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Orthodox Soil Science versus Alternative Philosophies: A Clash of Cultures in a Modern Context

Author

Listed:
  • Robert E White

    (Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia)

  • Martin Andrew

    (Martin Andrew Solutions, Toorak Gardens, Adelaide, SA 5065, Australia)

Abstract

In Australia, orthodox soil scientists dealing with land management and alternative practitioners who promote ‘regenerative agriculture’ have not been communicating and engaging effectively with each other. Over many years, scientists in the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), state departments and universities have made significant achievements in mapping soil distribution, describing soil behaviour and identifying key soil properties and processes that are fundamental to healthy soil function. However, many alternative practitioners are dismissive of these achievements and highly critical of orthodox soil science. Yet many of the tools of soil science are essential to conduct evidence-based research towards elucidating how and why the exceptional results claimed by some alternative practitioners are achieved. We stress the importance of effective engagement and communication among all parties to resolve this ‘clash of cultures’.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert E White & Martin Andrew, 2019. "Orthodox Soil Science versus Alternative Philosophies: A Clash of Cultures in a Modern Context," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-6, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:10:p:2919-:d:233532
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Johannes Lehmann & Markus Kleber, 2015. "The contentious nature of soil organic matter," Nature, Nature, vol. 528(7580), pages 60-68, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Tom O’Donoghue & Budiman Minasny & Alex McBratney, 2022. "Regenerative Agriculture and Its Potential to Improve Farmscape Function," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-25, May.
    2. Thomas Nordblom & Chris Penfold & Melanie Whitelaw‐Weckert & Mark Norton & Jake Howie & Timothy Hutchings, 2021. "Financial comparisons of under‐vine management systems in four South Australian vineyard districts," Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society, vol. 65(1), pages 246-263, January.
    3. John McLean Bennett & Alex McBratney & Damien Field & Darren Kidd & Uta Stockmann & Craig Liddicoat & Samantha Grover, 2019. "Soil Security for Australia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-15, June.

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