Soils are a fundamental factor in the transition towards a sustainable
bioeconomy. In this context, society depends on fertile soils and their
long-term maintenance because of their various ecosystem services. So
far, little is known about how soils should be governed to ensure their
long-term vitality and sustainable use within a bioeconomy. This article
 reviews the existing literature on soil governance and outlines topics
for future research. The current knowledge about the relation of state
and non-state actors and different levels within soil governance are
presented. Different instrument types and deficits of existing
instruments in soil governance are discussed. Soil governance is an
underdeveloped research field and deserves more attention in
environmental and natural resource governance.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.10.143