State of soils in Europe – JRC report

The European Commission’s Joint Research Center (JRC) and the European Environment Agency (EEA) have prepared a report entitled The State of Soils in Europe. The document provides data and information on pressures that cause soil degradation.

The results of the analysis were collected in the following subject areas:

• The role of soil as a provider of key ecosystem services;
• factors that cause changes in soil health;
• The condition of soils in the regions and trends in its degradation;
• Evidence of soil degradation in Europe;
• Understanding the interdependence of pressures drivers and their impact on soil degradation;
• The role of science in assessing soil conditions;
• Sustainable soil management: policy directions for maintaining soil health in Europe;
• Ensuring soil health and ecosystem resilience in the face of Europe’s diverse land use needs.

The report, entitled The State of Soils in Europe, can be downloaded from the website of the Publications Office of the European Union.

General context

The role and importance of soil cannot be overestimated not only for the functioning of nature, but also for humans. It is the main element of the terrestrial ecosystem. It purifies water, reduces pollutants, allows the circulation of elements/nutrients. In addition, it provides an environment for living organisms, and for humans it is the basic element for food production.

Soil health, which includes the overall health and functionality of the soil ecosystem, reflects its ability to support plant growth, maintain biodiversity, regulate nutrient cycles and provide other essential ecosystem services.

Don’t forget that soil acts as a natural filter, purifying the water that flows through it. This process helps maintain quality by reducing groundwater and surface water pollution. In addition, soils play a large role in regulating water, affecting its availability in ecosystems. Well-managed soils contribute to flood prevention and sustainable water supply.

United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) identifies, among other things, as the main functions of soil:

• The habitat (environment) of living organisms;
• Water purification and pollution reduction;
• climate regulation;
• carbon sequestration;
• food delivery;
• fuel delivery;
• circulation of elements, nutrients;
• Supply of construction, building materials;
• cultural, historical heritage.

Report The State of Soils in Europe

Published in 2024. The report The State of Soils in Europe analyzes the interactions between factors affecting changes in soil health. Both anthropogenic and natural pressures that shape soil degradation processes and their consequences are analyzed.

The report defines soil degradation, following the FAO, as a change in soil health resulting in a reduction in the capacity of an ecosystem to provide goods and services to its beneficiaries. The published document highlights the significant impact of soil degradation on agriculture, ecosystem resilience, water quality, biodiversity or human health, while pointing out the urgent need to prepare comprehensive management strategies.

The authors pointed to the importance of research, public involvement in soil monitoring and conservation efforts, and the importance of policies to promote sustainable management, supported by research and innovation. The above is expected to help protect soil health and ensure the long-term resilience of ecosystems.

Current status and trends of soil degradation in Europe

The report assesses the condition of soils in Europe based on a range of physical, chemical and biological indicators. Based on survey results, case studies and soil monitoring data, the assessment focuses on the following indicators of soil degradation:

• soil acidification;
• Changing the carbon content of the soil;
• Soil erosion;
• soil compaction;
• soil contamination;
• soil salinity;
• Changing soil biodiversity;
• soil sealing and land occupation.

In the context of the above indicators, the report points out, among other things, that the consequences of soil degradation affect the ecological, social and economic zones. For example, the effects of sealing and occupation of land can be seen in reduced functionality, increased urban heat island effects, increased water pollution. The above points to the need to implement sustainable land management practices, including green infrastructure or appropriate land use regulations.

Conclusions of the report The state of soils in Europe

The State of Soils in Europe report describes the interplay of various factors and processes that cause soil degradation. It indicates that both natural phenomena and human activities contribute, while emphasizing the need for integrated approaches to caring for soil health.

The document stresses the importance of science and the dissemination of knowledge to the public, which is an important way to raise awareness of the importance of soil health and increase public involvement in monitoring and caring for it. At the same time, it stresses the need for additional efforts to increase public participation in conservation efforts, especially in urban areas.

The report points out that policy initiatives in the European Union demonstrate a commitment to holistic soil management, but nevertheless, given the different approaches to the subject around the world, different levels of protection are observed, as well as different obstacles to the resilience and sustainability of the resource.

As actions for the future, the need to prioritize increased monitoring and data collection on soils and stakeholder involvement in sustainable management are identified. According to the report’s authors, efforts should focus on facilitating long-term monitoring, implementing technological innovations and fostering international cooperation.

By combining scientific knowledge, public involvement and policy initiatives, it is possible to work together to protect soils, safeguarding this priceless natural resource for present and future generations and ensuring the health and well-being of our planet.