EEA – Soil Monitoring Report

Soil as a non-renewable resource is a fundamental part of Europe’s natural capital. It ensures food provision and water purification, organic carbon storage and a habitat for a vast amount of diverse biological communities. However, European soils are under increasing pressure due to soil sealing, pollution, intensive agriculture and climate change.

The European Environment Agency published today Soil monitoring report in order to identify healthy soils and those that are degraded and require protection. This report presents 12 soil quality indicators which identifies thresholds beyond which soil functioning, for example for water purification or food production, is negatively affected.

Sustainable and healthy soils are an integral part of the European Green Deal and are addressed under the measures of the common agricultural policy.