A major new international study has provided a first worldwide insight into how soil erosion may be affecting the longevity of our soils.
A major new international study has provided a first worldwide insight into how soil erosion may be affecting the longevity of our soils.
The study, led by Lancaster University in collaboration with researchers from Chang’an University in China, and KU Leuven in Belgium, brought together soil erosion data from around the globe, spanning 255 locations across 38 countries on six continents.
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.
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