Soil and land - Publications

There are few rivers in Finland that are not impacted by hydropower dams or other constructions. Public support is increasing to restore free-flowing rivers. This study used a cost-benefit analysis to identify Finnish residents’ willingness to pay for river restoration, finding broad support.

An Implementing Act establishing the technical rules for the EUDR Information System.

A Delegated act on the product scope of the EU Deforestation Regulation.

Dams for hydropower impact river ecosystems by altering water and sediment flows. This study of the North American Columbia river basin investigated the impacts of river restoration on salmon populations, identifying tools that could inform restoration interventions and practices.

Soils polluted by heavy metals can be cleaned by living plants (a process known as phytoremediation). This study reviews the evidence around the practice of intercropping – cultivating two or more crops in one area – and its impacts on phytoremediation.

This indicative guidance has been drafted by WSP, with support from the Environment Agency of Austria (UBA), under the project supporting the European Commission with the implementation of the EU Soil Strategy.

This report helps facilitate a dialogue on the risk assessment methodologies for soil contamination and to identify best practices, which is an action from the EU Soil Strategy for 2030.

Agricultural rewilding combines the process of restoring ecosystems to a natural state with agricultural production. Its drawbacks have not been fully explored, say these UK researchers. Through literature review they identify a need for clearer standards, guidelines and policy support. 

Much of Central Europe’s calcareous (limestone/chalk) grassland has been lost to agriculture. This study found that restoring grassland via shrub removal and grazing increased habitat diversity. This positively impacted wild bee species diversity, although total bee abundance was unaffected.