EU Soil Observatory (EUSO) - Newsletter March 2026

EU Soil Observatory (EUSO) - Newsletter March 2026

See latest news from EU Soil Observatory (EUSO).

 

EUSO/ESDAC Newsletter  

EU Soil Observatory (EUSO)

Newsletter
No 186 - March 2026

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Dear Readers, 

The March edition of the EU Soil Observatory (EUSO) newsletter is now available, providing the latest highlights and insights on soil-related research and policy developments within the European Union. 

  ■  EUSO Highlights   ■  Recent Publications
  ■  Events   ■  Horizon Europe - Mission Soil News
  ■  Our Network at the JRC   ■  EUSO Components
 

Highlights

Nature publication on Pesticides and Soil Biodiversity

A new Nature publication, authored by EUSO team members, delves into the critical issue of how pesticides affect the delicate balance of soil ecosystems. This research is pivotal, as it highlights the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices that protect and preserve soil health, which is essential for food security and environmental sustainability. The study has also been recognised with the honour of gracing the cover of the latest issue. The dataset associated with the study is available on ESDAC.

 

Publication
Data available here
Behind the paper post

Joint PhD position in JRC and University on Basel on “AI-Driven Pathways to Healthy Soils

The PhD project investigates how artificial intelligence can support the achievement of healthy soils by 2050 through EU policy implementation (e.g., CAP, Soil Monitoring Law, CRCF). It will develop AI tools to map and predict soil health across space and time, accelerate literature reviews, extract best management practices from long-term experiments, and design methods to evaluate soil health. The project will also explore translating Soil Living Labs outcomes into policy recommendations and conducting policy-relevant scenario analyses.

 

Deadline: 6.4.2026
Link
More information

Joint PhD position in JRC and University on Basel on “Quantifying the of role soil erosion on phosphorus loads and eutrophication in European freshwaters

This PhD project will develop integrated and reproducible approaches to quantify and reduce soil- and sediment-driven nutrient pollution in European catchments. It will assess the role of soil erosion and land management in phosphorus transport and eutrophication, using monitoring data from the EU Water Framework Directive to calibrate and validate advanced sediment routing and modelling approaches. The research will also design a European-scale turbidity and sediment monitoring framework combining in situ observations and satellite remote sensing.

 

Deadline: 6.4.2026
Link
More information

Conservation outcomes of dietary transitions across different values of nature


This dataset includes data on how the partial or full transition to healthier diets would affect indicators across the ‘Nature for Nature’ and ‘Nature for Society’ conservation value perspectives. Among them, we address the changes in the area of habitat (AOH) of vertebrate species. AOH projections provide valuable information on potential habitat change and species extinction risk. This dataset is documented in the Nature Sustainability publication.Link to dataset

Publication

Towards Harmonized Soil Monitoring in the EU: An Inventory of Existing International and European Standards

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With the new Soil Monitoring Law, soil-related standards become even more important to ensure interoperability among Member States. This new JRC technical report provides an inventory of 574 soil-related standards from international and European standard bodies including the International Organization for Standardisation (ISO) and the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN). The report highlights the need for harmonisation of soil-related standards to ensure consistency and comparability of soil data and to support effective soil management and protection effort.

Download the report

 

Recent Publications

 

The soil microbiome as an indicator of ecosystem multifunctionality in European soils

 
 

Bacterial richness enhances the thermostability of soil organic matter via a long-term trade-off between molecular diversity and thermodynamic stability

 
 

Copper and zinc thresholds in EU topsoils: Insights from LUCAS and literature datasets

 
 

A bottom-up perspective on how fire changes ecosystem biogeochemistry via plant-soil interactions

 
 

NaturArchy: a multidisciplinary exploration of soil science & art

 
 

Scoping Review of Epidemiological Studies on Carcinogenic Metals in Soil and Cancer Burden in General Population

 

Events

Soils for Europe Conference 2026

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The Soils for Europe Conference is co-organised by several Mission Soil projects and will cover sessions on all Mission Objectives. As such, it aims to showcase the latest soil research being developed across Europe. Deadline for abstract submission is 31 March 2026.

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Date
Date   07/09/2026 - 11/09/2026
Venue
Venue   Coimbra, Portugal
Registration
Registration   Registration

Mission Soil Investment Forum – Save the date


Please save the date for the inaugural Mission Soil Investment Forum, taking place on 30 June 2026 in Brussels. This event aims to bring together a wide range of stakeholders to promote a community of investors for soil health, design investment mechanisms jointly and build strategic partnerships. Further information, including the agenda and logistical details, will follow in due course.

Date
Date   09/03/2026
Venue
Venue   Brussels, Belgium

Welcome to 3rd International Cadmium and Trace Elements Conference

The Conference, that will include a wide spectrum of presentation covering the main aspects of cadmium and trace elements biology as well as its clinical implications, is divided into six main sessions: Cell Biology, Cancer, Other Diseases, Environment, Toxicity and Agricolture, botany and Veterinary. Participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas with worldwide experts in the field and highly distinguished international speakers from different scientific areas related to biology, medicine, toxicology, chemistry, and environmental sciences.

 
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Date
Date   24/06/2026 - 26/06/2026
Venue
Venue   University of Sassari, Sardinia
Registration
Registration   Register here

7th world landslide forum

The World Landslide Forum is a flagship triennial international event organized under the aegis of the International Consortium on Landslides (ICL) in collaboration with UNESCO and other UN and international organizations.

 
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Date
Date   23/11/2026 - 27/11/2026
Venue
Venue   Faridabad, India
Registration
Registration   Register here

International Conference on Alternatives to Reduce Soil Degradation

Step into a dynamic conference designed to foster interdisciplinary partnerships and enrich the understanding of soil’s intricate complexities. Dive into a special theme on conservation agriculture, exploring the latest in soil biological processes and practical methods to enhance soil quality. Delve into cutting-edge soil science discoveries, including regenerative agricultural practices, and gain insights into soil biology advancements, from mezofauna studies to mycorrhiza research. Engage in discussions on monitoring and modelling soil processes and water movements. Connect, collaborate, and contribute to sustainable development as part of a vibrant community committed to safeguarding our soil's future.

 
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Date
Date   19/05/2026 - 19/05/2026
Venue
Venue   Kossuth Klub, Múzeum, Budapest, Hungary & Online
Registration
Registration   Abstract submission and registration

Call for Balkan Training: JRC Summer School 2026 on the evaluation of air, soil and water pollution

This summer, engage in transformative training to enhance green skills pivotal for a sustainable society, aligned with EU Enlargement goals. Our programme plays a crucial role in regional growth amid the green and digital shifts. Partnering with Goce Delcev University, North Macedonia, we leverage strategic research expertise. Organised by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, the school focuses on assessing air, soil, and water pollution, bolstering the European Green Deal with a holistic perspective. Explore JRC tools for emissions tracking, innovative methods for water and soil improvement, and advanced measurement techniques. Be part of a change-making community!

 
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Date
Date   14/09/2026 - 18/09/2026
Venue
Venue   Stip, North Macedonia
Registration
Registration   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

IFSA: Capacity development to support systemic change: approaches, methods and tools


The objectives for the sessions relating to this theme are to explore concepts, theories, methods, tools and practices focusing on learning processes and capacity development in the context of negotiating rural development and sustainable agricultural futures, as well as on the results of relevant projects, programs, education and training courses or policies in different socio-cultural, economic and institutional contexts.

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Date
Date   29/06/2026 - 03/07/2026
Venue
Venue   Université de Montpellier Paul-Valéry, France
Registration
Registration   Registration here

100th anniversary of agricultural experimentation at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW

The conference will provide a platform for discussion and presentation of results in various fields, including agricultural sciences, agricultural chemistry, soil science, environmental sciences, and biological sciences, among others. Focus will be on demonstrating the role that long-term experiments play in agricultural and environmental sciences, in society and in creating agricultural development strategies in changing climatic conditions.

 
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Date
Date   12/06/2026 - 13/06/2026
Venue
Venue   Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Poland
Registration
Registration   Register here

ISMC: 5th International Soil Modeling Consortium Conference

Join us for ISMC 2026, the inaugural conference set against the vibrant backdrop of Latin America, focusing on the critical role of tropical soil modelling in food and water security, carbon cycling, biodiversity, and land-use change. Discover how soil models integrate diverse data sources to enhance hydrological forecasting and climate-change adaptation. Gather with 150 global participants—spanning graduate students to industry experts—from agriculture, water resources, and environmental sectors. Engage with eminent speakers, themed sessions, dynamic presentations, and experience Brazilian landscapes firsthand. Enjoy enriching social events designed to spark collaboration across career stages. Be part of shaping the future of soil science!

 
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Date
Date   15/09/2026 - 19/09/2026
Venue
Venue   University of São Paulo (USP), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Registration
Registration   Register here

Global Symposium on Soil Compaction

Dive into an influential event aimed at transforming our approach to soil compaction. By fostering multidisciplinary dialogue, this symposium will enhance scientific understanding, unite global research efforts, and shape policy development. Explore the far-reaching impacts of soil compaction on agriculture, ecosystems, and climate, while exchanging cutting-edge methods for assessment and mitigation. Engage in discussions on policy frameworks and collaborative strategies to overcome socio-economic barriers and unlock opportunities for sustainable soil practices. Outcomes from this symposium will directly inform actionable recommendations, supporting FAO’s initiatives and guiding stakeholders in effective land management and restoration. Be part of the change in soil stewardship!

 
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Date
Date   21/09/2026 - 23/09/2026
Venue
Venue   Hybrid event: Aarhus, Denmark
Registration
Registration   Register here
SeeAlso
See also   Submit your abstract here

International Symposium on Climate-Resilient Agri-Environmental Systems

ISCRAES 2026 will be held under the central theme, “Land Health Nexus: Cultivating Climate Resilience and Sustainable Agri-Environments.” The symposium aims to address the urgent need to strengthen the resilience of agricultural systems while safeguarding land health, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and scientific exchange, ISCRAES 2026 seeks to contribute meaningfully to agro-environmental sustainability in the face of growing environmental, climate, and societal challenges.

 
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Date
Date   12/08/2026 - 14/08/2026
Venue
Venue   Dublin, Ireland
Registration
Registration   Register here
 

Horizon Europe - Mission Soil News

Mission Soil calls for proposals are open


The Mission Soil Work Program 26-27 includes 12 calls for proposals. The calls address topics such as antimicrobial resistance in soils, long-term field experiments, and agroforestry, among others. It also includes new calls for Living Labs. Submission deadline is 23 September 2026 for single-stage calls, and 14 April 2026 for two-stage calls..

Calls for Proposals

Second Open Call for Micro-Grants for SoilTribes Community of Practice

The SoilTribes Community of Practice (CoP) is launching its second Open Call for Micro‑Grants, continuing its mission to empower soil advocates, practitioners, and innovators across Europe and beyond. To support this ecosystem, SoilTribes offers four rounds of €750 Lump Sum Micro-Grants, with a total of 32 grants available during the project’s timeframe. These grants enable CoP members to attend trainings, events, and implement activities that boost soil awareness and community engagement. The application process is simple, inclusive, and designed with busy professionals in mind. Applicants may propose activities that align with the Soil Mission and the SoilTribes CoP pillars and each CoP member may receive up to two micro‑grants over the course of the project.

 

Apply here

GOV4ALL Living Lab event in Astros

Welcome to the application form for the Biofest II, which will be held at the Thyrea BioFabLab in Astros, Greece, April 22-25 2026. This knowledge-sharing event is especially around topics of Biomaterials, Fungi, and Circularity, and follows up on an initial Fungal Themed Biofest, which helped launch the Thyrea BioFabLab back in October 2023. We invite you to help shape this gathering. With an ‘un-conference’ format, we are moving away from rigid presentations in favor of hands-on exploration and fluid conversation.

 

Application form

 

Our Network at the JRC

Our Network at the JRC

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EUSO Components

Stakeholders

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

 
more
 
 

Soil Monitoring

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

 
more
 
 

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.

 
more
 
 

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.

 
more
 
 

Knowlege for Policy

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

 
more
 
 

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.

 
more
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

BIOEAST HUB CR

National Bioeconomy Hub, the first in the Central and Eastern Europe region with the support of the BIOEAST Initiative.

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BIOEASTsUP project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 Programme for Research and innovation under grant agreement No 862699

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