Germany and The European Soil Monitoring Law

In December 2025, the EU-wide soil monitoring law was enforced, with the goal to improve soil health and develop more resilient soils by 2050. This motion noted that soil degradation is a problem in all EU countries, and that, across Europe, concrete actions must be taken to protect this important resource. The key issues noted by this legislation include the loss of biodiversity in soils, contamination and the loss of organic matter, and erosion. At betterSoil we understand the ways in which soil can be used to create more sustainable agricultural practices, and this law coming into force is a positive step in highlighting this resource to government and local authorities. By improving knowledge about soil health, this legislation will not only support farmers in the monitoring of soil health and increase food security but assist in the EU’s combatting of the climate crisis and sustainability goals. 

Despite pushback from German parliamentary members, and other political groups, member governments have three years from enforcement of legislation to integrate this into national law. Scientists at the German Environmental Agency have responded to the chances and challenges set forward by this legislation, strongly agreeing that such legislation is needed across Europe to tackle soil degradation. This response outlines the ways in which the German Environmental Agency believes German government and the EU policy makers should respond to the European Soil Monitoring Law, which include: 

• Taking immediate action against urgent soil degradation issues
• Establish soil regulation which mirrors regulation of water and waterways
• Bring together retrospective and prospective soil assessment
• Support sustainable soil management
• Establish a monitoring programme for soil health and land take at EU level
• Manage and prevent soil pollution
• Support reaching the ‘no net land take target’

The European Soil Monitoring Law is a positive step towards change for soil regeneration and the understanding of soil health. Whilst Germany already has legislation focussed on rectifying issues already found with soils, the infrastructure introduced on further soil monitoring will allow for further sustainability action, increased agricultural support, and benefits toward food security.