{"id":41218,"date":"2025-11-07T11:00:54","date_gmt":"2025-11-07T10:00:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/resoilfoundation.org\/?p=41218"},"modified":"2025-11-10T12:20:29","modified_gmt":"2025-11-10T11:20:29","slug":"eu-soil-quality-monitoring","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/resoilfoundation.org\/en\/environment\/eu-soil-quality-monitoring\/","title":{"rendered":"An integrated approach is needed for EU soil quality monitoring"},"content":{"rendered":"

A new study reviews different soil assessment schemes. The \u201cbinary\u201d system is the most suitable for macro evaluation. But tools for local investigations are also needed<\/h2>\n

by Matteo Cavallito<\/p>\n

The approach to soil quality assessment based on a \u201cdegradation-free\u201d criterion adopted by the European Union Soil Observatory (EUSO)<\/strong> and provided for in the Soil Monitoring Law<\/a> recently approved<\/a> by the EU Parliament is the most suitable for assessing the state of soil at the continental level. However, it must be accompanied by additional tools that, within the framework of monitoring activities, allow for operation on various scales, also ensuring analysis at the local level. This is the conclusion of a study<\/a> published in the European Journal of Soil Science.<\/p>\n

The study notes that a free from degradation assessment system defines soil quality according to a binary scheme (degraded\/non-degraded) rather than on the basis of its productivity or specific functions. According to this method, therefore, soil can be considered to be of good quality if it is free from man-made degradation<\/strong> phenomena. Such as erosion, loss of organic matter, salinization, contamination, or soil sealing<\/a> among others.<\/p>\n

\"L'obiettivo

The overall objective of the Soil Monitoring Law is to restore European soils to health by mid-century. SOURCE: European Commission<\/p><\/div>\n

Soil quality and health<\/h5>\n

The study, promoted by the Horizon Europe program and conducted by experts from various institutions, including the University of Aberdeen<\/strong> in the United Kingdom and ISPRA<\/strong>, proposed a conceptual framework for assessing the quality of European soils in a manner consistent with the objective of improving the selection and interpretation of indicators. \u201cSoil health is a holistic concept embracing emergence, complexity and highlighting long-term vitality and resilience,\u201d explains the research. \u201cIn contrast, soil quality is often viewed through the lens of its capacity to meet specific human needs and functions, typically in a shorter timeframe.\u201d<\/p>\n

In practice, the authors continue, soil health analysis is based on accurate indicators\u2014such as bulk density, organic matter, and pH\u2014which tend to provide a reductive picture<\/strong> of the functional complexity of the soil itself.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The indicators, the research continues, are also needed for assessing soil quality. However, choosing them \u201cis challenging due to diverse climate, topography, geology and soil types, resulting in varied soil processes.\u201d Hence the need to \u201cestablishing clear principles and criteria for soil indicator selection”. The study, therefore, aims to describe different assessment methods through schemes \u201cwhich can be categorised within the broader concept<\/strong> of quality.\u201d<\/p>\n

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FAO Launches the Global Soil Biodiversity Observatory<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n