Chapter 1 Leading concepts towards vital soil

Abstract

Abstract This introductory chapter gives an analysis of the basic elements of a vital soil, of soil protection policies and monitoring options. The background to this approach is the increase in soil functions and an overexploitation that has resulted in conflicts as well as in concern for the consequences for human health, the health of soil, and soil sustainability. These functions and their complexity are described in some detail to show the complex nature of the soil scientist's task (Chapter 2–10), assess the state of the art and assess monitoring options. Soil ecology started from phenomenology, describing the phenomena observed in the field, with a strong emphasis on the dynamics of single species. Now it is gradually entering a phase of understanding and elaboration: research based on the formulation of hypothesis. Major research items are derived from the observation of fluctuations in numbers and activities in space and time. In soil vitality, stability and the restoration of a solid state of functional diversity is of critical importance. It is important to know how many years it may take before the restoration of certain processes, functions or desired ecosystems will be completed. Vegetation may require hundreds of years and similar time frames may also be necessary for soil microflora and soil invertebrates. However, in the case of larger animals or toppredators it may take longer. Of the threats to soil that have been recognized worldwide like erosion, contamination, decline of organic matter, sealing, compaction, salinization, flooding and landslides, and loss of biodiversity, the impact of soil contamination is discussed extensively. Furthermore, we also deal briefly with current political thinking on soil protection. The consideration of soil protection proceeds from the principle of multifunctionality in which the maintenance of each potential function must be secured for the benefit of future generations. This has meant a more tailor-made approach that is related to a realistic use of the potential of a specific soil at defined sites set in the perspective of high costs and the impacts of the remediation actions. In the European Soil Strategy currently being developed, the prime aim is to adjust existing policies that have a side effect on soil to a common strategy towards soil protection. Soil in all its diversity of structure and processes demands an integrated approach to both monitoring and research. Soil combines abiotic and biotic processes in a static, dynamic and structural way. Monitoring and studying biodiversity from a functional perspective is a major item.