The Second State of Natural Resources Report (SoNaRR2020) Assessment of the achievement of sustainable management of natural resources: Land use and soils
Read the full reportThe report emphasises the urgent need for sustainable soil management, highlighting the fragility of ecosystems and soils under the pressures of agriculture, forestry, and infrastructure development. While topsoil carbon concentrations have remained stable across various land uses, significant declines in upland habitats and a reduction in soil mesofauna across all land uses raise concerns about soil health and ecosystem services. The report calls for balanced nutrient management, with a focus on maintaining pH and macronutrient levels to ensure long-term soil productivity and health.
The report emphasises the need for sustainable soil use and management, highlighting the fragility and finite nature of ecosystems and soils under the pressures of agriculture, forestry, and infrastructure development.
The report notes stable trends in topsoil carbon concentrations across different land uses, with significant declines in upland habitat land from 2007 to 2016.
The report highlights the need for balanced nutrient management to maintain soil health and productivity, with specific attention to pH and macronutrient levels.
There is a decline in soil mesofauna across all land uses, indicating potential impacts on soil health and ecosystem services.
Provides empirical data on soil carbon concentrations, nutrient levels, and biodiversity, with references to studies and monitoring programs.
Recommendations for policy implementation
- Emphasises the need for sustainable land management practices to enhance soil health, including improved nutrient management and soil conservation measures.
- Recommends the implementation of Wales’s national peatland restoration and woodland creation programs to safeguard soil from degradation and enhance soil carbon stocks.
- Calls for robust soil health monitoring programs and further research to understand soil health dynamics and improve management practices.