Selecting methodology for the Soil Monitoring Law in Flanders (Belgium)

The Soil Monitoring Law gives some freedom to the Member States in the choice of the methodology for the measurement of the soil descriptors. For the setup of the soil monitoring in Flanders (Belgium) possible measurement methods have to be evaluated based on their scientific value, cost and practical feasibility. Also alignment with measurement methods in other European Member States and, if relevant, validated transfer functions to link to the reference methodology, are to be considered during this selection process.

Commissioned by Department Omgeving of the government of Flanders, the selection process is taking place from January to July 2026 in two phases. Soil biodiversity will be included in this project, but methods for soil contamination are not. In the first phase, extensive information is gathered for each soil descriptor regarding the reference method, CEN method, and alternative methods. This will include aspects such as replicability, current use in Flanders, practical implications for sampling and logistics, synergies with other soil descriptors and methods in other member states, the existence of validated transfer functions, environmental and health considerations, and more. This information will assist in the selection of the most appropriate method for every soil descriptor by the steering committee. If a final selection cannot be made, an alternative may be considered as well.

In the second phase, one or more scenarios for soil sampling, sample preparation and analysis will be developed based on the combination of all selected most appropriate methods (and possible alternatives). Based on the scenario(s), implementation packages and sub-packages will be defined that can be carried out by a sampling team or laboratory. Prices for these (sub)packages will be requested to minimum three laboratories.

At the conference, an overview of the status and progress of the selection process of the methodology for soil monitoring in Flanders will be provided.