Summary
This FAO flagship report provides a comprehensive global assessment of soil resources, synthesising evidence from regional and national studies to characterise the status and trends in soil health worldwide. It identifies the principal drivers of soil degradation — including unsustainable agricultural practices, deforestation, and land-use change — and their consequences for food security, ecosystem services, and climate regulation. The report concludes with policy-relevant recommendations for improved soil management and calls for greater investment in soil monitoring and restoration.
UK applicability
Whilst the report is global in scope, its findings are directly relevant to UK policy and practice, particularly regarding soil organic matter loss, erosion on arable land, and compaction in intensively managed systems. The report's framework and recommendations informed subsequent UK and EU soil health policy debates, including discussions around the 25 Year Environment Plan and post-Brexit agricultural transition.
Key measures
Proportion of global soils moderately to highly degraded (estimated ~33%); regional degradation rates; soil organic carbon stocks; erosion rates; nutrient loss estimates
Outcomes reported
The report assessed the condition of the world's soils across major regions, estimating the extent, severity, and causes of soil degradation. It reported on threats including erosion, nutrient depletion, salinisation, compaction, acidification, and loss of soil organic matter.
Topic tags
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