ENVASSO – ENVironmental ASsessment of Soil for mOnitoring Mark Kibblewhite & Bob Jones

1. FP6 SSP Research Project ENVASSO – ENVironmental ASsessment of Soil for mOnitoring Mark Kibblewhite & Bob Jones NSRI Cranfield University Silsoe UK European Commission DG RTD Brussels ESBN Plenary, London 17-19 October 2005 DG RTD Framework Programme 6

2. The impact of human activities on soil Manures and fertilisers Diffuse input of contaminants as particulates Acids Sewage sludge Persistent substances Pesticides & herbicides Gravel extraction Heavy metals Accumulation/ contamination Gradual disappearance of farms Soil erosion Release of toxic substances Compaction salinisation Distruction of humus Sealing Acidification Blocking of soil functions important to the ecology of the landscape Destruction of soil Gradual destruction of soils Reduction in soil fertility Destruction of soil Changes in the structure of soils Reduction in soil fertility Contamination of soils and ground water with applied agrochemicals and atmospheric pollutants Changes in soil composition Adverse impacts on living organisms in the soil European Soil Information

3. Threats to Soil identified in COM(2002) 179 • Erosion • Organic matter loss • Soil contamination (1) • Soil sealing (1) • Soil compaction • Decline in soil biodiversity (1) • Salinisation • Floods and landslides Threats in red are directly part of Desertification 1) These threats not included in current draft Soil Framework Directive

4. ENVASSO Project – Proposal no. 022713 • ENVASSO will design and test a single, integrated, EU-wide and operational set of measurable criteria and indicators as a basis for a harmonised comprehensive European soil and land information system. • The choice of criteria and indicators within ENVASSO will build on previous outputs from Technical Working Groups (TWGs) of the Soil thematic Strategy. • Formal protocols, procedures, tools and implementation recommendations will be developed for the collection, collation and reporting of harmonised soil European-wide information. • The objectives will be achieved by 5 core partners supported by 32 additional partners drawn from all 25 EU member states ensuring maximum impact to enhance soil protection at European level. • All the partners are members, or have close links with the European Soil Bureau Network and include EU and Associated States. • Criteria and indicators for the characterisation of soil and procedures / protocols for inventory and monitoring will be major deliverables.

5. + 32 other participants for the enlarged EU and Candidate Countries

6. ENVASSO - Participants

7. ENVASSO – Participants - 2

8. WP1 Criteria and indicators WP3 Database Design

10. Probable Timetable • Proposal submitted February 2005 • Evaluation April/May 2005 • Contract negotiation July-Sep 2005 • Awaiting final contractual arrangements • Contract CU—EC • Bilateral agreement CU-Participant • Contract will begin in 2006 • February/March • Kick off meeting 15 days after start date • Scientist in-charge + deputy