The role of citizen science in assessing soil conditions

Research in soil science plays a critical role in addressing societal challenges, but engaging the public is essential for bridging knowledge gaps and fostering sustainable practices. Citizen science offers a participatory approach to soil research, empowering communities to contribute data and insights. Collaboration between citizens and researchers fosters co-creation of projects, leading to sustainable behaviour change and societal impact. However, challenges such as data dissemination, quality assurance and scalability require attention. Integrating citizen science data into existing platforms such as the European Soil Data Centre can enhance its utility. Addressing these challenges will be crucial for realising the full potential of citizen science in soil monitoring and management.