III 

110TH CONGRESS 

2D SESSION S. RES. 440 

Recognizing soil as an essential natural resource, and soils professionals 

as playing a critical role in managing our Nation’s soil resources. 

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 

JANUARY 31, 2008 

Mr. BROWN (for himself and Mr. VOINOVICH) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and 

Forestry 

RESOLUTION 

Recognizing soil as an essential natural resource, and soils 

professionals as playing a critical role in managing our 

Nation’s soil resources. 

Whereas soil, plant, animal, and human health are intricately 

linked and the sustainable use of soil affects climate, 

water and air quality, human health, biodiversity, food 

safety, and agricultural production; 

Whereas soil is a dynamic system which performs many functions and services vital to human activities and ecosystems; 

Whereas, despite soil’s importance to human health, the environment, nutrition and food, feed, fiber, and fuel production, there is little public awareness of the importance of 

soil protection; 


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•SRES 440 IS 

Whereas the degradation of soil can be rapid, while the formation and regeneration processes can be very slow; 

Whereas protection of United States soil based on the principles of preservation and enhancement of soil functions, 

prevention of soil degradation, mitigation of detrimental 

use, and restoration of degraded soils is essential to the 

long-term prosperity of the United States; 

Whereas legislation in the areas of organic, industrial, chemical, biological, and medical waste pollution prevention 

and control should consider soil protection provisions; 

Whereas legislation on climate change, water quality, agriculture, and rural development should offer a coherent 

and effective legislative framework for common principles 

and objectives that are aimed at protection and sustainable use of soils in the United States; 

Whereas soil contamination coupled with poor or inappropriate soil management practices continues to leave contaminated sites unremediated; and 

Whereas soil can be managed in a sustainable manner, which 

preserves its capacity to deliver ecological, economic, and 

social benefits, while maintaining its value for future generations: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the Senate— 

2 (1) recognizes it as necessary to improve knowl3 edge, exchange information, and develop and imple4 ment best practices for soil management, soil res5 toration, carbon sequestration, and long-term use of 

6 the Nation’s soil resources; 


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•SRES 440 IS 

1 (2) recognizes the important role of soil sci2 entists and soils professionals, who are well-equipped 

3 with the information and experience needed to ad4 dress the issues of today and those of tomorrow in 

5 managing the Nation’s soil resources; 

6 (3) commends soil scientists and soils profes7 sionals for their efforts to promote education, out8 reach, and awareness necessary for generating more 

9 public interest in and appreciation for soils; and 

10 (4) acknowledges the promise of soil scientists 

11 and soils professionals to continue to enrich the lives 

12 of all Americans by improving stewardship of the 

13 soil, combating soil degradation, and ensuring the 

14 future protection and sustainable use of our air, soil, 

15 and water resources. 

Æ 


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