Soil degradation in Europe: An urgent issue

In Europe, between 60% and 70% of soils are degraded or in the process of being degraded. This alarming figure is due to a variety of factors, including erosion, contamination, loss of organic matter and soil sealing (the covering of soil by buildings and infrastructure). These processes are accelerated by human activities such as industrial agriculture, urban expansion and pollution, all of which reduce the soil’s ability to function as a healthy ecosystem.

Soil degradation is not just an environmental issue; it has real economic and health consequences. It is estimated that soil degradation costs the EU tens of billions of euros each year.

Healthy soils are vital for food production, clean water and biodiversity, and they also help combat climate change by storing carbon. Soil protection is therefore crucial for the future well-being of Europe and its citizens.

The Soil Monitoring Directive: A new directive for soil protection

To address this issue, the EU has introduced the Soil Monitoring Law. The aim of this legislation is to protect and restore soils across Europe by establishing a comprehensive system for monitoring soil health and providing the tools for soil regeneration where necessary.

What does this legislation do?

Monitoring soil health: A key part of the legislation is the establishment of a system to monitor the condition of soils across Europe. This system will monitor chemical, physical and biological indicators of soil health, such as nutrient levels, organic matter and contamination. By regularly assessing soil health, authorities will be able to detect early signs of degradation.

Set targets for remediation: The Soil Monitoring Law is in line with the EU’s 2030 Biodiversity Strategy, which aims to restore at least 70% of degraded soils by 2030. It also contributes to the objective of achieving healthy soils by 2050, ensuring that all soils in the EU are in good ecological condition.

Tackling soil contamination: The legislation also addresses soil contamination by requiring the identification and remediation of contaminated sites to reduce risks to human health and the environment.

Promoting sustainable practices: The act encourages the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices to prevent further soil degradation. These practices include reducing the use of harmful pesticides, promoting organic farming and minimising soil erosion through conservation techniques.

Public access to data: One of the key elements of the legislation is transparency. The monitoring data collected will be made available to the public through an online portal, allowing citizens to be informed about the health of the soil in their region.

Why is this law important?

Healthy soils are essential for life

They support 90% of all food production, regulate water cycles, store carbon and host a quarter of the planet’s biodiversity. The Soil Monitoring Bill is vital because it directly addresses the main threats to this vital resource and aims to

Improve soil fertility for sustainable agriculture and food security
Reduce soil erosion and maintain water retention capacity, which is particularly important in the context of climate change.
Tackle soil contamination, which can affect both food safety and public health.
It also aims to increase Europe’s resilience to environmental challenges such as floods, droughts and forest fires, all of which are exacerbated by soil degradation.

Conclusion

The Soil Monitoring Law is a crucial step towards achieving healthier soils across Europe. By monitoring, restoring and protecting soils, this legislation will ensure food security, promote biodiversity and help mitigate climate change. As the EU strives to meet its ambitious 2050 targets for climate neutrality and environmental sustainability, healthy soils will play a key role in ensuring a resilient and prosperous future for all.