Soil governance in a pandemic

COVID-19 exacerbated many threats to soil health. Long-term consequences of pandemics on soils are likely to include increased threats of contamination and exhaustion. Abrupt border restrictions and changes in demand for agricultural products will create pressure to increase crop yields and surplus animal disposal. Soils also are threatened by demand to convert agricultural lands to housing in response to pandemic-induced changes in how and where work is completed. Several governance mechanisms are outlined that support interactions between humans and soil that promote soil health during a pandemic. Maximizing soil fertility, minimizing contamination, and preventing land-use conversion are critical soil governance objectives.