Synthesis of exemplary EJP SOIL results on climate-smart sustainable soil management

The EJP SOIL program lasted for five years and yielded significant contributions addressing the challenges of sustainable and climate-smart soil management in Europe. Through a combination of surveys, reviews, and experimental research, it provides critical insights into the six Expected Impacts (EIs) of the program, including fostering sustainable soil management, understanding carbon sequestration, and promoting stakeholder adoption of best practices. The findings highlight the importance of harmonized soil data systems, cooperative research, and region-specific approaches to address fertilization and soil health challenges effectively. These contributions align with European Union goals, such as the Green Deal and the Soil Monitoring Law, offering actionable pathways to enhance the resilience and sustainability of Europe’s agricultural soils.
A key resource with further material for driving these efforts is displayed in the EJP SOIL Knowledge Sharing Platform which serves as a hub for collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and practitioners. In this presentation we will highlight outcomes concerning (1) the impact of land management on soil structure, (2) the chemical and biological responses of SOM to above-ground practices, (3) changes in SOC content under different agricultural practices, (4) the effect of crop diversification on soil quality, and (5) studies analysing the response of soil microbial communities to agricultural management. As the synthesis and publication of EJP SOIL outputs continues, the lessons and innovations presented will provide a foundation for future research, policy-making, and practice. All together this will help ensure that Europe’s soils are managed sustainably to meet the challenges of a changing climate and growing food demands.