We seem to find it difficult to pay enough attentions to soils, these three articles reflect on the importance of soils to our long term well being.

1. The importance of soil in a changing climate

Emma Howard Boyd, Chair of the Environment Agency, speech to Devon and Cornwall Soils Alliance, Lakeside, Roadford Reservoir, Devon

2. CIWEM Policy Statement on Soils: Concerted action is needed to protect soils. Their needs should be reflected in the policies and actions of all relevant stakeholders, both private and public.

This PPS discusses why soils are so important, what threats they’re facing, past policy action and recommends changes we need to see to protect and enhance soils in future.

3. The Environment Agency and Herefordshire Council are using satellite technology to target sites where soil water run-off is causing big problems for the environment and the county’s roads.

Heavy rain in Herefordshire last week led to a number of pollution incidents caused by soil running off into rivers and large quantities of mud washing onto the county’s roads resulting in hazardous driving conditions. With more rain forecast the Environment Agency with Herefordshire Council are continuing to target landowners to remind them of their responsibilities.

In heavy rain, soil can be dramatically washed away from fields. Better soil management can help reduce instances of soil loss which causes water pollution, exacerbates flooding and creates dangerous conditions on the county’s roads. Satellite imagery and footage from drones will be used to identify bare, sloping agricultural fields where soil run-off is most likely. Using this intelligence, the landowner will be visited to make them aware of the potential issues and guidance on better soil management practices.