Soil Health: Sustainable management of rhizosphere resources in Sweden and Chile
Abstract
Agriculture faces several global challenges, and since agricultural production is a vital part of the economy, these challenges are particularly acute. While there is significant international consensus on the set of normative Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the context of a changing climate, realizing these visions requires interdisciplinary research and development, with a strong connection to local practices and conditions.
The proposed theme is dedicated to sustainability through the acceleration of SDG action, primarily focusing on SDGs 6, 15, and 3, but also SDG 11. Our goal is to foster long-term interdisciplinary collaboration on sustainable development, with a particular emphasis on supporting early-career researchers.
Through previous collaborations and in preparation for this forum, we have established this theme with participants from diverse expertise, seniority levels, and gender (see list of participants). The forum, with its presentations, discussions, and outdoor field activities, will broaden the network, attracting participants from various disciplines. This will ultimately lead to long-term collaboration in the sustainable application of rhizosphere resources.
Key word: Soil
EXPECTATIONS FOR PARTICIPANTS
Soil health and crop plant microbiomes are essential components of future agricultural production systems. There is significant international consensus on the set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the context of a changing climate. However, realizing these goals requires bridging global initiatives with local practices and conditions. Achieving the SDGs demands the dissemination, communication, and development of innovative interdisciplinary technologies.
Agriculture is deeply embedded in political and socio-economic contexts, and any innovative technology must be tailored to local environments. Innovative programs should engage sustainably, meaning they must increase yields while addressing global challenges, such as the scarcity of natural resources, climate change, competing energy priorities, and dwindling resources.
We invite participants who focus on research, development, and educational projects related to sustainable intensification—i.e., increasing production on existing agricultural land. The socio-economic and biophysical environments vary widely across countries, and as a result, solutions must be context-specific. Cutting-edge technological innovations should take into account the local enabling environment, promote user-centered design, and integrate sustainability into the program's core.
Participants from national research and business organizations, natural resource management, biodiversity, as well as economics, marketing specialists, and students, are invited to contribute.
Erick Zagal Venegas, Universidad de Concepción
Erick Zagal Venegas is an internationally recognized expert in soil resources and the effects of soil carbon cycling in both agricultural and natural landscapes. He currently leads the department responsible for soil physical and chemical analysis.
Jonas Begquist, Uppsala University
Jonas Bergquist is a distinguished chemist specializing in analytical chemistry, proteomics, and mass spectrometry. He is internationally recognized for developing and applying modern analytical tools in various biological contexts.
CONTACT US:
Erick: ezagal@udec.cl
Jonas: stimmusk@yahoo.com