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Data from the Joint Research Centre snapshot the health of the continental soil showing numbers in line with past predictions. Photo: François Molle/IRD Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)François Molle/IRD Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

61% of European soil is unhealthy, JRC confirms

Joint Research Centre data snapshot the health of continental soils, showing numbers in line with past predictions. Organic carbon reduction, biodiversity loss and peatland deterioration are the most widespread problems
Mud on the roads in Montecito, California, January 2018. Prolonged drought makes soil less permeable promoting landslides during wet periods. Photo: California National Guard Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)California National Guard Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

Climate and drought are the perfect recipe for disruption (not just) in California

During extended drought periods, soil loses its ability to absorb water, writes The New York Times. When rain occurs, landslide risk increases. A combination of phenomena that climate change makes increasingly frequent
Microbes can help stabilize soil by reducing the risk of collapse during earthquakes. Photo: pxhere CC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution requiredpxhere CC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution required

Soil microbes are a valuable resource. Including in case of earthquake

Nitrogen gas emitted by microbes helps stabilize soil by preventing building collapse during seismic events, US research shows. Encouraging this process means avoiding concrete injections while reducing damage to the environment
Asia contains many of the most fertile soils on the planet. PHOTO: Sasin Tipchai from Pixabay

Asia has its first ‘soil atlas’

It was created by the FAO Global Soil Partnership together with the Joint Research Center of the EU Commission. The tool will help to better understand the characteristics of the different soils of the continent. Among them, some of the most fertile on the planet. The food future of humanity depends on their sustainable management
Drought limits the soil's ability to absorb water, thus favoring erosion in subsequent rainy periods. Photo: Pixabay, Flickr CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain DedicationPixabay, Flickr CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

See some WEF’s suggestions to protect European soil from drought emergency

The combination of long-term drought and subsequent heavy rains is putting a strain on Europe's dry soils. From the World Economic Forum, five strategies to counter land erosion
Drought is having an unprecedented impact in Europe. Photo: CC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution requiredCC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution required

Europe faces four unexpected effects of drought

The Continent is dealing with the worst drought in five centuries. Amid failing crops, struggling transportation and electricity generation shortages, the World Economic Forum photographs some unusual consequences of a phenomenon that threatens the future of soil and the Planet
During the period under investigation, soil sealing covered almost 1,500 km2. Photo: Pxhere CC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution requiredPxhere CC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution required

Europe has lost 3,600 km2 of soil due to land take in seven years

Between 2012 and 2018, soil loss mainly affected suburbs and semi-rural areas that play a key role in ecological balance with severe consequences for the climate, the European Environment Agency says
Ukraine is home to a quarter of the global černozëm, a hyper fertile soil that guarantees high yields. Photo: Jackie Riceman Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)Jackie Riceman Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

War and climate change threaten Ukraine’s ‘magic’ soil

Standing behind Ukraine's legendary agricultural wealth is the černozëm, an exceptionally fertile soil covering two-thirds of the country's arable land. But war and climate change are undermining the crops
A forest stretch in Kenya Photo: Ninara Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)Ninara Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

The power of community brings a Kenian forest back to life

Behind the rebirth of the Mirema forest is a community initiative that is now recognized as a best practice for the country. But also as a new sign of Africa's growing commitment to protecting its natural resources
The effects of a flood in Valkenburg in the Netherlands. In the last 40 years, extreme weather events in Europe have caused half a trillion euros damage. Photo: Romaine CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain DedicationPhoto: Romaine CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

In Europe extreme weather events resulted in €500 billion losses since 1980

Since 1980, extreme weather events have caused half a trillion euros losses and 145,000 deaths in Europe, EEA has found. Climate change remains the main threat. Today, the insurance coverage is still too low

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It’s beneath our feet but we never think about its value. We tread on it, we mistreat it, but a healthy, fertile soil means life. It’s time to take care of the soil and each one of us can and must make a difference.

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