EU Soil Observatory (EUSO)

An update of the C-factor dataset took place for the year 2023 and the results have been published in the paper 'A data-driven indicator for assessing the evolving impact of the EU Common Agricultural Policy on soil erosion mitigation'. This update focusses on arable lands and we also made available the dataset for the pre-GAEC period (year: 2000). Therefore the C-factor is available for arable lands in 4 periods: 2000, 2010, 2016 and 2023.

In 2025, 15 more datasets were added to ESDAC reaching a total of 141 datasets. Those datasets include: Gully erosion, Observed/typical SOC, Texture, Soil erodibility point data, Inter and intra-laboratory replicates, Soil function data, Soil Carbon Risk index, Update of C-factor 2023, Risk of heavy metals, Aboveground biomass over Amazon, Projected SOC changes, Optimizing Phosphorus inputs, Dissolved Cadmium content, Global displaced Carbon due to erosion, Fraction of carbon in SOM.

Following the recent entry into force of the Soil Monitoring Directive, key discussions are needed on monitoring standards and long-term targets (soil descriptors) for soil biodiversity. To support this, the EUSO will host its first European Soil Biodiversity Monitoring symposium on 2-3 February 2026. On-site registrations are now closed; however, selected sessions will be livestreamed (non-interactive hybrid format), with opportunities for feedback via an open chat. The online audience will be able to follow discussions on:

Are you interested in funding opportunities for projects helping to reach the goals of the Mission Soil? Join us online and learn more about the new 2026 topics in the Mission Soil part of the main Work Programme 2026/2027.

In July 2026, the 1st international Land Degradation and Restoration Conference will be organised in Valencia. Land degradation is a major global challenge that threatens food security, biodiversity, water quality, and human livelihoods. Restoring degraded land is essential not only for environmental sustainability but also for social and economic development. This international event aligns with global initiatives such as the UNCCD, SDG 15.3, the Bonn Challenge, and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, and supports the European Research and Innovation Strategy (Horizon Europe).

European Mission Soil Week 2025 gathered policymakers, scientists and stakeholders under the Danish Presidency to advance EU soil policy. Discussions centred on the Soil Monitoring Law, soil districts, coordinated governance, farmer‑centred incentives and interoperable indicators. Living Labs and Lighthouses were highlighted as key mechanisms for co‑creation and deployment. With 300 onsite and 900 online participants, the event reinforced Europe’s transition to resilient land use.

Join us for the SEACURE Open Call – 1st Webinar to explore funding opportunities aimed at combating nutrient pollution in your region. The webinar will also feature successful case examples from EU experts and ongoing initiatives. This session will bring together project partners, specialists and potential applicants to discuss funding possibilities, clarify application requirements, and share practical insights on how to prepare a strong and competitive proposal.

If you are a resident of the Pineios (Greece), Lèze Basin (France), or Vecht Basin (Netherlands/Germany), we invite you to share your experiences with extreme weather events and contribute your local knowledge to shaping a resilient future for your community.

Open Call for MRV providers to support the testing and validation of innovative technologies for soil organic carbon (SOC) monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) across Mediterranean and Southern European agricultural systems. The call aims to identify up to 15 MRV solutions capable of improving accuracy, reducing sampling costs, and contributing to the standardization of SOC monitoring activities across the project’s network of five Living Labs located in Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece and Israel.