Natural England - What are the threats to soil?

What are the threats to soil?

There are many pressures on our soils, especially erosion, compaction and organic matter decline, and the impacts of development (sealing with impermeable materials such as concrete or tarmac), pollution and loss of biodiversity.

With climate change many of these pressures on our soils are likely to increase.

Land management

Inappropriate land management can damage agricultural soils, limiting their agricultural capacity. Poor structural condition, such as compaction, reduces water infiltration, which limits aquifer recharge and causes surface water run-off and erosion problems. This has adverse effects on the wider environment such as receiving watercourses or ponds, and increases clean up costs after floods.

Soil, particularly peat, is a major store of carbon in the form of soil organic matter. Loss of organic matter is detrimental to the quality of the soil, as it is important for fertility, stability and water retention, and a key indicator of soil health. Loss of carbon from soils to the atmosphere is likely to reduce the effectiveness of the UK programme to reduce carbon emissions.

The impact of development

Development of buildings and infrastructure means that agricultural potential is lost and the remaining soil is usually degraded as result of construction activities.

This reduces its ability to support trees, grass and other plants in gardens, streets, public parks and gardens and other green spaces. It can also reduce visual amenity and opportunities for wildlife.

Sealing and compaction also contribute to increased surface run-off, ponding of water and localised erosion, flooding and pollution.

Soil contaminants

Soil contaminants include metals, hydrocarbons and other organic pollutants, pathogens and substances that can acidify or enrich soil with nutrients. Locally, it can arise from active mining and industrial processes and accidental spills.

More widespread pollution arises from aerial deposition, agricultural uses of land, and run-off from roads, urban areas, industrial and construction sites.

Soil biodiversity

Comparatively little is known about soil biodiversity or the complex soil ecosystems that drive the essential soil forming, carbon and nutrient cycling processes. There is also increasing evidence about the importance of plant-microbial associations in influencing plant diversity. Soil biological communities are very susceptible to disturbance especially those caused by human intervention.