The pioneers have gone home.
The silence they left behind is not emptiness, it is expectation.
Soil science does not need louder voices.
It needs deeper ones.
By Seome Michael Swafo
The silence they left behind is not emptiness, it is expectation.
Soil science does not need louder voices.
It needs deeper ones.
By Seome Michael Swafo
January 24, 2026 at 8:43 PM
The pioneers have gone home.
The silence they left behind is not emptiness, it is expectation.
Soil science does not need louder voices.
It needs deeper ones.
By Seome Michael Swafo
The silence they left behind is not emptiness, it is expectation.
Soil science does not need louder voices.
It needs deeper ones.
By Seome Michael Swafo
I am delighted to share my role as a Research Soil Scientist at Toro Ya Rona Biotec.
#SoilScience
#ResearchAndInnovation
#AgriculturalBiotechnology
#SustainableLandUse
#SoilScience
#ResearchAndInnovation
#AgriculturalBiotechnology
#SustainableLandUse
January 17, 2026 at 4:15 PM
I am delighted to share my role as a Research Soil Scientist at Toro Ya Rona Biotec.
#SoilScience
#ResearchAndInnovation
#AgriculturalBiotechnology
#SustainableLandUse
#SoilScience
#ResearchAndInnovation
#AgriculturalBiotechnology
#SustainableLandUse
I am pleased to share that my research titled “Short-Term Nutrient Dynamics in Conservation Agricultural Practices on a Cambisol in a Semi-Arid Region of South Africa” was competitively selected for oral presentation at the 5th International Electronic Conference on Agronomy (IECAG 2025).
January 13, 2026 at 6:56 PM
I am pleased to share that my research titled “Short-Term Nutrient Dynamics in Conservation Agricultural Practices on a Cambisol in a Semi-Arid Region of South Africa” was competitively selected for oral presentation at the 5th International Electronic Conference on Agronomy (IECAG 2025).
Natural soil profile analogue.
A fallen tree has inverted its root plate, exposing subsoil and root architecture. What looks like a soil pit was created by disturbance—now already being recolonised by grasses.
A fallen tree has inverted its root plate, exposing subsoil and root architecture. What looks like a soil pit was created by disturbance—now already being recolonised by grasses.
January 3, 2026 at 4:07 PM
Natural soil profile analogue.
A fallen tree has inverted its root plate, exposing subsoil and root architecture. What looks like a soil pit was created by disturbance—now already being recolonised by grasses.
A fallen tree has inverted its root plate, exposing subsoil and root architecture. What looks like a soil pit was created by disturbance—now already being recolonised by grasses.
Pleased to share my first international research collaboration, published in The Journal of Agricultural Sciences – Sri Lanka (2026).
The paper highlights how soil pore structure controls soil carbon sequestration and climate mitigation.
#SoilScience #CarbonSequestration #ClimateChange #Research
The paper highlights how soil pore structure controls soil carbon sequestration and climate mitigation.
#SoilScience #CarbonSequestration #ClimateChange #Research
January 2, 2026 at 5:27 AM
Pleased to share my first international research collaboration, published in The Journal of Agricultural Sciences – Sri Lanka (2026).
The paper highlights how soil pore structure controls soil carbon sequestration and climate mitigation.
#SoilScience #CarbonSequestration #ClimateChange #Research
The paper highlights how soil pore structure controls soil carbon sequestration and climate mitigation.
#SoilScience #CarbonSequestration #ClimateChange #Research
The soil profile is breached, subsoil exposed, and degradation becomes self-reinforcing.
Often, this is not natural failure, but unmanaged development and altered drainage without soil-informed planning.
Soil resilience has limits.
Once exceeded, recovery is slow and costly.
Often, this is not natural failure, but unmanaged development and altered drainage without soil-informed planning.
Soil resilience has limits.
Once exceeded, recovery is slow and costly.
December 24, 2025 at 4:25 AM
The soil profile is breached, subsoil exposed, and degradation becomes self-reinforcing.
Often, this is not natural failure, but unmanaged development and altered drainage without soil-informed planning.
Soil resilience has limits.
Once exceeded, recovery is slow and costly.
Often, this is not natural failure, but unmanaged development and altered drainage without soil-informed planning.
Soil resilience has limits.
Once exceeded, recovery is slow and costly.
Soil Science Pioneers Series – Week 4
Eugene W. Hilgard (1833–1916)
Hilgard was among the first to formally define soil science as a scientific discipline. His work in soil chemistry, land capability, and agricultural experiment stations shaped how soils are studied and applied today.
Eugene W. Hilgard (1833–1916)
Hilgard was among the first to formally define soil science as a scientific discipline. His work in soil chemistry, land capability, and agricultural experiment stations shaped how soils are studied and applied today.
December 14, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Soil Science Pioneers Series – Week 4
Eugene W. Hilgard (1833–1916)
Hilgard was among the first to formally define soil science as a scientific discipline. His work in soil chemistry, land capability, and agricultural experiment stations shaped how soils are studied and applied today.
Eugene W. Hilgard (1833–1916)
Hilgard was among the first to formally define soil science as a scientific discipline. His work in soil chemistry, land capability, and agricultural experiment stations shaped how soils are studied and applied today.
I am pleased to announce that I will be delivering an oral presentation at the 5th International Electronic Conference on Agronomy (IECAG2025), organised by MDPI and hosted on Sciforum, from 15–18 December 2025.
December 7, 2025 at 8:27 PM
I am pleased to announce that I will be delivering an oral presentation at the 5th International Electronic Conference on Agronomy (IECAG2025), organised by MDPI and hosted on Sciforum, from 15–18 December 2025.
Soil Science Pioneers Series – Week 3
Daniel Hillel (1930–2021)
Hillel pioneered micro-irrigation and reshaped how dryland nations manage water, soil, and food security.
Read the full post on LinkedIn:
🔗 www.linkedin.com/posts/seome-...
#SoilScience #DanielHillel #SoilWater
Daniel Hillel (1930–2021)
Hillel pioneered micro-irrigation and reshaped how dryland nations manage water, soil, and food security.
Read the full post on LinkedIn:
🔗 www.linkedin.com/posts/seome-...
#SoilScience #DanielHillel #SoilWater
December 1, 2025 at 4:33 AM
Soil Science Pioneers Series – Week 3
Daniel Hillel (1930–2021)
Hillel pioneered micro-irrigation and reshaped how dryland nations manage water, soil, and food security.
Read the full post on LinkedIn:
🔗 www.linkedin.com/posts/seome-...
#SoilScience #DanielHillel #SoilWater
Daniel Hillel (1930–2021)
Hillel pioneered micro-irrigation and reshaped how dryland nations manage water, soil, and food security.
Read the full post on LinkedIn:
🔗 www.linkedin.com/posts/seome-...
#SoilScience #DanielHillel #SoilWater
Week 2 of my Soil Science Pioneers Series is now live.
This week: Hans Jenny, the scientist who gave soil formation its structure through the CLORPT model.
Read the full post on LinkedIn:
🔗 www.linkedin.com/posts/seome-...
This week: Hans Jenny, the scientist who gave soil formation its structure through the CLORPT model.
Read the full post on LinkedIn:
🔗 www.linkedin.com/posts/seome-...
November 24, 2025 at 8:42 PM
Week 2 of my Soil Science Pioneers Series is now live.
This week: Hans Jenny, the scientist who gave soil formation its structure through the CLORPT model.
Read the full post on LinkedIn:
🔗 www.linkedin.com/posts/seome-...
This week: Hans Jenny, the scientist who gave soil formation its structure through the CLORPT model.
Read the full post on LinkedIn:
🔗 www.linkedin.com/posts/seome-...
I walked into my second year at the University of Limpopo studying Soil Science — a field in South Africa that is often undervalued and underfunded.
Passionate lecturers and fellow students sparked a curiosity that never left.
🔗 www.linkedin.com/posts/seome-...
Passionate lecturers and fellow students sparked a curiosity that never left.
🔗 www.linkedin.com/posts/seome-...
November 23, 2025 at 8:33 PM
I walked into my second year at the University of Limpopo studying Soil Science — a field in South Africa that is often undervalued and underfunded.
Passionate lecturers and fellow students sparked a curiosity that never left.
🔗 www.linkedin.com/posts/seome-...
Passionate lecturers and fellow students sparked a curiosity that never left.
🔗 www.linkedin.com/posts/seome-...
The Emmarentia Soil Science Council is stepping into a new chapter.
The ESSC Opinion Series will challenge outdated thinking, confront uncomfortable truths, and bring soil science back into national conversation.
The ESSC Opinion Series will challenge outdated thinking, confront uncomfortable truths, and bring soil science back into national conversation.
November 22, 2025 at 10:15 PM
The Emmarentia Soil Science Council is stepping into a new chapter.
The ESSC Opinion Series will challenge outdated thinking, confront uncomfortable truths, and bring soil science back into national conversation.
The ESSC Opinion Series will challenge outdated thinking, confront uncomfortable truths, and bring soil science back into national conversation.
Walking with Emmarentia has shown me that purpose is not found in grand moments, but in the quiet discipline of building something that will outlive you.
November 21, 2025 at 10:32 AM
Walking with Emmarentia has shown me that purpose is not found in grand moments, but in the quiet discipline of building something that will outlive you.
The future of South Africa’s agricultural resilience will depend on how we manage, protect, and understand our soil resources.
Soil science informs:
• food security,
• climate resilience,
• land use planning,
• water management, and
• sustainable intensification.
Soil science informs:
• food security,
• climate resilience,
• land use planning,
• water management, and
• sustainable intensification.
November 20, 2025 at 10:18 PM
The future of South Africa’s agricultural resilience will depend on how we manage, protect, and understand our soil resources.
Soil science informs:
• food security,
• climate resilience,
• land use planning,
• water management, and
• sustainable intensification.
Soil science informs:
• food security,
• climate resilience,
• land use planning,
• water management, and
• sustainable intensification.
OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE
EMMARENTIA SOIL SCIENCE COUNCIL (ESSC)
The Emmarentia Agriculture Institute NPC proudly announces the establishment of the Emmarentia Soil Science Council (ESSC) — a specialised scientific council dedicated to advancing soil science across South Africa.
EMMARENTIA SOIL SCIENCE COUNCIL (ESSC)
The Emmarentia Agriculture Institute NPC proudly announces the establishment of the Emmarentia Soil Science Council (ESSC) — a specialised scientific council dedicated to advancing soil science across South Africa.
November 19, 2025 at 8:16 PM
OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE
EMMARENTIA SOIL SCIENCE COUNCIL (ESSC)
The Emmarentia Agriculture Institute NPC proudly announces the establishment of the Emmarentia Soil Science Council (ESSC) — a specialised scientific council dedicated to advancing soil science across South Africa.
EMMARENTIA SOIL SCIENCE COUNCIL (ESSC)
The Emmarentia Agriculture Institute NPC proudly announces the establishment of the Emmarentia Soil Science Council (ESSC) — a specialised scientific council dedicated to advancing soil science across South Africa.
Week 1 of my Soil Science Pioneers Series is live on LinkedIn.
We begin with Vasily Dokuchaev, the Father of Modern Soil Science — the man who proved that soil is a natural body.
Read the full insight here:
🔗 www.linkedin.com/posts/seome-...
We begin with Vasily Dokuchaev, the Father of Modern Soil Science — the man who proved that soil is a natural body.
Read the full insight here:
🔗 www.linkedin.com/posts/seome-...
November 16, 2025 at 10:22 PM
Week 1 of my Soil Science Pioneers Series is live on LinkedIn.
We begin with Vasily Dokuchaev, the Father of Modern Soil Science — the man who proved that soil is a natural body.
Read the full insight here:
🔗 www.linkedin.com/posts/seome-...
We begin with Vasily Dokuchaev, the Father of Modern Soil Science — the man who proved that soil is a natural body.
Read the full insight here:
🔗 www.linkedin.com/posts/seome-...
The academic world is publishing more special issues and book chapters than ever before. But the growth in opportunities has not brought a rise in scientific depth. Too often, we are prioritizing quantity over quality and visibility over validity.
November 14, 2025 at 8:29 PM
The academic world is publishing more special issues and book chapters than ever before. But the growth in opportunities has not brought a rise in scientific depth. Too often, we are prioritizing quantity over quality and visibility over validity.
The PhD is not the victory lap.
It is the beginning of purpose.
Most people think earning a PhD means the journey is complete.
But that’s where the real work begins:
learning, unlearning, questioning, discovering, contributing.
A PhD shapes your mind to serve others, not yourself.
It is the beginning of purpose.
Most people think earning a PhD means the journey is complete.
But that’s where the real work begins:
learning, unlearning, questioning, discovering, contributing.
A PhD shapes your mind to serve others, not yourself.
November 9, 2025 at 1:30 PM
The PhD is not the victory lap.
It is the beginning of purpose.
Most people think earning a PhD means the journey is complete.
But that’s where the real work begins:
learning, unlearning, questioning, discovering, contributing.
A PhD shapes your mind to serve others, not yourself.
It is the beginning of purpose.
Most people think earning a PhD means the journey is complete.
But that’s where the real work begins:
learning, unlearning, questioning, discovering, contributing.
A PhD shapes your mind to serve others, not yourself.
Reposted by Seome Swafo
Soil can capture & retain water for a substantial amount of time, depending on the type of soil particles present. By storing water, soil supports plant & soil microbe health and growth. Learn more about how soil holds water in this #GroundedInSoils blog: wp.me/pclOv9-xV
November 8, 2025 at 12:33 AM
Soil can capture & retain water for a substantial amount of time, depending on the type of soil particles present. By storing water, soil supports plant & soil microbe health and growth. Learn more about how soil holds water in this #GroundedInSoils blog: wp.me/pclOv9-xV
Introducing the Soil Science Pioneers Series — a weekly reflection on the scientists who transformed the way we understand the living earth beneath us.
Powered by ModMar Soil Systems
Soil intelligence for sustainable land use
#SoilSciencePioneers #ModMarSoilSystems
Powered by ModMar Soil Systems
Soil intelligence for sustainable land use
#SoilSciencePioneers #ModMarSoilSystems
November 7, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Introducing the Soil Science Pioneers Series — a weekly reflection on the scientists who transformed the way we understand the living earth beneath us.
Powered by ModMar Soil Systems
Soil intelligence for sustainable land use
#SoilSciencePioneers #ModMarSoilSystems
Powered by ModMar Soil Systems
Soil intelligence for sustainable land use
#SoilSciencePioneers #ModMarSoilSystems
Many soil scientists know soil’s secrets, but too few turn that knowledge into businesses.
Are we truly soil scientists if our expertise doesn’t restore, protect, and profit from soil? Knowledge alone isn’t enough. Soil science must live in the economy and in people’s lives.
Are we truly soil scientists if our expertise doesn’t restore, protect, and profit from soil? Knowledge alone isn’t enough. Soil science must live in the economy and in people’s lives.
August 23, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Many soil scientists know soil’s secrets, but too few turn that knowledge into businesses.
Are we truly soil scientists if our expertise doesn’t restore, protect, and profit from soil? Knowledge alone isn’t enough. Soil science must live in the economy and in people’s lives.
Are we truly soil scientists if our expertise doesn’t restore, protect, and profit from soil? Knowledge alone isn’t enough. Soil science must live in the economy and in people’s lives.
🌍 Honoured to present my research today at #SandySoils2025 in Perth 🇦🇺, representing the @ULvarsity 🇿🇦
🗣️ No-tillage in sandy, semi-arid soils may lead to compaction—site-specific strategies are essential.
🔗 sandysoils.org
#SoilScience #AfricaToTheWorld #PhDResearch
🗣️ No-tillage in sandy, semi-arid soils may lead to compaction—site-specific strategies are essential.
🔗 sandysoils.org
#SoilScience #AfricaToTheWorld #PhDResearch
July 23, 2025 at 12:31 PM
🌍 Honoured to present my research today at #SandySoils2025 in Perth 🇦🇺, representing the @ULvarsity 🇿🇦
🗣️ No-tillage in sandy, semi-arid soils may lead to compaction—site-specific strategies are essential.
🔗 sandysoils.org
#SoilScience #AfricaToTheWorld #PhDResearch
🗣️ No-tillage in sandy, semi-arid soils may lead to compaction—site-specific strategies are essential.
🔗 sandysoils.org
#SoilScience #AfricaToTheWorld #PhDResearch
From Limpopo to Legends
An honour to meet Prof. Fitzpatrick, who is a foundational figure in soil science. Representing the University of Limpopo at the Sandy Soils Conference and engaging with global leaders in the field.
#SoilScience #SandySoilsConference #UniversityOfLimpopo
An honour to meet Prof. Fitzpatrick, who is a foundational figure in soil science. Representing the University of Limpopo at the Sandy Soils Conference and engaging with global leaders in the field.
#SoilScience #SandySoilsConference #UniversityOfLimpopo
July 22, 2025 at 10:08 PM
From Limpopo to Legends
An honour to meet Prof. Fitzpatrick, who is a foundational figure in soil science. Representing the University of Limpopo at the Sandy Soils Conference and engaging with global leaders in the field.
#SoilScience #SandySoilsConference #UniversityOfLimpopo
An honour to meet Prof. Fitzpatrick, who is a foundational figure in soil science. Representing the University of Limpopo at the Sandy Soils Conference and engaging with global leaders in the field.
#SoilScience #SandySoilsConference #UniversityOfLimpopo
🌍 Honoured to represent the University of Limpopo at the #SandySoils2025 Conference in Perth, Australia!
🗓 July 23, 2025
📍 DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Waterfront
🎤 No-Tillage in a Maize-Based Cropping System Leads to Soil Compaction.
#SoilScience #SandySoils
🗓 July 23, 2025
📍 DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Waterfront
🎤 No-Tillage in a Maize-Based Cropping System Leads to Soil Compaction.
#SoilScience #SandySoils
July 19, 2025 at 9:40 PM
🌍 Honoured to represent the University of Limpopo at the #SandySoils2025 Conference in Perth, Australia!
🗓 July 23, 2025
📍 DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Waterfront
🎤 No-Tillage in a Maize-Based Cropping System Leads to Soil Compaction.
#SoilScience #SandySoils
🗓 July 23, 2025
📍 DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Waterfront
🎤 No-Tillage in a Maize-Based Cropping System Leads to Soil Compaction.
#SoilScience #SandySoils
Excited to share that I’ve been selected to participate in the prestigious Conference of Youth on Environment and Climate (COYEC) 2025!
This impactful event will take place on June 5th in Lagos State, Nigeria.
#COYEC2025 #ClimateAction #YouthForClimate
#Sustainability
#EnvironmentalLeadership
This impactful event will take place on June 5th in Lagos State, Nigeria.
#COYEC2025 #ClimateAction #YouthForClimate
#Sustainability
#EnvironmentalLeadership
May 27, 2025 at 7:14 AM
Excited to share that I’ve been selected to participate in the prestigious Conference of Youth on Environment and Climate (COYEC) 2025!
This impactful event will take place on June 5th in Lagos State, Nigeria.
#COYEC2025 #ClimateAction #YouthForClimate
#Sustainability
#EnvironmentalLeadership
This impactful event will take place on June 5th in Lagos State, Nigeria.
#COYEC2025 #ClimateAction #YouthForClimate
#Sustainability
#EnvironmentalLeadership