Land degradation and desertification assessment in the EU

The JRC has recently published a methodology for the spatial assessment of land degradation and desertification across the European Union (excluding outer regions). The methodology builds on the UNCCD framework for SDG 15.3.1 by integrating a more European perspective of land cover dynamics, land productivity and, eventually, soil degradation via the Soil Monitoring Law. The outcomes are subsequently combined with aridity to delineate current desertification and areas at future risk of desertification. This dataset allows the methodology to be evaluated using current harmonised elements for the EU.

Assessing the effectiveness of the Nitrates Directive: Implications for agriculture and for water, soil and air quality

The Nitrates Directive has reduced nitrogen input to waters and promoted better management practices; however, it takes time to see its effects because of the lag time of nitrate pollution in groundwater. The 50 mg/L nitrate threshold may not adequately protect water systems, while high livestock densities and manure production exceed safe limits and continue to drive nitrate pollution in some regions. The 170 kg/ha manure limit has contributed to capping livestock numbers and improved air quality, but a more integrated approach to nutrient management is needed. Adopting sustainable farming practices and manure recycling can reduce nitrogen losses and support EU green transition and climate neutrality goals, ensuring water resilience and sustainable food production.

LUCAS (Land Use/Cover Area frame Survey) 2027 tender

We would like to inform you that the call for tenders for the provision of services to support and implement the 2027 Land Use/Cover Area frame Survey (LUCAS) 2027 was published on 18 September 2026 on the Funding and Tenders Portal and in TED (EC-ESTAT/2026/OP/0019). The LUCAS Soil Module is a key component of the Soil Monitoring Law. Deadline: 10/11/2026

The Soil Monitoring Law introduces new monitoring obligations for EU Member States. However, the law’s framework was largely shaped around agricultural and urban soils. Forest soils have unique dynamics, processes, and challenges that require tailored indicators, threshold values, and methodologies. This three‑hour webinar aims to support policy‑makers, researchers, and practitioners working directly with forest soils to bridge this gap.

Building on the success of its first edition, the symposium will bring together scientists, policymakers, and industry representatives to explore how Earth Observation (EO) can support soil protection, sustainable management, and restoration. EO technologies – particularly through the Copernicus Programme – offer unprecedented opportunities to monitor soil health indicators such as organic carbon, moisture, nutrients, and land degradation dynamics at multiple scales. The symposium will assess how these capabilities can contribute to MRV) systems and support policy frameworks such as the Soil Monitoring.

The Soil Culture Toolbox is a practical collection of creative approaches, activities and resources designed to inspire engagement with soil through culture, education and community action. In this webinar, participants will explore the toolbox structure, discover selected methods and case studies, hear from contributing artists, and exchange experiences in interactive discussions. The session is aimed at local soil actors, educators, municipalities, cultural organisations, artists, activists and soil-related projects interested in raising soil awareness and fostering meaningful action. The webinar will be held in English.

PFAS contamination of soil and groundwater has become an increasing concern in many countries. This webinar will explore policy approaches to the identification and remediation of PFAS-contaminated sites, including regulatory frameworks, financial mechanisms, and efforts to develop and evaluate remediation approaches. Drawing on experiences from participating jurisdictions, speakers will discuss challenges, emerging practices, lessons learned where available, and key considerations for future policy development and implementation.

The overall conference theme is Soils at the Centre of Change: Innovation, Adaptation and Action. The packed multi-disciplinary event spanning the built, natural environment and agricultural sectors, will provide delegates with a fantastic opportunity to see the latest research and developments within soil science. The exciting and diverse programme will feature keynote speakers and experts across the week. The conference will bring together researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and industry leaders to examine how soil science can drive practical solutions to some of the most pressing environmental, societal, and policy challenges we face today.

Researchers, students, and professionals are invited to join the 3rd Workshop on Soil Degradation Control, Remediation and Reclamation, which will take place in person on the 9–11th of June 2027 in Potsdam, Germany.

Co-hosted by SoilValues and InBestSoil, this high-level policy conference will bring together policymakers, researchers, land managers, practitioners, financial actors, and other key stakeholders to explore how business models, incentives, and policy frameworks can accelerate the transition to healthier soils across Europe. Building on the results and experiences of both Horizon Europe projects, the event will foster dialogue on creating the enabling conditions needed to scale up soil health solutions across different sectors and land uses.

On 30 June 2026, the Mission Soil Investment Forum brought together 240 participants, both in person and online, creating a unique platform for dialogue between science, policy and the investment community. Featuring 60 expert speakers from the EIB, EIT Food, financial institutions, philanthropic organisations, Mission projects, Living Labs, and representatives from DG CLIMA, DG ENV and DG AGRI, the event explored innovative pathways to mobilise investment for soil health through plenary sessions, breakout discussions and a dynamic pitching session.

Invitations are open for session proposals for the European Carbon Farming Summit 2027. Share your research, practical experience or policy insights and help shape the conversations in Kraków.

Up to 33 farming entities will be selected to join GroundWork’s five Living Labs: up to seven farms each in Portugal, Belgium, Serbia and Sweden, and up to five in Germany. Selected farms will receive a lump-sum grant of up to €27,000, paid in instalments upon completion of programme milestones over the 36-month programme.

Stakeholders

The EUSO Stakeholders Forum is an open and inclusive platform bringing together soil scientists, policymakers, regional and national representatives, land managers and interested citizens.

Soil Monitoring

EUSO supports the development of an operational EU-wide Soil Monitoring System, through the LUCAS Soil Module.

Research & Innovation

A key objective of the EU Soil Observatory is to support research and innovation, and to intensify targeted research, data and monitoring on soils. This includes supporting the Mission Soil, and the EUSO’s in-house research activities.

EUSO Soil Degradation Dashboard

The EUSO Soil Degradation Dashboard provides a spatial assessment of where unhealthy soils may be located in the EU and which degradation processes affect them.

Knowledge for Policy

The EUSO Soil Strategy Actions Tracker is a rolling assessment of progress on formal policy commitments on soil.

ESDAC Datasets

The European Soil Data Centre (ESDAC) contains numerous soil data and information; most of the data on offer are at a European scale, while when possible, links to national or global datasets are provided.

Soil Literacy

The EUSO aims to support citizen engagement and the drive towards a societal change in the perception of soils.