Competency Map
The Soil Health Competency Map is a student-generated framework that identifies and visualises the key skills and capabilities required to address soil health challenges in the coming decades. Inspired by existing tools such as the European Commission’s GreenComp (European sustainability competence framework) and the Inner Development Goals (IDGs), the Soil Competency Map provides a structured overview of how education and training can evolve to meet the demands of sustainable soil management.
The competency map functions much like a mind map and brings together diverse perspectives from students across 15 European countries. Inputs gathered nationally were collated and analysed to identify the most frequently prioritised competencies across the consortium. These results were synthesised into the final unified Soil Health Competency Map. It reflects collective insight from students into the types of knowledge, attitudes, and competencies—ranging from technical to social, political, and entrepreneurial—needed to address soil-related challenges and shape future professional pathways. The map serves as a foundation for designing targeted training modules, fostering policy-aligned education, and promoting a new generation of soil stewards equipped with holistic competencies.
Download the document: LOESS Competency Map for Soil Health Professionals