Soil Science

We and many other scientific bodies were disappointed that the UK failed to support the EU Soil Framework Directive in 2007. We had recommended approval of the directive in our response to Defra's consultation on the subject.

In early 2008, we joined a number of professional bodies, learned societies and research organisations in writing to Environment Secretary Hilary Benn, urging the Government to continue negotiations with the European Commission and other Member States on a legal framework for good management of soil resources.

Scientific evidence unequivocally supports the case for improved protection of European soils. Governments have a responsibility to ensure that an effective legal framework exists to protect especially the most versatile and valuable soil systems.

Although soil may be located in a particular member state, the effects of its poor protection and management impact widely: the importance of soil systems to carbon, water resource and biodiversity management at continental scales is constantly underlined in the scientific literature. The loss of highly productive soil to urban expansion is materially reducing capacity for food production, which is of strategic concern to us all.

We were therefore disappointed that the Secretary of State replied in August 2008 to our second letter: “I do not feel that the proposals currently on the table would enable the UK to meet its policy objectives for protecting soils in the most effective way.”