Paul Smith performs research, analysis, and communication in the fields of Sustainable Agriculture, Environment, and Public Policy. Thoughtful, nuanced analysis of issues and data. Recommendations and conclusions that reflect perspectives beyond the conventional. Examples provided here are from current and previous work and employment.
WHAT’S NEW
A regional comparison of two soil health assessment frameworks
Soil health assessment frameworks translate soil measurements into scores that inform management decisions, yet different frameworks can yield different conclusions about the same soils. Few studies evaluate how framework design shapes these interpretations. Using a management-explicit dataset (n = 262) from Ontario’s Greater Golden Horseshoe, we compared distribution-based scoring with reference-based benchmarking. Both frameworks yielded similar score rank ordering, though distribution-based scores were lower because row-cropped and perennial soils were pooled. Interpretations were sensitive to database composition under the distribution approach and to reference management types under the reference approach. Assessment outcomes therefore depend on framework design, experimental design, and assumptions, not measurements alone. For soil health frameworks to be effective decision-support tools, they must be transparent about assumptions, responsive to and inclusive of management differences, and based on balanced representation of the soils and management systems they aim to inform.
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link.springer.com
Podcast – Digging into Potatoes & Sweet Potatoes with Helen Hambly Odame. Helen Hambly Odame, professor at the University of Guelph and current Board Chair of the International Potato Centre talks with Paul Smith and Isaac Quansah about the work, achievements, research priorities, and contributions of the International Potato Centre, and Helen’s experiences with the centre and other international development agencies.
Podcast – The Future of Agricultural Knowledge Sharing with Ataharul Chowdhury. Ataharul Chowdhury joins Isaac Quansah and Paul Smith to talk about the future of agricultural knowledge sharing through extension and advisory services. Dr. Chowdhury is Associate Professor of Capacity Development and Extension and Program Graduate Coordinator in the Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph.
Ontario soil study highlights real-world gains from better management - Farmtario
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farmtario.com
Benchmarking soil health in glaciated soils under grain and oilseed production - Geoderma
Quantifying soil health on agricultural lands has become a global priority, yet it remains unclear how much management practices have improved soil functioning on commercial farms, or how much potential for improvement remains. Reference-based benchmarking, by comparing row-cropped soils to undisturbed perennial soils, offers one approach for addressing this. Our objectives were to (1) determine the maximum soil health potential for soils under row crop production, (2) quantify the effects of management practices, and (3) assess progress toward soil health potential under improved management. By comparing management with respect to soil, our approach quantifies progress achieved by farmers and the potential for improvement to enable soil health interpretations.
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www.sciencedirect.com
Feb 2026 - Comparing Soil Health Assessment Frameworks to Strengthen Ontario’s Soil Health Assessment and Plan - Greenbelt Foundation
The Greenbelt Foundation, in partnership with the Soil Health Institute, has released a recommendations report for soil health assessment frameworks. Using
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greenbelt.ca
Nov 2025 - Regional Soil Health Report - Greenbelt Foundation
Field sampling at 264 locations across the Greater Golden Horseshoe shows that soil-health practices deliver consistent benefits. Compared with baseline management, sites using reduced tillage, cover crops, and living roots achieved better aggregate stability, higher organic matter, and greater available water. Reference sites with very little disturbance performed best, setting an aspirational benchmark. These results link everyday practices to outcomes that matter, including fewer problems in wet springs, better drought tolerance, and more reliable yields. The report translates indicators into clear guidance and highlights actions farmers can take now to strengthen soil function and manage risk.
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greenbelt.ca
Recent curated podcast episodes of the Food Farm Talk radio show aired on CFRU 93.3 FM are available at:
National Soil Health Strategy | Soil Conservation Council of Canada
The National Soil Health Strategy (NSHS) is a pivotal initiative aimed at advancing soil health, fostering sustainable agricultural practices, and ensuring environmental resilience for Canada’s future. In 2022, a significant milestone was achieved with the publication of the Roadmap titled “Recruiting Soil to Tackle Climate Change,” a collaborative effort between the Soil Conservation Council of Canada (SCCC) and the Compost Council of Canada. Farmer and public interest in soil health has never been greater, nationally and globally. The NSHS will build on this and numerous other initiatives that support soil health and address climate change and contribute to meeting Canada’s climate changes goals in 2030 and 2050.
To Batoche and Back: Article in book: mihko kiskisiwin at the FriesenPress
Colonization has tried to erase and eradicate Indigenous narratives for centuries. Even mainstream literature features the same kinds of stories told by the same voices.…
