Global study reveals time running out for many soils - but conservation measures can help

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-09/lu-gsr091420.php

News Release 14-Sep-2020
Lancaster University

A major new international study has provided a first worldwide insight into how soil erosion may be affecting the longevity of our soils.

•••••

This data was used to calculate how long it would take for the top 30 cm of soil to erode at each location - the soil lifespan. The top layer of soil is often rich in nutrients and organic matter, making it important for growing food, fibres, feed and fuel. Soil erosion is a serious threat to global sustainability, endangering food security, driving desertification and biodiversity loss, and degrading ecosystems

The study included soils that are conventionally farmed, as well as those managed using soil conservation techniques, to find out how changes to land use and management practices can extend the lifespans of soils.

Researchers found more than 90 per cent of the conventionally farmed soils in the study were thinning, and 16 per cent had lifespans of less than a century. These rapidly thinning soils were found all over the world, including countries such as Australia, China, the UK, and the USA.

"Our soils are critically important and we rely on them in many ways, not least to grow our food", says lead author Dr Dan Evans of Lancaster University.

•••••