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Life in Soil: Does it matter?

Life in soil (c) James Hutton Institute
Soil and the many thousands of species contained within it can easily be overlooked, but soils are one of the most diverse and important ecosystems on the planet

A Royal Society of Edinburgh biodiversity discussion forum ‘Life in soil: Does it matter?’ took place on the 24th February 2016. It invited the audience to think about the critically important role that soil plays in human life and society.

Soil and the many thousands of species contained within it can easily be overlooked, but soils are one of the most diverse and important ecosystems on the planet and the huge array of soil organisms, their roles and consequently their impact on people formed the key focus for a vibrant, interactive discussion.

The videos available on this page offer in-depth interviews with eminent scientists from the ‘Life in soil: Does it matter?’ event. Professor Lorna Dawson interviews Professor Richard Bardgett, Professor of Ecology at the University of Manchester; Professor Colin Campbell, Chief Executive of the James Hutton Institute; Professor Julie Fitzpatrick, Scientific Director of the Moredun Research Institute; and Susan Davies, acting Chief Executive of Scottish Natural Heritage. Between them, they share over one hundred years’ worth of combined expertise and provide an overview of the importance of soils at both a local and a global scale.

In addition, Professor Lorna Dawson introduces and summarises the interviews, and emphasises why the general public’s view of soil is important. The audience finds out which soil organism is their favourite.

Introduction
Professor Lorna Dawson, Programme Advisor of the Strategic Research Programme, introduces a series of in-depth interviews with four eminent soil scientists.
Professor Richard Bardgett
Professor Lorna Dawson interviews Professor Richard Bardgett, Professor of Ecology at the University of Manchester.
A reading from "Earth Matters"
Professor Lorna Dawson reads a passage from Professor Richard Bardgett’s new book, "Earth Matters".
Professor Colin Campbell, James Hutton Institute
Professor Colin Campbell, Chief Executive of the James Hutton Institute, speaks to Professor Lorna Dawson.
Professor Julie Fitzpatrick, Moredun Research Institute
Professor Lorna Dawson interviews Professor Julie Fitzpatrick, Chief Executive of the Moredun Research Institute.
Susan Davies
Professor Lorna Dawson interviews former acting Chief Executive of Scottish Natural Heritage, Susan Davies.
Summary
Professor Lorna Dawson summarises the interventions of participants in the "Life in Soil: Does it matter?" event.
Public views on the importance of our soils
The general public offers their views on biodiversity, life in soil and why soil is important.
What's your favourite soil organism?
The result of a poll about the public's favourite soil organism is revealed.

 

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Printed from /learning/life-soil-does-it-matter on 28/03/24 05:38:17 PM

The James Hutton Research Institute is the result of the merger in April 2011 of MLURI and SCRI. This merger formed a new powerhouse for research into food, land use, and climate change.