From September 8 to 12, 2025, Seville, Spain, hosted EUROSOIL 2025, one of the largest and most significant international conferences in the field of soil science. Held every four years, the conference brought together researchers, experts, policymakers, and soil managers from around the globe. More than 1,000 contributions from 45 countries were presented.
The event once again highlighted that soil forms the very foundation of sustainable development. It provides vital ecosystem services such as food production, water filtration and enrichment, nutrient cycling, carbon storage, and the preservation of biodiversity. Yet, soils remain one of the most threatened natural resources, facing pressures from degradation, erosion, and overexploitation.
The Faculty of Environmental Protection took an active role at the conference. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Borut Vrščaj presented experiences from the organization, implementation, and evaluation of international summer schools on soil, which play a crucial role in training future soil specialists. Assistant Katja Črnec introduced the concept of soil workshops for primary and secondary schools, sharing feedback from their delivery and emphasizing the importance of early education in raising awareness about soil and its significance.
The scientific program featured plenary lectures by leading experts, including Dr. Panos Panagos, Dr. Rattan Lal, Dr. Claire Chenu, Dr. Laura B. Reyes Sánchez, Dr. Peter Schad, Dr. Heike E. Knicker, and Dr. Manuel Delgado-Baquerizo. Alongside these, six parallel sessions covered 17 thematic tracks, ranging from soil health, carbon dynamics and stabilization, and soil degradation to soil biology and soil education.
Beyond the scientific content, the conference offered a vibrant social and cultural program, reflecting both the spirit of Seville and the EUROSOIL community. The event provided an invaluable platform for knowledge exchange, the creation of new professional networks, and further strengthened the international recognition of Slovenian soil experts.
