The importance of soils in ecosystems and the dangers associated with their degradation are getting more and more attention. In this context, scientists offer various conceptual frameworks for defining soil quality, covering notions of quality, fertility, health, threat, safety, function, service, etc. On which indicators are these notions based? How can they be mobilized for public policies? Few scientific work carry out an overall approach to soil quality indicators and their operationality in all contexts and uses of soil (agricultural, forestry, urban, natural). This study establishes a state-of-the-art of scientific achievements grounding a soil quality indicator system. It highlights the conditions for its relevance and effectiveness, as well as the difficulties to overcome for implementation. It identifies the resources that can already be mobilized to better consider soil quality, and the research needed to reduce uncertainty and improve appropriation. 

The conference will be preceded by a “Fresque du sol” animation, a collaborative tool designed to disseminate a common language about soils functioning and the challenges in preserving them, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, with possible lunch on-site at the expense of the participants (to be reserved upon registration on the conference website, which will open in early September).

Contact : DEPE-colloque