The soil-management interface: An interdisciplinary review bridging natural capital, ecosystem services, and sustainable development

The nature–business nexus is increasingly recognized for its vital role in sustaining ecosystem services and advancing sustainable development. This paper provides an interdisciplinary review of research at the intersection of soil science and the Business, Management, and Accounting (BMA) domain. Using bibliometric tools, thematic and temporal analysis, and a knowledge graph, the study traces the evolution of four key themes (linked to fifteen sub-themes): Soil Pollution Management and Environmental Remediation, Life Cycle and Environmental Impact, Sustainability and Ecosystems, and Agricultural Practices and Efficiency. These are grouped into two overarching domains: (1) Soil Health, Environmental, and Technical Management and (2) Circular Economy, Ecosystem Services, and Sustainable Development. The review highlights the emerging role of soil as natural capital within broader systems thinking frameworks that integrate environmental stewardship and socio-economic goals. It demonstrates that soil health management is central to the provision and regulation of ecosystem services, with implications for climate action, food security, and sustainability transitions. The findings suggest that BMA and natural science scholars should adopt holistic and forward-looking approaches that align short-term agricultural needs with long-term sustainability objectives. Such integration is critical for enhancing soil ecosystem resilience, informing public policy, and embedding soil stewardship within sustainable development strategies.