How better understand and model the multiple and interlinked roles of soils in our planet life, to make the best use of them?

A good way to assess the societal impact of soils on all these aspects is to estimate it in cost/benefits terms.
For example, what are the costs of mismanaging soils (loss of carbon, decrease of food production, flash floods, dams siltation, irrigated fields salinisation …) and thus, what are the costs avoided when soils are managed in a sustainable way.

In socio-economic terms of global dimension, investments in soil improvement through runoff water control, adequate organic and mineral fertilization have proven and demonstrated dramatic impacts in small african farms(e.g.) .

Still they have been disregarded in these last decades, particularly in aid programmes for developping countries, neglecting the poorest of the farmers albeit they represent the vast majority.

Integrated research combining climatic, ecological, agricultural and socio-economical understanding is needed to foster a scientifically sound agro-ecological intensification of the use of soils. This the only way to enhance benefits from soils, from the local level (farms, particularly the small under-developed ones), through the regional (better management of fertilisers and pesticides at watersheds level) to the global one (overall impact on carbon and water cycles).