Webinar on Black Soils management in North America
this webinar is co-organized by the Global Soil Partnership of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the International Network of Black Soils (INBS).
Target Audience
Scientists, policymakers, international organizations, researchers, civil society representatives, land users, and local communities.
Introduction
Black soils, also known as Chernozems or Mollisols, are among the most productive and ecologically significant soils worldwide. In North America, they cover approximately 31 million hectares in the United States and 13 million hectares in Canada, accounting for nearly 10 percent of the region’s cropland. These soils support a substantial proportion of global grain production and play a key role in carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and sustainable agricultural development.
However, black soils are increasingly threatened by degradation, erosion, nutrient depletion, and unsustainable management practices, posing risks to food security and ecosystem stability.
In recognition of these challenges, the International Network of Black Soils (INBS), established under the Global Soil Partnership (GSP) of FAO, promotes collaborative efforts to conserve, manage, and restore black soils globally.
The INBS facilitates research exchange, capacity development, and coordinated action among countries with black soil regions. It provides a global platform that brings together experts, stakeholders, and practitioners to share experiences, best practices, and innovative approaches for the sustainable use of black soils. Through webinars, conferences, collaborative initiatives, and technical guidelines, the INBS aims to raise awareness, build capacity, and support the adoption of sustainable soil management practices.
As part of these efforts, a webinar on black soil management in North America has been organized. This webinar will provide a platform for sharing current research findings, identifying mutual priorities, and discussing mechanisms for long-term scientific and institutional collaboration.
Aim and objectives
The webinar aims to strengthen understanding and promote the sustainable management, conservation, and research of black soils in North America through knowledge exchange, collaborative partnerships, and alignment with the INBS framework.
Specific objectives:
- Exchange knowledge and current research findings on black soils in North America
- Highlight best practices and innovative approaches for sustainable black soil management in North America
Expected outcomes
The webinar is expected to:
- Enhance awareness of the status, challenges, and opportunities related to black soils in North America
- Strengthen collaboration among stakeholders
- Promote sustainable soil management practices
- Identify research priorities and knowledge gaps
- Develop a roadmap for continued cooperation
- Contribute to global efforts under the INBS and GSP for the protection and sustainable management of black soils
Draft Agenda
Webinar for the International Network of Black Soils (INBS)
Moderator:
Yuxin Tong, GSP, FAO
15:00–15:05 — Welcome and Opening Remarks
Thorunn Wolfram Petursdottir, Secretary, GSP, FAO
15:05–15:30 — Precision Agriculture in Black Soils in Western Canada
Mr Taras Lychuk, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)
15:30–15:55 — Soil Health in Black Soils of Manitoba, Canada
Mr Stephen Crittenden, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)
15:55–16:20 — Carbon Management in Black Soils: insights from Iowa, United States
Mr Michael Thompson, Iowa State University, USA
16:20–16:50 — Question and Answer Session
Janet Nabwami, GSP, FAO
16:50–17:00 — Closing Remarks
Mr Miguel A. Taboada, Chair, International Network of Black Soils