Briefing papers
The iSQAPER briefing paper series places the results emerging from the scientific work programme within wider policy and decision-making contexts.
Assessing soil quality in agro-ecosystems
A briefing paper explaining how monitoring soil quality indicators can help in the establishment of management practices that better support the multiple ecosystem services that good quality soil provides. The effect of soil management on organic carbon is traditionally measured by monitoring total organic carbon (TOC). However here we show that the novel indicator permanganate oxidizable carbon (POXC) is a more informative alternative.
Getting to the roots of sustainable land management
This briefing paper seeks to inform EU, national and regional policy makers about how the latest CAP reform could deliver much-needed improvements in environmental and climate action.
Grounding sustainability: land, soils and the sustainable development goals
This briefing paper offers an analysis of the linkages of the SDGs with land use (decisions) and soil health and to provide insights on and recommendations for the opportunities of the SDGs to enhance soil and land management and restoration.
Joining the dots - soil health, agriculture and climate
A briefing on agricultural policy in the EU, its role in soil protection - linking soil to land use related climate goals.
Plastic pollution in soil
A briefing paper on plastic pollution in soil addressing the extent of the issue, sources and pathways, challenges, policies and regulations to address the challenges, conclusions and the way forward.
Protecting Europe's soils, protecting Europe's water bodies?
EU water law and its ability to support soil protection.
Climate and soil policy brief: better integrating soil into EU climate policy
There is a clear need for a comprehensive high-level framework for the soil policy contribution to climate objectives at the EU level. This framework should address the many other sustainability issues that soils face, but also ensure that the contribution of soils to climate mitigation and adaptation is well planned and organised in coherence with the rest of the EU climate policy architecture.