Published by MedSoil‑Challenge • June 2025
In today’s world, shaken by the effects of climate change, soil health has become a crucial foundation for ensuring food security, conserving ecosystems, and facing the growing environmental crisis. But how aware are we of the true value of soils? And more importantly, how can education and agricultural knowledge shape a better future?
In universities: preparing the future soil stewards
Soil Science should be a key subject in any academic programme related to agriculture or environmental science. It underpins our understanding of how food systems, ecosystems and climate are connected through this complex living layer beneath our feet.
Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Across many universities in Europe and beyond, soil science has been reduced to minimal content within broader modules, or in some cases omitted altogether. As a result, new generations of professionals are leaving university without a proper grasp of how to protect and manage this irreplaceable resource.
That is precisely why the MedSoil‑Challenge master’s programme was created. It was carefully designed to fill this knowledge gap – providing students with a strong and applied foundation in soil science, rooted in both academic rigour and real-world application. Our aim is to equip the next generation of researchers, land managers and environmental professionals with the tools they need to lead the transformation towards climate-resilient, soil-smart systems.
In the field: empowering farmers to protect what sustains them
For farmers, a solid understanding of soil is not just beneficial – it can be transformative. According to environmental technician Agustí Espí…
Farmers who embrace soil knowledge are already putting into practice techniques such as:
- Applying organic matter (e.g., compost, manure),
- Maintaining protective ground covers,
- Using beneficial microbial preparations.
These practices have been shown to improve soil fertility, water retention and resilience, while reducing erosion and emissions. In Espí’s words, soil is “a self-regulating system – intelligent in its own way”.
Connecting the dots: soils, climate and sustainable agriculture
Let’s not forget:
- Over 95% of our food depends on healthy soils, yet one third of agricultural land is already degraded.
- In Mediterranean regions, the loss of moisture and organic matter is accelerating desertification.
- According to the World Economic Forum, improving soil health can increase carbon capture, boost yields, and restore degraded ecosystems.
Soils sit at the heart of:
- Climate mitigation (by acting as major carbon sinks),
- Climate adaptation (through improved water retention during droughts and floods),
- Long-term food production, and
- Environmental health (by filtering pollutants and supporting biodiversity).
And without proper training, these opportunities can be missed. That’s why it is not just academic – it’s urgent.
What MedSoil‑Challenge brings to the table
As a European postgraduate programme focused on soil science, MedSoil‑Challenge acts as a bridge between scientific knowledge and practical application in the field.
Our approach includes:
- Hands-on modules that teach how to assess soil quality and implement regenerative practices,
- Field placements and local farmer exchanges that turn theory into action,
- Multimedia content (blog articles, videos, visual explainers) to spread awareness and best practices within farming and rural communities.
By combining advanced training, real-world experience and knowledge sharing, MedSoil‑Challenge helps shape a new generation of soil advocates – ready to restore soils and contribute to a healthier planet.
Soil is a living resource – essential for food, water, biodiversity, and climate stability. Learning about soils, both in universities and on the ground, is no longer optional: it is a global priority. With the launch of MedSoil‑Challenge, we are stepping up to this challenge – training the soil professionals, farmers and changemakers that Europe and the Mediterranean urgently need.
Let’s give soil the attention – and the protection – it deserves.
