2015 is the United Nations International Year of Soils. It highlights the importance of soils for a healthy environment and sustainable human life. This year's World Soil Day on 5th December formally closes the International Year of Soils.
Soils and soil science
At the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) sound scientific knowledge of soil functioning aims to support UK and global security for food, fuel and water.
Our Soil Science Area, led by Professor Bridget Emmett, develops new scientific understanding, tools and experimental and modelling approaches.
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| Infographic: Why soils are critical | Infographic: CEH's soil science |
Soils and climate
Soils play an important role in helping to regulate climate, but soil quantity and condition are at risk from pressures including climate change and land use change. Our video and infographic explain more about soils and climate.
| Video: Soils and climate |
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| Infographic: Soils and climate |
Soils and biodiversity
Understanding, monitoring and shaping soil microbial communities and the soil processes is important for mitigating environmental change and supporting crop production. Our video and infographic explain more about the importance of soils and biodiversity.
| Video: Soils and biodiversity |
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| Infographic: Soils and biodiversity |
Soils and agriculture
Improving methods of evaluating soil natural capital and enhancing ecosystem services models to better represent soil functions are important for the development of sustainable and adaptive land management practices to ensure future food security. Our video and infographic highlight the link between soils and agriculture.
| Video: Soils and agriculture |
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| Infographic: Soils and agriculture |
Our videos and infographics are available to download and share - please use the hashtag #IYS2015.