Why does research and innovation on soils matter?
Research is crucial to better understand, monitor and measure the specific effects of agricultural and forestry activities on soils.
Additional knowledge is needed on the long-term processes of soil formation, on soil fertility, and how to improve the productive and ecosystem functions of soil by optimising its biological, chemical and physical properties.
Designing ways to increase soil carbon content, enhance soil biodiversity and reduce soil erosion is crucial for food security.
New avenues for soil and crop management are emerging from an increased understanding of the ‘soil-food web’, the complex interactions between plants and soils which support water and nutrient uptake by plants or increase resistance against pests and diseases.
Knowledge and tools developed through research and innovation can help to progress soil-enhancing production systems and advance the role of livestock in soil management. Research efforts serve to enhance the function of soils as carbon and nitrogen sinks, thereby supporting the role of agriculture and forestry in the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as combating desertification and land degradation.
Policy focus
Funding opportunities
Calls for proposals and funding information related to agriculture, forestry and rural areas
The rural development policy supports innovation through a range of interventions, including the European innovation partnership for agriculture (EIP-AGRI)
Some soil related calls may be found in this programme
Projects and results
This factsheet collects most of the research and innovation related to solis under Horizon 2020 societal challenge 2
The one-stop shop to EU-funded agricultural innovation projects
The Commission's primary portal for results of EU-funded research projects
Stories of particularly successful EU-funded research projects
Collaboration and jobs
The EIP-AGRI fosters innovation in agriculture and forestry connecting knowledge and practice
Look for project partners and view profiles of all organisations that have received funding via the funding and tender opportunities portal
Partnerships with EU countries on soil research programmes
International cooperation in research and innovation contributes to respond to global challenges
Researcher jobs in related fields
Scientific publications, tools and databases
Scientific publications produced by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC)
The Commission's Joint Research Centre compiles databases and develops software and modelling tools
Single point of access to open data produced by the EU institutions. All data is free to use for commercial and non-commercial purposes
You can access all scientific publications from Horizon 2020 via OpenAIRE
Access to agriculture data from the Copernicus programme
Latest
Thirty-three projects selected under three calls of Horizon Europe Missions have signed their grant agreements with the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA).
The info days dedicated to the five EU Missions under Horizon Europe will be held online on 25 and 26 April 2024.
The winners for the Mission Soil photo competition were announced during the European Mission Soil Week in Madrid (Spain). The competition inspired over 50 people to show us their love for soil in their beautiful photos with soil as the protagonist.