partnerships to better understand the needs of industry; or (4) identification of gaps where soil science research currently under-serves industry or policymakers. In addition to original research, we also welcome perspectives and commentary-style contributions. We encourage early career researchers to apply to this session.