The monetization of soil: An emerging imperative?

Abstract

This Viewpoint proposes assigning explicit economic value to soil—not merely as a platform for infrastructure but as a finite, three-dimensional resource crucial to food production and ecosystem services provision. Unlike water or air, soil is rarely accounted for its fundamental environmental importance. To fill this gap, we advocate a Total Economic Value framework spanning use, option and non-use benefits, which, contrary to conventional land appraisal, considers soil thickness, density and quality. Embedding these metrics in policy instruments, markets and land transactions could reward conservation and drive sustainable management. While challenges such as spatial heterogeneity, market design and equity persist, pricing soil can shift social perceptions, curb degradation and foster practices that rebuild soil health. Recognising our shared economic stake in soil is not just theory, but an essential step toward safeguarding a routinely neglected natural asset.