Soil Science cluster
With a vision of enabling more sustainable use and management of soil resources for improved quality of life and a resilient environment, the Soil Science cluster´s mission is to advance understanding of dynamic interactions between physical, biological and chemical soil properties and processes across a landscape continuum, and impacts of land use and management on soil quality and ecosystem functioning.
Our themes
The Soil Science cluster (SSc) has identified five main Research Lines through which to accomplish our mission. These Research Lines are the result of a Soil Science cluster-wide participatory process involving staff members and PhD students. Research lines leaders meet to discuss the direction and development of the research lines, and think collectively about new opportunities for their further development.
Within each of these Research Lines, a range of research topics have been prioritised, which are regularly reviewed and will evolve as needed and as opportunities arise. Research Lines have active working groups where all involved and interested staff, including PhDs and postdocs, are invited. Research Lines Working groups regularly meet and organise a variety of activities, dealing with a variety of topics, from research to outreach. In these meetings, new ideas opportunities for a wider collaboration within the cluster are explored.
Soil-water interaction
This research line focuses on interaction, transport and socio-environmental effects of water and associated sediments and solutes moving within soils and across landscapes at a variety of temporal scales.
Multifunctional land evaluation
Improved functional soil information and knowledge to support policy making and land management plans that will secure soil as a resource and various ecosystem services, from the local to global scale.
Biodiverse agroecosystems
The Soil Science Cluster studies interactions between biodiversity, soil management and land use, and ecosystem services and functions in agroecosystems at different spatial and temporal scales using experimental, observational and modelling approaches.
Nutrient cycling and contaminant mitigation
In the Soil Science Cluster, we aim to understand mechanisms of the chemical, physical and biological processes regulating, cycling and sequestering nutrients and contaminants in soil, to support sustainable management of inputs and outputs, and their availability in relation to the intended soil functions.
Soil carbon management and climate change
This research line is about understanding soil carbon dynamics in various contexts and at different scales, in order to maintain or improve ecosystem services in a changing climate.
Our objectives
- To be a world-leading academic group for high-impact research in the domain of our mission
- To generate and openly communicate science-based knowledge on sustainable soil/land management that serves multiple stakeholders – from local to global
- To provide a world-renowned platform for research development through a range of global knowledge networks and state of the art research facilities on-site
- To further develop the skills of new and current soil scientists (particularly graduate and early career), who will further enhance our mission and our contribution world-wide.
Our chair groups
Soil Biology
The Soil Biology Group (SBL), led by Jan-Willem van Groenigen, regards soil life as key to sustainable (agro)ecosystems. We study the role of the soil biota in ecosystem processes at a range of scales; from life in a single soil ped to the role of soil biota in climate change at a global scale. We have state-of-the-art laboratories which facilitate this research, engaging in both developmental research through PhD, MSc, and funded projects and routine analyses for external clients.
Soil Chemistry
As Soil Chemistry Group we study soil chemical processes at the very small scale to better understand soil functions at larger scales. By developing, modelling and implementing soil chemical knowledge, we contribute to the sustainable use of our soils.
Soil Physics and Land Management
Research in the chair group Soil Physics and Land Management (SLM) addresses soil physical and hydrological processes at different temporal and spatial scales, and their central role in sustainable land and water management.
Soil Geography and Landscape
Our mission is to improve and share understanding of soil patterns and landscape dynamics. We take an integrative approach that combines biophysical and human elements to gain insight in past, present and future system dynamics, and to support sustainable land management.
Soil Biology
The Soil Biology Group (SBL), led by Jan-Willem van Groenigen, regards soil life as key to sustainable (agro)ecosystems. We study the role of the soil biota in ecosystem processes at a range of scales; from life in a single soil ped to the role of soil biota in climate change at a global scale. We have state-of-the-art laboratories which facilitate this research, engaging in both developmental research through PhD, MSc, and funded projects and routine analyses for external clients.
Soil Chemistry
As Soil Chemistry Group we study soil chemical processes at the very small scale to better understand soil functions at larger scales. By developing, modelling and implementing soil chemical knowledge, we contribute to the sustainable use of our soils.
Soil Physics and Land Management
Research in the chair group Soil Physics and Land Management (SLM) addresses soil physical and hydrological processes at different temporal and spatial scales, and their central role in sustainable land and water management.
Soil Geography and Landscape
Our mission is to improve and share understanding of soil patterns and landscape dynamics. We take an integrative approach that combines biophysical and human elements to gain insight in past, present and future system dynamics, and to support sustainable land management.
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Contact
For chair group cluster related questions, please contact:
S (Susy) Ramos Geurts
Management Assistant