EUSEDcollab: a network of data from European catchments to monitor net soil erosion by water

How the EU Soil Observatory contributes to a stronger soil erosion community

New policy developments have emerged in relation to soil conservation after 2020. The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2023-2027, the proposal for a Soil Monitoring Law and the mission 'A Soil Deal for Europe' have shaped a new policy framework at EU level, which requires updated assessments on soil erosion and land degradation. The EU Soil Observatory (EUSO) successfully organised a scientific workshop on 'Soil erosion for the EU' in June 2022. The event has seen the participation of more than 330 people from 63 countries, addressing important topics such as (i) management practices, (ii) large scale modelling, (iii) the importance of sediments in nutrient cycle, (vi) the role of landslides and (v) laying the foundations for early career scientists. As a follow up, among the 120 abstracts submitted in the workshop, we received fifteen manuscripts, out of which nine were selected for publication in the present special issue. In this editorial, we summarize the major challenges that the soil erosion research community faces in relation to supporting the increasing role of soils in the EU Green Deal.

Extreme rainfall erosivity: Research advances and future perspectives

Extreme rainfall erosivity, the capacity of intense rainfall to induce soil erosion, is vital for anticipating future impacts on soil conservation. Despite extensive research, significant differences persist in terms of understanding influencing mechanisms, potential impacts, estimation models and future trends of extreme rainfall erosivity. Quantitatively describing extreme rainfall erosivity remains a key issue in existing research. In this study, we comprehensively reviewed the literature to assess the relationships between extreme rainfall characteristics and rainfall erosivity, between extreme rainfall erosivity and soil erosion, estimation models and trend prediction. The aim was to summarize previous related research and achievements, providing a better understanding of the generation, impacts and future trends of extreme rainfall erosivity. Future research directions should include identifying the thresholds of extreme rainfall events, increasing research attention on tropical cyclones in terms of rainfall erosivity, considering on the impact of extreme rainfall erosivity on soil erosion, and improving rainfall erosivity estimation and simulation prediction methods. This study could contribute to adapting to global climate change and aiding in formulating soil erosion prevention and environmental protection recommendations.