Assessing the incorporation of the soil health concept in postsecondary education in Canada

Abstract

Incorporation of soil health concept into professional practice, supported by integration into postsecondary programs, may lead to the successful maintenance and improvement of Canadian soils. The Canadian Society of Soil Science (CSSS) has identified the need to promote the teaching of the soil health concept to instructors of soil science and related courses across Canada. In summer 2023, a 37-question survey was emailed to CSSS members with the objectives of (1) gauging the understanding and interest among instructors of soil science (and related) courses across Canada in soil health, (2) describing the current status of the soil health concept in Canadian postsecondary soil science (and related) courses, and (3) assessing the need for an open access repository of educational resources focused on soil health. Survey results of 46 respondents suggest that inclusion of the concept in courses has been increasing steadily for the last 20 years, with estimated 1400 students being exposed to the concept annually in 30 courses in 6 majors, where 60% had soil in the course title. The main reasons for not including soil health in courses included lack of time and experience. Creation of a Canadian soil health repository of teaching materials would provide resources to 28% respondents (13/46) who do not include the soil health concept into their courses. Respondents indicated that the soil health concept is useful in teaching because it requires integration of a range of basic soil disciplinary concepts, a process that might be best implemented through active learning strategies.