From Extraction to Coexistence for a Sustainable Future

Soils have always shaped our (agri)cultural practices and landscaped human life, yet we rarely recognize their agency in shaping our societies and sciences alike. What are soils beyond the matter beneath our feet? Are they only resources, or do they reflect who we are? This talk explores how scientific and cultural perceptions of soil co-evolve, influencing research practices and decision-making. From the methodological challenges of soil complexity to diverse worldviews, I will examine how these perspectives shape the ways we value and manage soils. Drawing on virtual reality communication and my research on soil pollution, I argue for an epistemic renewal: moving from extraction to coexistence, and towards a plural, relational soil science that fosters more just and sustainable futures.