Bury the idea that soils are a local issue

As the International Year of Soils ends, we agree that the importance of integrating soils into policies to tackle global challenges cannot be underestimated (see L. Montanarella Nature 528, 32–33; 2015). Soils are not a local issue — they 'move' at time and space scales that are relevant to global policy.

For example, Saharan soil dust has boosted Atlantic plankton (E. Marañón et al. Limnol. Oceanogr. 55, 2339–2352; 2010) and tree growth in Amazonian forests (R. Swap et al. Tellus B 44, 133–149; 1992). There are environmental consequences beyond national borders when pollutants and nutrients that are attached to soil particles enter waterways, or when soil nitrates leach into aquifers. The influence of soil management on climate is also global because of its carbon-storage capacity and interactions with greenhouse gases. Changes in soil-surface reflection (albedo) affect energy balance, climate and weather.