Implications of the proposed Soil Framework Directive on agricultural systems in Atlantic Europe – a review

Abstract

19The main threats to soils outlined in the pending Soil Framework Directive (SFD) are: 20 contamination, loss of organic matter, erosion, compaction, sealing, salinisation and 21 desertification. The first four threats are pertinent to agricultural systems in Atlantic Europe, 22 but vary in their extent between countries depending on the spatial soil distribution. Loss of 23 soil biodiversity has not been included as a potential threat in the SFD due to lack of 24 information that is currently available both spatially and temporally to facilitate any 25 legislation to protect it. This paper gives emphasis to the four main threats outlined above 26 associated with Agricultural systems in Atlantic Europe. Each soil threat is discussed in 27 relation to the agricultural management calendar for cultivated and grazed grassland soils. 28The paper discusses current soil protection policies and possible changes to such legislation 29 with the adoption of the SFD by member states. 30

Prioritising Soil Quality Assessment Through the Screening of Sites: The Use of Publicly Collected Data

“…Loss of biodiversity is seen as a potential threat to soil; however, it is not included in the proposed EU. SFD because of difficulties in quantification of changes in biodiversity at a European or even a national level (Creamer et al, 2010). Collection of information relating to soil biodiversity could allow investigation of the distribution of organisms across The availability of a simple and inexpensive method for collection of data Achievable within a reasonable timeframe…”

Environmental impacts of innovative dairy farming systems aiming at improved internal nutrient cycling: A multi-scale assessment

“…Farming practices affect soil properties, such as soil organic matter content, and contents of nutrients, such as nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in the soil, which in turn may affect soil services in terms of water and nutrient supply (Creamer et al, 2010), and water quality through N and P leaching and runoff. There is thus a need to develop sustainable soil and nutrient management practices that result in the continuous supply of ecosystems services with acceptable environmental impacts.…”

A novel molecular approach for rapid assessment of soil nematode assemblages – variation, validation and potential applications

“…With c. 40% of agricultural soils, already suffering degradation (Doran & Zeiss 2000), monitoring and protection of soil health is critical, the alternative being further conversion of natural ecosystems. In Europe, there is an increasing list of legislation relating to the protection of soils as a result of Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform (Creamer et al 2010). Despite this increasing policy requirement for effective monitoring of soils at local-, regional-and national-scales, it remains unclear which properties of soils are most appropriately monitored.…”