The role of soil science in optimization of soil resource management

Summary

Soils in the Nordic countries are threatened, primarily by erosion, compaction, and loss of OM. The EU Soil Thematic Strategy has suggested a Framework for implementation of tools to counteract the threats to a sustained soil quality. Soil scientists should take part in this process and accept the need to do so in a close cooperation with stakeholders and fellow col-leagues in related scientific branches. The diversity of soils calls for the development of GIS-based tools to identify the best strategy at given locations. An isolated focus on soil quality indicators in monitoring programmes is strongly discouraged.