A Green Future: Our 25 Year Plan to Improve the Environment Annex 1: Supplementary evidence report

Soil degradation in England and Wales could cost up to £1.4 billion annually. Over 55% of these costs are attributed to greenhouse gas emissions, 20% to lost agricultural output, and 20% to flooding.

An estimated 1 million hectares are at risk of erosion, with erosion rates sometimes exceeding 100 tonnes per hectare in extreme cases. Peat soils are particularly vulnerable, losing approximately ten times more than mineral soils annually.

Approximately 3.9 million hectares are at risk of compaction, especially clay soils during wet conditions.

Peatlands cover 11% of England’s land but over 70% are in drained or poor condition. They are crucial for biodiversity, flood management, water quality, and climate regulation as major carbon stores. Peatland restoration is beneficial for climate mitigation, biodiversity, water quality, soil health, habitat resilience, carbon sequestration, and flood risk.

The Health Index Initiative: is a plan that includes developing a soil health index and ending peat use in horticulture to enhance soil health.

Evidence from studies highlights the benefits of sustainable land management practices in reducing soil erosion, increasing soil carbon storage, and enhancing overall soil health.

Restoration projects have shown significant improvements in carbon sequestration and soil health metrics.

Recommendations for policy implementation

1. Implementing soil conservation measures to reduce degradation and enhance soil organic carbon content.
2. Investing in the restoration of degraded soils and adoption of sustainable land management practices to improve soil health and carbon sequestration capacity.
3. Encouraging policies that support sustainable agricultural practices and soil conservation techniques.

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A Green Future: Our 25 Year Plan to Improve the Environment Annex 1: Supplementary evidence report