JOINT RESEARCH CENTRE - EU SCIENCE - The state of soils in Ireland

In the Nordic countries, between 3 % and 40% of the original peatland area has been drained for agricultural purposes. Overall, in countries such as Ireland, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and Poland more than 80 % of peatlands have been drained. Drainage is the key driver of the deg radation of peat soils. Agricultural uses vary from extensive pastures to intensive cultivation. Ireland embarked on the Irish soil information system project between 2008 and 2014, resulting in a new national soil map and associated digital soil information system.

date: 20/02/2025

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Furthermore, Ireland has established the National Soil Database, which includes comprehensive soil geochemistry and microbiological analysis, providing valuable resources for soil research and management initiatives.

Soil degradation threatens competitiveness, food security, agricultural productivity, biodiversity, and resilience to extreme weather events and climate change. Last October, the JRC, together with the European Environment Agency, launched the 2024 State of Soils in Europe report, which shows alarming status and trends, with soil degradation getting much worse in recent years, and highlights the need for immediate action to reverse this situation.