Soils play a vital role in ecosystems, food security and health. To support public policies aimed at preserving soil functions and conservation, a multidisciplinary group of 19 experts from various public research organisations, coordinated by INRAE, analysed the scientific literature on soil quality and health. They have compiled the main available resources and key considerations for conducting assessments based on the ecological functions performed by soils. Around fifty physical, chemical and biological indicators are linked to an interpretation framework that specifies measurement or calculation methods, as well as reference values for interpretation.
The selection of indicators depends on the assessment’s objectives, such as drafting urban planning documents or zoning agricultural plots for land consolidation. To adequately choose these indicators, select the interpretation framework and determine the monitoring grid (spatial and temporal), and whether to aggregate certain indicators, the assessment’s goals must be carefully considered.
This approach fosters dialogue among stakeholders from diverse social and political backgrounds, enabling them to collectively reflect on the nature of soils and the future of land use.
This book is intended for non-experts with a solid understanding of the subject, including decision-makers, professionals, and representatives of non-profit organisations and public services responsible for environmental and urban planning policies. More broadly, it is aimed at anyone interested in the public debate on soil quality and health.
