Impacts of soil erosion

Lorren, Luuk et al.-- 11 páginas, 1 tabla, 42 referencias.-- Volumen II: Taskgroups on Soil Erosion.-- La serie completa consta de seis volúmenes, en total 872 páginas.-- [email protected] Definition of soil functions, soil quality and quality targets The identification of soil functions, properties and processes which are affected by soil erosion is needed to evaluate the impacts of erosion on the soil system. Definition of soil loss tolerance according to soil types and environmental characteristics. 3.2 Development of criteria and indicators to assess soil sustainable use and soil protection measures What are the impacts of soil erosion on soil functioning and soil quality? How does soil erosion affect environment health and security? The efficiency of soil protection and conservation measures must be evaluated by measuring the reduction of the soil erosion impacts. 3.3 Development of criteria and indicators to assess off-site impacts What are the impacts of soil erosion in down slope or downstream areas, i.e. the off-site effects? 3.4 Development of studies of the economic impact of soil erosion. Review and extract conclusion of existing studies. Development of specific studies on the social, health and economic impact of erosion.Peer reviewe

The contribution of the European Society for Soil Conservation (ESSC) to scientific knowledge, education and sustainability

Soil is an integral component of the global environmental system which supports the quality and diversity of terrestrial life on Earth. Therefore, it is vital to consider the processes and impacts of soil degradation on society, especially on the provision of environmental goods and services, including food security and climate change mitigation and adaptation. Scientific societies devoted to soil science play significant roles in reducing soil degradation and promoting soil conservation by advancing scientific knowledge, education and environmental sustainability. The ESSC was founded on 4 November 1988, with the aims to: 1. Support research on soil degradation, soil protection and soil and water conservation. 2. Provide a network for the exchange of knowledge about soil degradation processes and soil conservation research and practises. 3. Produce publications on major issues relating to soil degradation and soil and water conservation. 4. Advise regulators and policy-makers on soil issues, especially soil degradation, protection and conservation. The societal challenges that can be addressed through better soil protection, advancing knowledge and scientific approaches to soil protection and sustainable management, mean the ESSC embraces the on-going development, application, review and constructive criticism of highly innovative scientific soil conservation methods. In this context, the ESSC analyses and publicizes the roles and functions of soil in natural and human-modified systems and the functional optimization of soils to ensure sustainable environmental protection. “The thin layer of soil that forms a patchy covering over the continents controls our own existence and that of every other animal of the land” (Rachel Carson (1962) in ‘Silent Spring’).European Society for Soil Conservatio