Soil Quality

Problem statement

It is estimated that a third of the world’s soil is moderately to highly degraded, soil supports countless ecosystems and is essential for sustaining life. The pollution of soils, loss of topsoil's and erosion are all contributing to the degradation of this vital resource.  

 

Key stakeholders

• Site owners
• Regulators
• Laboratories
• Contractors
• Consultants

 

Knowledge base

• EU soil strategy for 2030
• Summary of the state of the environment: Soil Environmental Agency England
• Scottish Government: State of the Environment - Soil Quality Report
• Soil quality – A critical review - Bünemann et al 2018

 

Challenges

• Developing and implementing a comprehensive protection policy
• Increasing carbon storage in soils
• Reducing the application of pesticides and chemicals
• Reducing soil sealing

 

Member priorities

• Restoring or improving soil quality
• Improving soil Biodiversity
• Natural capital assessment
• Land stewardship

 

Working Partnerships

• Linking site owners and innovators (universities, start-ups, small companies)
• Promote partnerships between NICOLE members and innovators
• Promoting best practice

 

Research and innovation stage