The rapid progression of global boiling has intensified planetary-scale challenges, including the destabilization of food production and water supply due to extreme weather events, and the degradation of ecosystem resilience and functionality. In this context, the importance of sustainable development is growing more urgent than ever. Among the key elements in addressing these challenges, soil plays an irreplaceable and critically important role.

Unlike visible phenomena such as plant growth or water movement through rainfall, the functions of soil are often hidden from view. Moreover, environmental threats such as droughts, floods, erosion, and pollution are frequently buffered by soil, making their impacts less immediately apparent. As a result, soil has long served as a “silent infrastructure”, quietly supporting ecosystems and human life.

However, recent increases in extreme weather events, soil erosion, and the impacts of resource extraction and industrialization have led to a significant decline in the chemical, physical, and biological functions of soil, posing serious concerns. Against this context, global attention to Soil Health has been steadily rising.

Soil Health refers to the comprehensive functionality of soil, encompassing nutrient cycling, water retention, biodiversity support, and more. Through numerous international conferences, research findings and practical knowledge related to Soil Health have been actively shared. Organizing and disseminating these insights at national and regional levels, and promoting the implementation of appropriate soil management and utilization practices to safeguard Soil Health, are essential steps toward solving global challenges.

This symposium will feature multiple sessions focused on the core functions of Soil Health. By integrating the knowledge and experiences gained from each session, we aim to comprehensively understand the role of Soil Health and propose effective soil management and utilization strategies to ensure its sustainability.