Soil at JRC > SOER2010 (State of Environment Report 2010) > Section 1. Introduction
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Section 0. Summary Section 1. Introduction Section 2. State and Trends Section 3. Impacts Section 4. Outlook 2020 Section 5. Response Glossary/supporting information References |
 SOER 2010 |
Soil is a vital natural resource that regulates our environment and responds to a range of pressures imposed upon it [Link 1]. The soil resources of Europe are diverse (see Map 1.1). Northern European soils tend to have higher organic matter contents than those in the south. Relatively young soils dominate central Europe, and poorly developed soils or soil with accumulations of calcium carbonate characterise the Mediterranean Basin. Soil underpins the delivery of a range of land-based ecosystem goods and services that support, provide and regulate life on the planet (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005). While this complex bio-geochemical system is best known as a medium that supports agricultural production and forests, soil is a critical component of a diverse set of eco-processes from water management, terrestrial carbon fluxes, and land-based natural greenhouse gas production to nutrient cycles. Thus, human well being and our economy depend on a multitude of soil functions.
- Soil is the medium that enables us to grow food for people or animals, natural fibre, and timber, and supports wildlife. Around 99 % of global food supplies (calories) for human consumption come from land-based food production (FAO, 2007).
- Soil is a natural filter that neutralises certain pollutants by transforming them or accumulating and absorbing their toxicity. In addition, soils are a major factor in purifying water supplies and are a critical component for regulating flooding through the storage of rainfall. The sealing and compaction of permeable soils results in a more rapid delivery of rainfall to the river network. These are just examples of the critical ecosystem services provided by soil.
- Soil is a biological engine where dead plant and animal tissues, and other organic wastes, are decomposed to provide nutrients that sustain life. Soil is alive: decomposition processes are driven by a mass of soil microorganisms. A handful of soil may contain more than 10 billion microorganisms (Torsvik and Ovreas, 2002), the majority of which are bacteria — comparable to the number of people on Earth! In addition to the huge amounts of bacteria, 1 m3 of fertile topsoil will contain hundreds of kilometres of fungal hyphae, tens of thousands of protozoa, thousands of nematodes, several hundred insects, spiders and worms, and hundreds of metres of plant roots. The total weight of microorganisms in the soil below a hectare of temperate grassland can exceed that of a medium-sized elephant — five tonnes — and often exceeds the above-ground biomass. This biota is involved in most of the key functions of soil, driving fundamental nutrient cycling processes, regulating plant communities, degrading pollutants and helping to stabilise soil structure. Soil organisms also represent a crucially important biotechnological resource, with many species of bacteria and actinomycetes providing sources of antibiotics and other medicines.
- Soil plays a crucial role in regulating a number of life-sustaining natural biological and chemical cycles (ecosystem services). Carbon, nitrogen and a range of essential nutrients are continuously recycled between the soil and plants, geological deposits, ground water and the atmosphere. The intensity of these biogeochemical exchanges varies from place to place and is regulated by soil characteristics.
- Soil protects our buried heritage of archaeological and historic remains from damage and depletion. Much of the evidence of past habitats and human heritage remains buried, awaiting discovery and study by archaeologists and palaeo-ecologists. The degree of preservation of such remains depends on the local soil characteristics and conditions [Link 2]. Soils that preserve cultural heritage should also be regarded as valuable.
- Soil provides the foundation on which we construct our buildings, roads and other infrastructures. In addition to providing the support for the vast majority of human infrastructure, soil provides a range of raw materials such as clay for pottery and peat for fuel. [Link 3]
Map 1.1 The major soil types of Europe (Source: JRC/ESDAC)
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Section 0. Summary
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