Defining and protecting old-growth soils

Franciska T. de Vries

doi:10.1016/j.tree.2026.05.013

June 1, 2026Trends in Ecology & EvolutionOpen Access

Defining and protecting old-growth soils

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Key Points

The central aim is to advocate for the recognition of old-growth soils to enhance their protection.
Discussion of the old-growth concept as applied to soils.
Analysis of the status of existing soil protection measures.
Identification of the locations of undisturbed soils.
Highlights the current lack of formal protected status for soils.
Demonstrates the link between soil structure and global biodiversity.
Suggests that recognizing old-growth soils can lead to better conservation strategies.

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Implication

Forum article argues that applying old-growth concept aids soil protection and conservation efforts.

Abstract

Soils are unique in their intricate, 3D structure, harbouring 59% of global biodiversity. Yet, this structure is easily destroyed. Soils have no formal protected status, and we do not know where the oldest undisturbed soils are located. In this forum article, I argue that applying the old-growth concept to soils will aid their protection.

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Franciska T. de Vries (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a265c89ad53cfb9357c5d3e https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2026.05.013

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Defining and protecting old-growth soils

Key Points

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Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Defining and protecting old-growth soils

Key Points

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Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

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