A major report from the European Commission's Joint Research Centre, published in 2024, states that soil degradation in Europe is a critical and growing problem. The report, "Soil monitoring in Europe: Indicators and thresholds for soil health assessments," finds that more than 60% of the bloc's soils are unhealthy due to issues like erosion, loss of organic carbon, and contamination. This widespread degradation directly threatens agricultural productivity, biodiversity, and the soil's ability to regulate water and store carbon.
The primary drivers are intensive land management practices and the escalating impacts of climate change, including more frequent droughts and heavy rainfall. The European Environment Agency's 2019 "Soil in Europe" assessment had previously highlighted that between 60% and 70% of soils were unhealthy, indicating the issue is persistent. Current trends suggest these pressures are intensifying, accelerating the loss of fertile topsoil and reducing the land's resilience.
This has severe consequences for food security and climate goals. Healthy soils are vital for crop growth and are the largest terrestrial carbon store. Their degradation releases stored carbon, exacerbating climate change, while also increasing flood risks and water pollution. The EU's proposed Soil Monitoring Law aims to establish a legal framework for soil health, but its adoption and implementation remain pending as of early 2026.
Experts emphasize that reversing soil degradation requires a fundamental shift to sustainable agricultural practices, reduced land sealing, and effective policies that prioritize long-term soil health over short-term yields. Without urgent action, the capacity of Europe's soils to support ecosystems and human societies will continue to decline.
