The Scottish Soil Framework is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The main aim of the Framework is to promote the sustainable management and protection of soils consistent with the economic, social and environmental needs of Scotland. To this end, this Framework lays down strategies for (I) the protection of soil organic matter stock, (II) the reduction of soil erosion, (III) the maintenance of soil structure, (IV) the reduction of greenhouse gas emission from soils, (V) biodiversity conservation, (VI) sustainable flood management, (VII) water quality improvement, (VIII) increased production of food, timber and biomass, (IX) the reduction of soil contamination, (X) the reduction of pressure on soil, (XI) protection of historical and cultural features, (XII) awareness-raising on sustainable soil management, and (XIII) effective coordination of all stakeholders roles, responsibilities and actions. Sustainable management and use of soil will be integrated into the national food policies to produce sufficient and high quality food. In order to make agriculture and forestry more productive and sustainable, soil fertility will be enhanced through the protection of soil organic matter, with a special emphasis on post-harvest management of land. Best practice guidance will be developed by the Forest Commission to promote the understanding and delivery of sustainable soil management measures in the forestry sector. Furthermore, the legal framework on the prevention of pollution from agricultural activities will be updated. Water quality will be regulated to prevent soil contamination. Biodiversity conservation and protection of habitats will be strengthened through sustainable soil management and prevention of the introduction of invasive alien species. Environmental Impact Assessment and Strategic Environmental Assessment will be applied for effective soil conservation. A soil monitoring system will be developed by the Scottish Government and the National Soils Database shall provide access to information to all stakeholders. Moreover, data collection mechanisms will be developed to monitor the use of land for new development, including agricultural land. Measures will be taken against the adverse impacts of climate change, loss of organic matter, acidification and eutrophication, contamination by heavy metals, and salinization. Risk maps will be developed to cope with soil erosion, soil compaction, organic matter decline and vulnerability to heavy metal pollution. In addition, farmers’ capacities will be enhanced for sustainable agricultural practices to protect soil structure against soil erosion, pesticides, and compaction. Moreover, soil management practices will be strengthened in agriculture, land use and forestry sector to reduce GHG emissions and promote carbon storage in soil. This Framework will be reviewed and updated as appropriate in 2014. Institutional capacity building will be enhanced by providing training on soil protection. A Soil Focus Group will be established to define the programme of work to be taken forward in the context of the Soil Framework.
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland · 2009-03-01