A new alliance for healthier soils across Europe
Soil Network Europe is bringing together researchers, businesses, NGOs, policymakers, and farmers in a collaborative effort to promote soil health across Europe.
The European Commission estimates that between 60 and 70 percent of soils in the EU are in an unhealthy state - and conditions continue to deteriorate. In response to this pressing challenge, the European research programme EJP SOIL was launched five years ago to advance research and foster international collaboration on soil health.
While the EJP SOIL programme concluded in January 2025, its valuable results, networks, and collaborations must not be lost. To build on this foundation, broaden the stakeholder community, and accelerate solutions, Soil Network Europe has been launched.
A unified effort for soil health
Led by DCA - Danish Centre for Food and Agriculture at Aarhus University, Soil Network Europe brings together key stakeholders from soil research, agriculture, and policy to strengthen collaboration, facilitate knowledge sharing, and ensure soil health remains a political priority.
“It is crucial that we stand together to tackle the challenges posed by unhealthy soils in the EU. Soil Network Europe provides a unique opportunity to combine knowledge, resources, and commitment across sectors, securing a sustainable future for both our soils and ecosystems,” says Jesper Emborg, Head of Communications at DCA and work package leader for communication in EJP SOIL.
A hub for research, policy, and practice
Over the past five years, the EJP SOIL research programme has significantly increased the understanding of soil and its role in climate, agriculture, and ecosystems while establishing a strong platform for soil research across Europe.
Soil Network Europe carries this momentum forward, providing a dynamic space where researchers, policymakers, and practitioners can collaborate, share new knowledge, and drive sustainable soil management. With unhealthy soils posing an escalating challenge in the EU, coordinated action is more critical than ever.
"Only through collaboration and knowledge sharing can we develop the solutions needed to future-proof our agriculture and ecosystems in this time of great challenges," adds Jesper Emborg.
Join the Community
Soil Network Europe is open to agricultural advisors, businesses in the agricultural and soil sectors, government officials, policymakers, farmers, NGOs, and researchers. By joining, you become part of a dedicated community committed to innovation and political action for soil health.