permaculture

[Richard Morris <webmaster@pfaf.org>]

Jamie Saunders wrote:
> 
> http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/en/com/pdf/2002/com2002_0179en01.pdf
> 

A rather interesting document from the European Commission
on problems with soil.

        Towards a thematic strategy for Soil Protection

Short preicie

"Soil is essentially a non­renewable resource with potentially rapid
degradation rates and extremely slow formation and regeneration
processes. The amount of land and thus soil available for food
production per person is limited. Where degradation of soil occurs, 
the overall potential to perform its functions is reduced. Therefore
prevention, precaution and sustainable soil management should be at 
the core of soil protection policies."

First a set of problems are identified
        Erosion
        Desertification
        Decline in organic matter
        Soil contamination through mining, atmosphere pollution
                farming practices and waste (e.g. sludge)
        Soil compactification
        Soil sealing - building onto of soil
        decline in bio diversity
"Organic farming has been shown to be very effective preserving and
enhancing biodiversity. In a two­year study in Austrian soils, beetles
were 94% more abundant in organic fields than in the conventional ones.
The number of beetle species was 16% higher. However, it is stressed
that quantification of soil biodiversity is extremely limited and
confined to projects of local relevance. "

        Salinisation
        Flood and landslides

Generally good reading and would be good for an A level or
degree student wanting to write an essay on soil.

Document then goes on to discuss specific local problems:
        Its basically worse in meditarian where desertification is
        a big problem.

and whats being done:

"In the UK, England is developing an overall soil strategy. The
consultation paper considers several types of pressure on soil and
lists sustainable responses. It sets out a new set of key soil 
indicators and targets, and addresses the relation between soil 
and land­use planning. "

Links with other EC policies are established: water, air, land use,
waste, common agricultural policy, transport, research (several
research programs looking at soil).

Then lots of fancy motivational words about whats to be done
including relavant legislation coming into force:

"By the end of 2004 a directive on compost and other biowaste will 
be prepared with the aim to control potential contamination and to 
encourage the use of certified compost. "

"Agri­environmental measures aimed at soil protection range from 
overall farm management systems such as organic farming (including 
maximum stocking rates) and integrated crop management (ICM) to 
specific measures such as no­tillage or conservation practices, 
grassland strips,
winter covers, use of compost and the maintenance of terraces. Measures
aiming at a reduced use of pesticides, such as integrated pest
management (IPM) or promoting balanced rotations can also contribute to
improve the condition of agricultural soils. "

Lots of other bits of legislation.

For future directions monitoring seems to be very important

CONCLUSIONS 

"In presenting this Communication on soil protection, the
Commission is placing soil alongside water and air as environmental
media to be protected for the future. Soil is both essential to human
existence and subject to human activities. 

In developing a soil protection strategy the Commission has taken a
pragmatic approach directed in the first instance towards the adjustment
of existing policies relevant to soil taking both a preventative
approach through the development of new environmental legislation and an
integrational approach for sectoral policies of particular relevance for
soil. This integrational approach is fully in line with the Cardiff
process and sustainable development. 

In addition the Commission has established the need to provide a more
solid base through monitoring for actions in the future. These actions
will be beneficial not only to soil, but will also contribute to
reducing water and food contamination by hazardous pollutants and will
therefore contribute to the limitation of environmental impact on human
health. 

Soil protection has both a national and community­wide dimension and
requires that Member States implement national and community relevant
policy. 

The Commission requests the Council and the European Parliament to
endorse the approach it has established in this Communication."

On the whole an interesting read, showing the EC at least knows
there is a problem. A few useful statistics. A little disappointing
for those looking for quick legislation. But definitely moving
in the right direction.

        Happy reading

                Rich

--
Plants for a Future: 7000 useful plants
Web:       http://www.pfaf.org/  or  http://www.comp.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
Snail:     1 Lerryn View, Lerryn, Lostwithiel Cornwall, PL22 0QJ
Tel:         01208 872 963 / 07813 067250       
Email:     webmaster@pfaf.org 
PFAF electronic mailing list http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pfaf