Reimagining soil stewardship in the anthropocene: Nature-Positive pathways, pedological perspectives, and land use innovations for soil health and security
Mohamed A. E. AbdelRahman
Abstract
Soils underpin terrestrial ecosystems and human well-being, yet they remain highly vulnerable to degradation driven by climate change, unsustainable land use, and intensifying anthropogenic pressures. Securing soil functions is therefore central to food security, climate mitigation, and ecosystem resilience. This review explores pathways for advancing soil stewardship by integrating pedological science, sustainable management practices, and emerging monitoring technologies. We clarify the concept of nature-positive actions—defined as land management approaches that enhance biodiversity, restore ecosystem services, and improve soil functions—and evaluate their potential to support soil security. The article synthesizes recent evidence on major drivers of soil degradation, with particular focus on arid and semi-arid landscapes where salinization, desertification, and nutrient depletion are most severe. Soil biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and water regulation are highlighted as measurable indicators of resilience. Building on this foundation, we examine a portfolio of management options, including agroecological practices (crop diversification, conservation tillage), ecological restoration (afforestation, organic amendments), and circular bioeconomy approaches (composting, waste valorization). Technological innovations such as digital soil mapping, UAV-based monitoring, and machine-learning applications are assessed for their contributions to high-resolution observation and decision-support. Pedological perspectives remain central, providing a framework that links soil genesis and classification with functional assessment. Policy instruments are also reviewed, with attention to global initiatives such as the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and the EU Soil Strategy 2030. By integrating scientific, technological, and policy dimensions, this review advocates a transition from exploitative land use toward regenerative stewardship that fosters resilience, equity, and long-term soil security.