About the prize
The award comes in the form of a USD 15 000 check and a Glinka gold-plated medal. It contributes in a timely manner to raise awareness amongst policy makers and the general public about possible solutions to tackle acute national and local problems of soil degradation, and to encourage all stakeholders and soil practitioners to engage in field-oriented work, with direct contributions to the preservation of the environment, food security and poverty alleviation as specified in the Revised World Soil Charter.
The Glinka World Soil Prize aims to keep up the momentum generated by the International Year of Soils 2015.
Who can submit nominations?
All GSP Partners are invited to nominate candidates, either directly or on behalf of a third party. Self-nominations are not allowed and will be disqualified. Nominations can be submitted in English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic or Chinese.
If you think you are an eligible candidate propose your nomination to the GSP country focal point or to the closest GSP partner (full list available here).
Who can be nominated?
Nominees should have made outstanding achievements in implementing the principles and recommended actions of the revised World Soil Charter adopted by the FAO Conference in June 2015, and the achievement should contribute to the GSP action areas (a proven impact at field level will be an added value).
Who is Konstantin Dmitrievich Glinka?
Konstantin Glinka (1867-1927) was a prominent Russian soil scientist who is credited for his unique contribution to understanding the principles of the geographical distribution of soils and extensive activities on the exploration, mapping and assessment of vast areas of Siberia, the Far East and Central Asia, as well as his important studies in the areas of soil mineralogy, chemistry and paleopedology.
Past editions
Edition 2016
Edition 2016
December 5, 2016 - The first ever Glinka World Soil Prize was awarded on the occasion of World Soil Day 2016 to the Instituto Geografico Augustin Codazzi (IGAC) from Colombia. The Institute has a long-standing tradition in promoting sustainable soil management and of developing /building capacities of Latin American scientists and field practitioners.
More information on the Glinka World Soil Prize 2016
Watch the video here
Edition 2017
Edition 2017
December 5, 2017 - The second Glinka World Soil Prize was awarded on the occasion of World Soil Day 2017 to the Argentine No Till Farmers Association (Aapresid) from Argentine. They conduct research on soil biodiversity indicators at the farm level and provide certification protocols to ensure sustainable agricultural practices are adopted through partnerships around the globe.
More information on the Glinka World Soil Prize 2017.
Watch the video here
Edition 2018
Edition 2018
December 5, 2018 - The third Glinka World Soil Prize was awarded on the occasion of World Soil Day 2018 to Professor Rattan Lal for his outstanding work on sustainable soil management and his career spanning over 50-years and across six continents.
More information on the Glinka World Soil Prize 2018
Watch the video here
Edition 2019
Edition 2019
December 5, 2019 - Dr Xu Minggang from China won the fourth edition of the prize.
Dr Minggang's research results on soil organic matter has been extended to a total of 39.8 million hectares of soils, generating an annual income of 4.7 billion USD for rural communities over the last 15 years. In China, his achievements are illustrated by 260 scientific articles and had a positive impact on food security for over 1.4 billion people.
More information on the Glinka World Soil Prize 2019
Watch the video here
Edition 2020
Edition 2020
December 5, 2020 - Luca Montanarella from the European Commission won the fifth edition of the Glinka World Soil Prize
Mr Luca Montanarella has had a long and distinguished career in the field of soil science. For nearly 30 years, he focuses on the crucial role of soils for food security, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and human well-being. He is recognized as an active promoter of soil awareness in Europe and worldwide. During his career, he has contributed to increasing the visibility of soils within the policy-making community and the public. Mr Montanarella has worked at the interface between science and policy, supporting the transfer of scientific knowledge on soils into policy developments with different stakeholders.
More information on the Glinka World Soil Prize 2021
Watch the video here
Edition 2022
Edition 2022
5 December 2022 - Dr Ashok Kumar Patra from ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science (IISS) in Bhopal, India won the seventh edition of the Glinka World Soil Prize
Dr Ashok Kumar Patra won the Glinka World Soil Prize edition 2022. Renowned scientist from the ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science (IISS) in Bhopal, India rewarded for his 33-year dedicated career in Soil Science Research and Education
Edition 2023
Edition 2023
5 December 2023 - Professor Ravi Naidu won the eighth edition of the Glinka World Soil Prize
Professor Naidu is a global leader in contamination studies and has made monumental contributions within research and beyond. In his career spanning over three decades, he has over 900 articles, contributing breakthrough research in fundamental knowledge of contaminant-soil interaction.