Fertile, healthy soils are the keystone of agricultural plant production, both crops and grasslands. Plants draw the water and nutrients they need from them. And for humans, they mean a varied food supply, water cycle management, a vast biodiversity reservoir and a priceless cultural heritage. They are a major carbon sink, and help to regulate our climate. However, they face numerous threats: impermeability or sealing, verious forms of pollution, water or wind erosion, etc. Research into their functioning and agroecology serve to protect them and boost their fertility, but it is sadly lacking in tropical and Mediterranean countries. A conference to be held at the upcoming Paris International Agricultural Show will address this crucial topic. This issue of Partnering4Impact lifts the curtain on certain aspects.
Eric Justes, agronomist and Deputy Director of CIRAD's Performance of Tropical Production and Processing Systems department
