Scientists from Europe have taken soil samples from all over the continent to better understand the main threats they face and to get preventive measures.
Soil specialists, biologists and agricultural engineers work together from the Joint Research Center (JRC) to advance this research that seeks to understand in a integral way what is happening under our feet, and to analyze challenges such as erosion, pollution, biodiversity and urbanization.
The analysis of the 25.000 samples taken so far will allow the study of the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils that have been selected to try to give a homogenous representation of all European countries so that the EU will can better determine policies for an appropriate management of soils.
JRC intends to advise farmers on good practices to be followed to stop the one that arises as the main problem, soil erosion. Among the advice that these specialists emphasize are the reduction in tillage practices, after the harvest leave the plant residues on the field and protect grass margins.
