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“Sustainable regional soil policy from a European perspective” 17-18/09/2009
SoCo project Overview on soil degradation, practices and
policies
by E. Rusco, L. Montanarella, B. MarechalJRC –
IES
Land management and Natural Hazards Unit Soil Action
SoCo Policy Seminar, Brussels, 28 May 2009 2
Context and focus
Initiative of EP
Built on existing knowledge and experience
Overall context
Increasing concerns about soil conservation problems
Climate change
Need to assess economic and social consequences
Need for effective conservation tecniques
Revision and development of political framework
SoCo Policy Seminar, Brussels, 28 May 2009 3
Objectives
Improving the understanding of the interaction between agricultural practices and soil conservation
Assessing the relevant regulatory and incentive-based policy framework
Identifying needs and possible gaps in the policy framework
Make information available to stakeholders and policy makers
SoCo Policy Seminar, Brussels, 28 May 2009 4
Implementation
–
Budget: EUR 2 million
–
Tight timeframe (core work: 2007/08)
–
Administrative Arrangement with the JRC (IPTS, IES)
–
JRC established subcontracts for studies
–
Steering Group and Advisory Board
SoCo Policy Seminar, Brussels, 28 May 2009 5
Work Packages
(a) classification of the nature and amplitude of the soil protection problem
IES, SOIL Report ID1.1(a) Task2.1 IPTS Methodology and guidelines for CS
(b) the relevant practices their economics and effectiveness
Task2.2 IPTS Methodology and guidelines for CS(c-d) environmental
effectiveness (a) French Case study
IES, AGRI-ENV
Report on CS (a)
Task1.2 IPTS Direct input to D1
(b) Case study Marche, Italy
IES,SOIL Report on CS (b)
Task1.3 IPTS Direct input to D1
(c) Eight case studies
IPTS A set of reports on CS (c)
Task1.4 IPTS Minutes D2 Task 2.5: IPTSFrench national IES/AGRI-
ENV
D3 - Intermediate reportItalian IES/SOIL
3 regional linked to CSs 2.3. (c)
IPTS
Task 3.1 IPTS Direct input in D6
(a) Scenarios - conventional and conservation practices
(b) Classification of regions according to the env. benefit
Task4.1 IES/AGRI-ENV
Material for technical training ID4.1
D7
(a) the consistency of the finding
Task4.2 IPTS D8 - translati
(b) Policy-relevant conclusions
Task4.3 IPTS D9 - web
Task4.4 IPTS D -10 Policy seminar
D5
- Reg
iona
l w
orks
hops
WP4
Scheme of work flow within the SoCo project
Cas
e st
udie
s
A common agri-environmental framework for the CS
D4
-Sum
mar
y re
port
on c
ase
stud
ies
A common framework for policy analysis.
Task2.3 Case studies
Summary of case studiesTask2.4 Regional
workshops (WS2):
inculded in respectve deliverables of Task2.3
Policy seminar:
Direct input in D6
Report ID3.2IES
Summarising the results
Model calculations (EPIC) model – environmental benefits of adopting soil conservation
IES, AGRI-ENV
Dis
sem
inat
ion
Stakeholder workshop (WS1)
Report ID1.1(b,c-d)
Materials for technical training
Agricultural soil degradation problem and the corresponding soil conservation practices.
Con
clus
ions
/reco
mm
enda
tions
Drawing up of EU-wide conclusions concerning soil conservation practices and policy
IPTS
WP3
Task1.1
Task3.2
Task3.3
Sto
ck-ta
king
, the
ass
essm
ent o
f the
cur
rent
si
tuat
ion
WP1
WP2
Match between the problem, the conservation practices and policy measures (mapping)
A review of the regulatory environment and policy instruments
Uploading of all project outputs to the JRC project website.
Translation of the materials for technical training and the
ti f th fi l
D1
- WP
1 re
port
D6 - Final report
WP1 EU wide stock taking WP2
Case studies (10)
WP3Synthesis WP4
Dissemination
SoCo Policy Seminar, Brussels, 28 May 2009 6
The impact of human activities on soil
Blocking of soil functions important to the ecology of the landscape
Destruction of soil
Gradual destruction of soils
Reduction in soil fertility
Soil erosion
Manures and fertilisers
Sewage sludge
Gravel extraction
CompactionGradual disappearance of farms
Pesticides & herbicides
Destruction of soil
Changes in the structure of soils
Reduction in soil fertility
SealingDecline of Soil OM
Accumulation/Contamination
Heavy metals
Contamination of soils and ground water with applied agrochemicals and atmospheric pollutants
Changes in soil composition
Adverse impacts on living organisms in the soil
Acidification
Release of toxic substances
AcidsDiffuse input of contaminants as
particulates
Persistent substances
Salinisation
The impact of human activities on soil
SoCo Policy Seminar, Brussels, 28 May 2009 7
Soil Erosion in Europe
SoCo Policy Seminar, Brussels, 28 May 2009 8
Soil Erosion in Europe Soil loss tolerance factor
The T factor is the maximum rate of soil erosion that can occurs and still permit crop productivity to be sustained economically. Factors considered in defining the T factor include soil depth, physical properties and other characteristics affecting roots development, gully prevention, on field sediment problems, seeding losses, organic matter decline and loss of plant nutrients.
Agricultural Land with T factor > 2 ton/Ha/yr
24,972,366
170,049,166
< 2 t ha-1 yr-1> 2 t ha-1 yr-113 % of the total UAA
87 % of the total UAA
Agricultural land with T factor 5 t ha-1 yr-1
16,274,386
178,747,146
≤ 5 t ha-1 yr-1≥ 5 t ha-1 yr-1
9% of the total UAA
91% of the total UAA
Agricultural land with T factor 10 t ha-1 yr-1
186,330,697
8,690,835≤ 10 t ha-1 yr-1> 10 t ha-1 yr-1
5% of the total UUA
95% of the total UUA
SoCo Policy Seminar, Brussels, 28 May 2009 9
Soil Organic Matter
SoCo Policy Seminar, Brussels, 28 May 2009 10
Soil Compaction in Europe
Damage due to increasing soil deformation
After rain storm
Rapid water table increase in rivers and lakes
Reduced groundwater recharge
erosion
N2O gas
emission
N - loss due to stagnic water
Effects on the environment
Surface water runoff increase
Heavy machinery compacts arable, forest, and pasture soils
Consequences for plant production
Reduced growth, higher
uncertainty less yield
Increased fungi deseases,
more weeds
Reduced root growth (less dense and deep)
Soil biota suffersSoil quality declines
due to - reduced pore volume, - reduced aeration
-Water infiltration reduced,
- soils remain longer wet and cold, - more slaking problems, - reduced water storage
Effects on soil management
- higher draft energy required, - higher fuel consumption, - wet and cold soils result in
smaller number of working days,
- more fertilizers needed
Dust emission increased
Source: R. Horn, personal communication
SoCo Policy Seminar, Brussels, 28 May 2009 11
36% of European Soils have high or very high susceptibility to compaction
Soil Compaction in Europe
SoCo Policy Seminar, Brussels, 28 May 2009 12
Salinisation/sodification
Classes of salinity •
low: ECse
< 4 dS/m
(deciSiemens
per metre) •
medium: 4 < ECse
< 15 dS/m•
high: ECse
> 15 dS/m
Classes of alkalinity•
low: ESP < 6 % •
medium:6 < ESP < 15 % •
high: ESP > 15 %
with ESP: exchangeable sodium percentage.
SoCo Policy Seminar, Brussels, 28 May 2009 13
SoCo – Review of farming system / practices
SoCo Policy Seminar, Brussels, 28 May 2009 14
SoCo – Review of farming system
SoCo Policy Seminar, Brussels, 28 May 2009 15
SoCo – CA practices
SoCo Policy Seminar, Brussels, 28 May 2009 16
SoCo – Review of farming system
SoCo Policy Seminar, Brussels, 28 May 2009 17
SoCo – Organic farming - Practices
SoCo Policy Seminar, Brussels, 28 May 2009 18
Relevant EU agricultural policy (CAP)
Mandatory:Cross compliance (Regulation (EC) 73/2009)*
–
Statutory Management Requirements (SMRs)–
Requirement to keep land in Good Agricultural and
Environmental Condition (GAEC), targeting:•
Soil erosion
•
Soil organic matter decline•
Soil structure damage
•
Deterioration of habitats•
Water management
Voluntary incentive-based:Rural Development Regulation (EC) 1698/2005
* Replacing Regulation (EC) 1782/2003 during the Health Check of the CAP
SoCo Policy Seminar, Brussels, 28 May 2009 19
Effect of soil-friendly practices
SoCo Policy Seminar, Brussels, 28 May 2009 20
Effect of soil-friendly practices
SoCo Policy Seminar, Brussels, 28 May 2009 21From EU to farm level
Survey EU-27 on national/regional policy implementation:•
53 institutions•
24 Member States responded•
more than 400 data entriesFive regional and one EU workshops
10 case studies; 3 macro-regions:•
Northern and western Europe•
Mediterranean•
Central and eastern Europe
SoCo Policy Seminar, Brussels, 28 May 2009 22
Case study findings
•
Farmers are aware of challenges but do not regard them as pressing
•
Complex causal chain between factors shape the adoption of different farming practices and systems
•
Adoption impeded by technical factors, shortage of information, economic factors or not appropriately targeted policy measures
•
Mix of policy measures is seen as the way forward
•
More coordination, targeting, technical support and stronger monitoring considered as priorities
•
Robust evaluation of policy impacts on soil conservation appears scarce
SoCo Policy Seminar, Brussels, 28 May 2009 23
Conclusion 1
•Soil Degradation processes are strictly linked with the different types of soils, environmental conditions and management systems
•It is difficult, if not impossible, to identify soil conservation practices without linking practices and soil types
•Is absolutely crucial apply management system that take into account the soil degradation processes as a whole
•A soil monitoring system that evaluates the magnitude of the soil degradation processes needs to be established as a first priority.
SoCo Policy Seminar, Brussels, 28 May 2009 24
Conclusion 2
•SoCo
identified and focused on some of the available existing technical solutions justpresented for in depth-analysis, but many other techniques are available
•Some solutions are more targeted to specific soil, terrain, water issues or crops.Each presents benefits and drawbacks
•The effects of such solutions on other environmental parameters (beyond soil) arecomplex
•Depending on the scope, uptake may be limited to certain countries or localized conditions
•Conservation agriculture is a promising sustainable farming system, although it requires initial investments, specialized knowledge and fine tuning to avoid excessive use of chemicals and yield reductions, and a conversion period before stability is reached ……
SoCo Policy Seminar, Brussels, 28 May 2009 25
Conclusion 3
•
Existing suite of policy measures, including mechanisms for advice and support, generally adequate
•
Effectiveness of implementation and relative weight given to different types of instruments
•
Cross compliance clearly contributed to establishing a common reference level for sustainable soil management across the EU
•
Rural development measures: an important instrument for assisting farmers’ transition to higher levels of soil quality
•
Information and advice are essential to support any changes in farming practices
SoCo Policy Seminar, Brussels, 28 May 2009 26
Thank you for your attention!
Farming looks mighty easy when your plough is a pencil and you’re a thousand miles from the corn field”
Dwight David Eisenhower