The fate of soil science - Introduction

Posted by Alexander Makeev 15 Dec 2000 14:26:18

Dear colleagues,
I hope many of you will be interested to follow the discussion,
lead by Hari Eswaran on the future of basic soil science research.
Somehow it touches an interests of paleopedology and you may
probably contribute your vision on the subject.
Below is all the messages, circulated recently among a group
of about 50 pedologists all around the world, assembled by Hari.
Because of the volume we are sending them in three parts.
Alexander Makeev,
Paleopedology Commission secretary

<During the past month, sparked by an email from a colleague from Brazil, we
have had exchanges on the state of soil survey and the problems being faced in
our efforts for greater recognition for soil information. I talked with Win
Blum, Secretary General of IUSS, this morning and he concurs that this is
indeed a serious issue but also added that part of the reason for the dilemma
is ourselves. We have basically not done a good job of marketing our product
and have preferred to be clannish in our science. Whatever the reason, we
perhaps need an awakening or a new beginning and evaluate in a more quantified
manner, the state of the science and its future. We also have an obligation of
convincing our decision-makers on the usefulness of such information; very
specifically, we have to try to establish the monetary value of such
information. I remember the caricature of the architect of the Leaning Tower
of Pisa declaring proudly, "I saved a lot of money by not testing the soil".

I am attaching a copy of all the emails that I have received. This contains
some valuable thoughts. Please forward this to your friends. If you or your
friends have additional thoughts or solutions, please send them to me. I am on
leave from Dec. 13 to Jan. 7 and if I receive more communication on this
subject, I will share them with everyone about the middle of January.

In the meantime, enjoy the holidays. To my Muslim friends who will be ending
their fasting month and celebrating EID on Dec. 26, Happy Eid and do not eat
too much. To everyone, I hope that Year 2001 is as rewarding as 2000.

Happy New Year
Bon Annee
Gelukkig Niew Jaar
Selamat Tahun Bahru
etc. etc.

Hari

NOTE: I am on travel until Jan. 4, 2001

Dr. Hari Eswaran
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
PO Box 2890
Washington DC 20013

Tel: 1-202-690 0333
Fax: 1-202-720 459>>

Attachment: See also