JRC report assesses soil degradation in Europe
The European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) releases a new report entitled “Addressing soil degradation in EU agriculture: relevant processes, practices and policies". The new research is based first of all on modelling, at EU level, of the risk concerning the six soil degradation processes most closely linked to agriculture. These are erosion, organic matter decline, compaction, salinisation or sodification, contamination and soil biodiversity decline. It also uses a review of the existing policy measures available at EU, national and regional levels to encourage soilfriendly farming practices. The study pays particular attention to how so called 'conservation agriculture practices' (the combined use of no tillage or reduced tillage, soil cover and crop rotation) might minimise the risk of soil degradation. The report will be available soon on-line.
Internet:
Report (coming soon)
Posted on: 17.03.2009