Qualitative Impact Assessment of Land Management Interventions on Ecosystem Services (“QEIA”) Report-3 Theme-3: Soils
Read the full reportThe report categorises land management actions into different bundles, each encompassing specific actions aimed at improving soil ecosystem services. Evidence shows that these practices not only reduce soil erosion but also significantly enhance soil carbon storage, ensuring long-term benefits for soil health and agricultural productivity.
The report aims to inform future policy decisions, particularly for Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes, by evaluating the effectiveness of these actions in enhancing soil conservation and health. The report categorises land management actions into different bundles such as Systems Actions, Soil Management & Protection, Drainage Irrigation & Wastewater, fertiliser Nutrient Manure and Mulch Management, and Litter and Plastic Waste. Each bundle encompasses specific actions aimed at improving soil ecosystem services.
Soil Conservation and Health: focus is on actions that positively impact soil conservation (reducing erosion) and soil health (improving soil organic matter, reducing contamination, enhancing biodiversity, and improving soil structure).
Systems Actions: includes actions like the conversion of annual crops to perennial crops and avoiding high-risk crops in erosion-prone areas. These actions are evaluated for their potential to enhance soil carbon storage, reduce erosion, and improve soil health.
Soil Management & Protection: actions include tillage practices, compaction management, cover cropping, and manure and mulch management. The report assesses their effectiveness in maintaining or improving soil structure, increasing soil organic matter, and preventing erosion.
Drainage, Irrigation, and Wastewater: examine the role of land drainage enhancements in mineral soils and their implications for soil health and water management.
Fertiliser, Nutrient, and Manure Management: Spatial soil testing within fields for various nutrients and organic matter is highlighted as a key action for informed management decisions to optimise soil health and crop productivity.
Litter and Plastic Waste Management: The use of biodegradable materials is discussed as a beneficial practice to reduce soil contamination and support ecosystem services.
Co-Benefits and Trade-offs: potential co-benefits and trade-offs of the proposed actions, emphasising the need for balanced decision-making to maximise positive outcomes for soil health while minimising negative impacts.
Evidence from studies shows significant reductions in soil erosion and increases in soil carbon with the adoption of recommended practices. Long-term benefits to soil health and productivity through sustainable soil management practices.
Recommendations for policy implementation
- Prioritising land management actions that enhance soil cover and reduce soil erosion.
- Encouraging the use of perennial crops to replace annual crops for better soil carbon sequestration.
- Promoting reduced tillage practices to maintain soil structure and organic matter.