Aims and Objectives

The aims of SoilTrEC are to address the priority research areas identified in the European Union Soil Thematic Strategy and to provide leadership for a global network of Critical Zone Observatories (CZO) committed to soil research.

The Specific Objectives are:

  • Describe from 1st principles how soil structure impacts processes and function at soil profile scale,
  • Establish 4 EU Critical Zone Observatories to study soil processes at field scale,
  • Develop a Critical Zone Integrated Model of soil processes and function,
  • Create a GIS-based modelling framework to delineate soil threats and assess mitigation at EU scale,
  • Quantify impacts of changing land use, climate and biodiversity on soil function and economic value,
  • Form with international partners a global network of Critical Zone Observatories for soil research, and
  • Deliver a programme of public outreach and research transfer on soil sustainability.