SAVING OUR SOILS Healthy soils for our climate, nature and health

  • Commissioner: Soil Association
  • Conducted by: Soil Association (Louise Payton)
  • Year: 2021
  • Countries: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales
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The UK’s soils are in urgent decline, with a pressing need to increase soil organic matter to restore soil health and boost carbon sequestration. The report outlines seven key areas for action, monitoring soil health, increasing organic matter inputs, reducing tillage and chemical use, maintaining continuous plant cover, integrating trees into farmland, reducing soil compaction, and designing diverse crop rotations. Evidence from studies shows that adopting these sustainable practices leads to improved soil structure, enhanced biodiversity, and greater agricultural productivity, highlighting successful examples of regenerative farming.

The UK’s soils are in a state of decline, with an urgent need to increase soil organic matter to restore soil health and enhance carbon sequestration.

Healthy soils are crucial for achieving net zero emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and supporting sustainable food systems.

The report identifies seven key areas for action to save soils: monitoring soil health, increasing organic matter inputs, reducing tillage and chemical use, maintaining continuous plant cover, integrating trees into farmland, reducing soil compaction, and designing diverse crop rotations.

Evidence from studies and field trials demonstrates the benefits of sustainable soil management practices, including increased soil organic matter, improved soil structure, and enhanced biodiversity.

The report highlights successful examples of farmers adopting regenerative practices and achieving significant improvements in soil health and productivity.

Recommendations for policy implementation

  1. Develop a comprehensive National Soil Strategy to set clear targets and pathways for soil health improvement.
  2. Implement incentives for farmers to adopt sustainable soil management practices, such as reduced tillage, cover cropping, and agroforestry.
  3. Enhance soil monitoring and data collection to better understand soil health and inform policy decisions.
  4. Support research and knowledge exchange on soil health practices and their benefits for carbon sequestration and biodiversity.

Read the full report

SAVING OUR SOILS Healthy soils for our climate, nature and health