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Soils and ecosystem services: policy narratives and instruments for soil health in the EU

Author

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  • Winkler, Greta
  • Pagano, Luciano
  • Vergamini, Daniele
  • Bartolini, Fabio

Abstract

European soils and their status is a matter of concern that has entered the policy arena and the objective to restore soil health is part of the Soil strategy to 2030. Aim of this study is to explore the integration of the concept of soil health and the pro-vision of soil ecosystem service by conducting i) a content analysis of EU policies and ii) a scoping review of literature over policy instruments for soil governance. Results show a focus on soil fertility, mainly soil organic matter, while services such as con-servation of biodiversity or cultural heritage still appear underrepresented. Findings are reinforced by the gap in literature, providing little evidence of policy instruments contributing to soil health. A more coordinated effort among policy sectors is required to prioritize soil health in the EU; invesitgating the role of market-based instruments could complement what public policies are lacking.

Suggested Citation

  • Winkler, Greta & Pagano, Luciano & Vergamini, Daniele & Bartolini, Fabio, 2025. "Soils and ecosystem services: policy narratives and instruments for soil health in the EU," Bio-based and Applied Economics Journal, Italian Association of Agricultural and Applied Economics (AIEAA), vol. 14(1).
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:aieabj:361320
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    File URL: https://ageconsearch.umn.edu/record/361320/files/W00119_75-92_05-15466-Winkler.pdf
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    1. Valeria Piñeiro & Joaquín Arias & Jochen Dürr & Pablo Elverdin & Ana María Ibáñez & Alison Kinengyere & Cristian Morales Opazo & Nkechi Owoo & Jessica R. Page & Steven D. Prager & Maximo Torero, 2020. "A scoping review on incentives for adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and their outcomes," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 3(10), pages 809-820, October.
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    1. Olha Aleksandrova & Annika Tienhaara & Omid Zamani & Jo Bijttebier & Anne Põder & Eija Pouta, 2026. "Farmers’ adoption of environmental soil management practices across four European regions: willingness to accept analysis," Agricultural and Food Economics, Springer;Italian Society of Agricultural Economics (SIDEA), vol. 14(1), pages 1-27, December.

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