Clusters

This cluster aims to explore the economic and financial dimensions of soil health. Coordinated by the Mission Soil-funded project SoilValues and supported by DG AGRI and REA, it provides a collaborative space for delving into topics such as sustainable finance, risk management, value creation, and stakeholder engagement. The cluster operates through working groups dedicated to business models, natural capital valuation methods and policy frameworks, supporting the development of economic viable solutions that advance Mission Soil objectives and contribute to the EU Competitiveness Compass. 

Factsheet: Cluster factsheet (available in EN, FR and DE)

This cluster supports Mission Soil-funded projects in navigating the evolving policy and technical landscape of soil health assessment. It brings together initiatives developing or applying soil indicators and monitoring frameworks, enabling knowledge exchange and methodological alignment. Co-led by the Mission Soil-funded projects AI4SoilHealth and BENCHMARKS, and supported by DG AGRI, the JRC and REA,  the cluster explores topics such as harmonising data collection, aligning and validating soil indicators, integrating local and EU-level approaches, and defining thresholds for soil health. Through collaborative activities and training, it helps projects contribute to the implementation of the Soil Monitoring and Resilience Directive and advance robust, scalable soil monitoring across Europe. 

Factsheet: Cluster factsheet (available in EN, FR and DE)

This cluster works on how to organise, structure, store, share, and access the diverse data and knowledge outputs generated across the soil health community. From datasets and maps to models, tools, and policy briefs, the cluster supports harmonised practices that ensure results are FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable). Coordinated by the Mission Soil-funded project SoilWise and the JRC, with support from DG AGRI and REA, the cluster fosters peer exchange and expert input on topics such as metadata standards, repository use, licensing, and integrating non-dataset outputs. Through this collaboration, projects not only improve their own data workflows but also contribute to the development of a coherent European soil data ecosystem, in close connection with the EU Soil Observatory (EUSO).  

Factsheet: Cluster factsheet (available in EN, FR and DE)

This cluster is intended to address the urgent and complex challenge of soil contamination. Pollution is a major threat to soil health, with diverse sources and highly localised impacts. The cluster provides a collaborative platform for projects working on contamination monitoring, risk assessment, and remediation, helping align efforts and support evidence-based policymaking. Guided by advisers from the Mission Soil-funded projects ARAGORN and EDAPHOS, and supported by DG AGRI, the JRC and REA, the cluster fosters the development of shared outputs and outreach activities. It explores topics such as prioritisation of contaminants, monitoring tools, threshold values, remediation options, and the interplay between pollution and other soil health indicators, contributing to the implementation of the Soil Monitoring and Resilience Directive and broader Mission Soil activities. 

Factsheet: Cluster factsheet (available in EN, FR and DE)