The last publication of the Outlook 2025 roadmaps focuses on the knowledge gaps in soil pollution and restoration.

Soil pollution remains a significant threat to environmental and public safety. It damages soil health, harms the diverse life living both above and below the ground, and reduces water quality. Furthermore, contaminated soil directly impacts food security and risks human health. Recent research is increasingly showing a clear connection between the state of the soil, the health of the human gut and brain, and overall human well-being.

To address these challenges, the SOLO Pollution and Restoration Think Tank has published a document focusing on the main knowledge gaps regarding soil pollution and clean-up methods. It outlines the crucial steps needed to tackle these issues effectively. A major priority identified is the need for a complete evaluation of the total impact of soil pollution. This includes looking closely at how different pollutants combine over the long term to affect living organisms.

To achieve this, better measurement methods, baseline data, and safety thresholds must be developed. The document concludes that future efforts must focus on creating new prevention tools and scaling up the effective implementation of protective methods that are already available.

The full report can be found here: https://journal.soils4europe.eu/article/150764/