Research on Land Degradation in Europe: A Comprehensive Approach

Land degradation is a major environmental and social problem affecting different parts of the world, including Europe. To better understand this phenomenon and its many manifestations, a group of scientists has carried out detailed research in 40 European countries. The study, published in Nature Communications, looks at how different degradation processes combine to affect agricultural productivity and the environment.

What is land degradation?

Land degradation is the decline in the quality of soil and vegetation that reduces the land’s ability to support life, including agriculture. It can be caused by natural factors, such as erosion and drought, or by human activities, such as excessive use of pesticides and contamination of soil with heavy metals.

The multi-dimensional approach of the study

One of the key innovations of this study is its multi-dimensional approach to assessing land degradation. Instead of analysing factors in isolation, the scientists combined 12 different processes of soil and vegetation degradation. This allowed them to create a Land Multi-Degradation Index (LMI), which shows how these processes interact and exacerbate each other.

For example, it was found that in some areas up to 27% of Europe’s agricultural land is affected by at least one degradation process, and 10-11% is affected by four or more processes at the same time. This approach helps to identify the most vulnerable regions and to better understand the challenges they face.

Key degradation processes identified

The researchers identified several key processes contributing to soil degradation in Europe:

• Soil contamination by pesticides: Affects 52% of agricultural land in Europe, making it one of the most widespread processes.
• Soil nutrient imbalances: Affects 39% of agricultural land and can lead to loss of soil fertility.
• Drought: Affects 26% of the land, particularly in Mediterranean regions where water scarcity is an increasing problem.
• Water erosion: Significantly affects countries in the Mediterranean and Balkan regions.

These processes are not only problematic on their own, but often combine to exacerbate their negative effects. For example, the combination of soil erosion, pesticide contamination and drought creates an extremely hostile environment for agriculture.

The economic impact of land degradation

The economic impact of land degradation is immense and goes beyond direct agricultural losses. Estimates of the global economic cost of land degradation, measured in terms of lost ecosystem services, range from US$6.3 trillion to US$10.6 trillion per year. These figures highlight the seriousness of the problem, as land degradation reduces agricultural productivity, undermines food security and reduces the economic stability of affected regions.

In Europe, while the specific costs vary by region and type of degradation, the cumulative impact is significant. The loss of agricultural productivity affects not only farmers and the food industry, but also food prices, food security and the economy as a whole. In addition, the costs associated with restoring degraded land, biodiversity loss and mitigating the effects of climate change further exacerbate the economic situation.

Policy and societal implications

The research is not only scientifically relevant, but also has important policy implications. The results provide a solid basis for developing strategies to mitigate land degradation in Europe. This is crucial for achieving sustainable development goals such as food security and climate stability.

In addition, the European Commission can use these findings to improve policies such as the Soil Strategy for 2030, which aims to restore and protect soils across the European Union. Integrating a multi-dimensional approach into policy planning could help to tackle land degradation more effectively and achieve a land degradation neutral continent in the coming years.

Conclusion

Land degradation is a complex and multifaceted challenge that requires an equally complex approach to understanding and addressing it. This ground-breaking study provides a detailed and holistic view of how multiple degradation processes interact in Europe, providing a valuable tool for decision-making and policy formulation. By taking informed and strategic action, Europe can move towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

This research highlights the importance of addressing land degradation not only as an environmental problem, but also as a social and economic challenge that affects the lives of millions of people. With the right approach, it is possible to mitigate the effects of degradation and preserve the valuable resource of land for future generations.