The Pros And Cons Of Erosion

Compaction is a densification of the soil which reduces its biological activity, permeability, porosity, and water holding capacity, while at the same time increasing the risk of erosion due to accelerated run-off (13). While some soils are naturally compacted, mechanical pressure (i.e. heavy machinery) can compact soil (13). Erosion is a natural process which is actually essential in the soil formation process, but human activities have accelerated it (7). During erosion soil particles of the fertile topsoil are removed either by wind or water (i.e. runoff), this process is irreversible and can lead to the reduction of soil productivity (7).

Salinization refers to the problem where water-soluble salts containing sodium, potassium, magnesium,

The whole world, not just Europe is heading to this point, it is estimated that 24 billion tons of fertile soil are lost annually; they are non-renewable (4). Local legislations exist in Europe to address some threats to soil, but there is nothing comprehensive for the EU. A proposal for a Soil Framework Directive was introduced in 2007, but the Commission decided in May 2014 to withdraw it (3).

This directive addressed the major threats to soil, such as the preservation of soil functions, the prevention of soil degradation (loss of biodiversity and organic matter), limit the concentration of dangerous substances that could harm humans and the environment (contamination), reducing erosion, and remediating contaminated and degraded sites (9, 15). Regarding soil organic matter content for example, carbon is lost when grasslands or forests are converted into croplands and vice versa, proper management and constraints have to be put into place in order to mitigate the losses (17). Another major issue is the interrelationship between the soil and climate change; with improper land use too much carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere, this speeds up climate change, which in turn will increase carbon dioxide discharge, creating a viscous