Insights and Outlook from Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Leo Condron,
Q: What does this 40-year milestone mean to you and the journal?
A: Reaching Soil Use and Management’s (SUM) 40th anniversary is a chance to reflect on how an idea in 1985 grew into a leading publication in applied soil science. Our founding Editor, Professor Alan Wild, challenged soil scientists to show that their research can be useful—a vision that still guides us. This milestone celebrates the readers and authors who have made SUM a leading journal in soil science, influencing practices and policy far beyond its initial scope.
Q: How has the journal evolved over the past four decades?
A: In the 1980s, SUM focused on issues like acidification, erosion, and fertilizer use. By the late ’80s, our scope extended beyond Britain, with landmark studies such as soil erosion in China’s Loess Plateau. In the 1990s, we broadened our coverage to include soil survey, mapping, and land-use planning, and addressed global concerns like climate change and water quality. The 1997 special issue “Soils and the Greenhouse Effect” was among the first to examine soils’ role in climate change.
The 2000s brought new emphasis, with SUM publishing research on sustainable land management and food security. We offered solutions for farmers, such as strategies to reduce water pollution and comparative studies on organic vs. conventional farming. SUM became truly international, publishing work from researchers in nearly 60 countries. In the 2010s, we embraced digital innovation, curated virtual special issues, and strengthened our role at the science-policy interface, notably with the 2015 “Soil Sustainability & Policy” supplement commissioned by the UK government. SUM also became a forum for debate, sparking conversations about defining and promoting “soil health.”
Q: What have been some of the most impactful papers or special issues?
A: Several contributions stand out:
- The 1989 study on China’s Loess Plateau brought global attention to soil erosion.
- The 1997 “Soils and the Greenhouse Effect” issue helped establish the importance of soil management in climate change.
- The 2000 nitrate leaching issue influenced farming practices and policy, contributing to measures like Europe’s nitrate vulnerable zones.
- The 2002 comparative analysis of organic vs. conventional farming bridged divides in agriculture.
- The 2015 “Soil Sustainability & Policy” supplement directly shaped UK environmental policy.
- The 2021 Soil Health Commentaries ignited dialogue about how to define and measure soil health.
These examples show SUM’s commitment to publishing work that advances knowledge and drives real-world impact.
Q: How has Soil Use and Management contributed to sustainable land management and environmental policy?
A: SUM has informed and shaped both practices and policies. Research has helped farmers adopt sustainable methods, such as improved crop rotations and erosion control. SUM articles have informed environmental regulations, including EU directives on nutrient management and guidelines for manure management. Our work on soil carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions has fed into climate action plans. SUM has also bridged science and policy, providing policymakers with authoritative reviews and ongoing dialogue through editorials and commentaries. Internationally, concepts like “soil quality” and “soil health” promoted in SUM have influenced global frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Q: What are your hopes for the journal’s future?
A: I hope SUM continues to be a medium for tackling challenges like climate change, soil degradation, food security, and biodiversity loss. We aim to further broaden our reach, encourage submissions from underrepresented regions, and reflect diverse expertise. By championing “soil stewardship,” we hope to raise awareness that caring for soil is central to sustainable development. We intend to promote interdisciplinary dialogue, and remain a place where researchers, farmers, and policymakers find value. Ultimately, I hope SUM continues to drive progress toward healthier soils, sustainable land use, and informed policies that benefit people.
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