ORCID

Abstract

SOLO project aims to deliver actionable transdisciplinary roadmaps for future soil-related research and innovation activities in the EU, contributing to achieving the objectives of the EU Soil Mission. To achieve this overarching goal, the project employs a transdisciplinary task force known as Think Tanks (TTs). Comprising 10 Think Tanks, SOLO aligns these entities with the objectives set forth by the EU Soil Mission Board. Within our specific TT, we focus on the Soil Mission objective 5, “Prevent erosion”. Broadly, this objective is to reduce “the area of land currently affected by unsustainable erosion from 25% to sustainable levels” (EC, 2021a). Evidence used as background information in the document of the Soil Mission, “A Soil Deal for Europe”, shows that 70% of the land affected by unsustainable erosion rates occurs on agricultural systems, showing a higher severity than on other systems. Within the agriculture area, and according to the EC (2021a), permanent crops are the most affected and notable erosion rates on shrubland and sparse vegetation are also identified. Concluding from the evidence gathered, the EC (2021a) states that, “land failing soil health indicator due to soil erosion equals 23% in cropland and 30% in non-agricultural areas.” According to the Soil Mission, these figures require urgent action, based on contextual knowledge both on soils and on human activity, to halt or revert the erosion process.The present document thus serves as a platform to underscore the existing knowledge gaps that should be considered in the future research and innovation agenda of the EU to attain the set target.Why do we need a Think Tank focused on the Prevention of Soil Erosion?Knowledge on soil erosion is dispersed and fragmented, so we need a TT that can integrate different sources of knowledge not only by systematising it but by exploring its interactions. At first, we are focused on this integration and systemic approach around the prevention of soil erosion. Later, we will develop the same effort considering the interactions between TTs.In line with the Soil Mission strategy, there is a need to engage non-academic stakeholders in the identification of solutions to the problem of soil erosion and in its prevention and mitigation. Hence, the TT is a platform that allows engagement, collaborative thinking and actions towards prevention and mitigation of soil erosion problems.Finally, this TT aims to support the challenge of working and linking different scales, so our goal is not to limit the discussion to the European level but to root the work of the TT in local/regional/national contexts where the problems exist.This Think Tank aims to identify 3 main types of knowledge gaps:Knowledge Gaps in existing Research and Innovation priorities related to soil erosion, inclusive of Social Sciences’ and Humanities’ contributions.Knowledge Transfer Gaps: This dimension concentrates on the deficient links between available knowledge and its dissemination to stakeholders and the broader civil society. We emphasise understanding and addressing the gaps hindering the effective transfer of knowledge to key audiences.Knowledge Implementation Gaps: This aspect delves into the challenges linked to the practical application of existing and transferred knowledge. This involves navigating issues such as the adaptation of European-level instruments within national or regional contexts, as well as fragmented advisory services. The emphasis is on exploring obstacles to the actual implementation of knowledge in the real-world.To provide concrete examples of the identified Knowledge gaps, text boxes have been added along the document.To comprehensively grasp and systematise the three identified types of knowledge gaps, our Think Tank has strategically incorporated three distinct categories of experts:Soil-Related Scientists:Experts in this category bring specialised knowledge in soil-related sciences. Their expertise is crucial for discerning gaps within existing Research and Innovation priorities related to soil erosion which also includes Social Sciences’ and Humanities’ insights.Practitioners:The inclusion of practitioners is vital for a grounded perspective on the knowledge implementation gaps. These experts bring first-hand experience and practical insights, shedding light on challenges faced during the actual application of existing and transferred knowledge.Implementation and Integration Scientists:This group focuses on the practical aspects of knowledge integration (Hoffmann et al. 2022). Their role is pivotal in bridging the diversity of knowledge types by identifying and addressing the missing links. Moreover, they contribute with insights into overcoming challenges associated with the implementation of knowledge in diverse contexts.These groups worked in an iterative way to prepare the second version of this live document. Aware that we have failed to involve all necessary experts and to systematise all the available and ongoing effort related to soil erosion, we are eager to receive your revision so that the next version of these documents reflects more accurately and completely the knowledge gaps that need to be tackled in the future Research and Innovation agenda in the EU. We have an important task ahead of us that we take seriously but we are also very aware that we cannot achieve it alone. So, thank you very much for the time you dedicate to the revision of this second version.

DOI

10.3897/soils4europe.e118669

Publication Date

2024-06-13

Publication Title

Soils for Europe

ISSN

3033-0211

Download

Share

COinS