Properties and quality of soils

The chemical, physical, and biological properties of soils can be used as indicators of soil quality that make it possible to express and quantify the ecosistem functions it performs. The same indicators can record changes in the health of the soil as a function of its use and management, and thus quantify the impact exerted by anthropogenic pressure on the soil and its ability to perform its functions.

The Geology, Soil and Seismic Area is engaged in activities aimed at deepening knowledge of the properties and quality of soils. To this end, it collaborates with research institutions for data interpretation and processing.

The Agricolture Departement promotes and finances soil sample collection campaigns, which have provided and still provide a considerable amount of data regarding texture, carbon content, pH, total carbonate, active carbonate, N, P, K and electrical conductivity of soils. The same office as well as collaborates with the C.E.R. for the maintenance of the shallow groundwater monitoring network.

An agricultural soil quality monitoring project, funded by the 2014-2020 Rural Development Plan, was conducted in 2018-2023.