The team combined satellite-informed land-cover and soil-related indicators with crop yield datasets to estimate how far farmers’ outcomes fall below attainable production under prevailing conditions. By comparing patterns across many regions and crop types, they were able to test whether land degradation correlates with consistently larger shortfalls rather than isolated, local effects.

A key result is that the relationship persists at global scale: where land degradation is stronger—through processes such as nutrient depletion, erosion, or declining vegetation vigor—yield gaps tend to expand. This implies that land degradation can reduce both the effective productivity of fields and the resilience of crops to stressors, including dry spells and heat extremes.

Importantly, the findings frame yield gaps not only as an issue of management or inputs, but also as an environmental constraint embedded in the landscape. When soils lose structure and fertility, plant-available water and nutrients decline, forcing crops to run at lower physiological efficiency even if seed varieties and farming practices remain comparable.

The study also points to a feedback loop. As yields fall, farming systems often respond by extracting more from already stressed land—through shortened fallows, intensified cultivation, or reduced restorative inputs—potentially accelerating degradation and further enlarging the gap.

From a technical standpoint, the authors treat yield gaps as an outcome of interacting drivers: climate variability, land condition, and agricultural conditions. Their statistical modeling isolates the contribution of land degradation across a heterogeneous set of croplands, strengthening the case that soil-land degradation is a measurable lever on productivity.

The broader implication is urgent. If degraded landscapes are associated with systematically higher yield losses, interventions that rebuild soil health and protect land—such as erosion control, improved nutrient management, and restoration of vegetative cover—could narrow yield gaps while also strengthening long-term food security.

For policymakers, the work suggests that targeting land degradation is not just an environmental objective; it is also a productivity strategy. Turning “potential” into “realized” yields may depend as much on the health of the land as on improvements in agronomy.

Subject of Research: Land degradation and global crop yield gaps
Article Title: Land degradation is associated with larger crop yield gaps across global croplands.
Article References: Hadi, H., Ray, D.K., Borrelli, P. et al. Nature Food 7, 678–687 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43016-026-01382-5
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: 10.1038/s43016-026-01382-5
Keywords:

The EU Mission Soil outlines eight essential objectives, one of which is to improve soil literacy in society. The PREPSOIL project has taken significant strides toward this goal by inspiring teachers to incorporate soil topics into their classrooms. By identifying innovative and effective examples of soil education, PREPSOIL provides educators with valuable resources and inspiration to engage their students actively. This not only furthers academic achievement but also fosters a societal recognition of soil’s importance, prompting students to regard soil health as a community issue.

In 2023 and 2024, the initiative called upon teachers to submit their best practices in soil education, a call that resulted in an overwhelming response of over 50 submissions. These entries showcased inventive, interdisciplinary approaches that integrated various subjects, from science to humanities. Lessons emphasized experiential learning and encouraged students to utilize multiple senses while engaging with soil, allowing them to connect theoretical knowledge with practical application. This blend of creativity in teaching methods elevates the educational processes and cultivates a deeper understanding of environmental science among students.

A committee comprised of three educators, a soil scientist, and a pedagogy expert meticulously evaluated the submissions, selecting the most promising entries for recognition. Participants hailed from six different countries, including Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, and Sweden. This collaboration exemplifies how sharing exemplary teaching practices across borders can enhance further educational outcomes, as teachers learn from one another’s innovative experiments in soil education.

To facilitate the promotion of soil education, strategic partnerships have emerged as crucial components of this initiative. A notable contributor is the Re Soil Foundation in Italy, an organization that has demonstrated a substantial commitment to fostering soil literacy. The foundation has developed a wealth of free training resources aimed at educators, making them easily accessible through their website. Utilizing a network of approximately 1,600 teachers and educators, Re Soil Foundation was instrumental in boosting participation rates in Italy, evidencing the importance of localized efforts to promote broader educational initiatives.

In Sweden, the Swedish Centre for School Biology played a significant role in advertising the PREPSOIL initiative. Their newsletter reaches biology teachers throughout the country, providing a means of communication that encourages educators to explore soil-related topics. However, the organization does face challenges; soil issues are not frequently prioritized in educational discussions, which underscores the necessity for targeted outreach and sustained advocacy for soil education.

The experiences derived from the PREPSOIL project illuminate the importance of collaborating with established organizations specializing in soil science and education. These partnerships are vital to ensuring effective outreach and maximizing engagement at various educational levels. By leveraging the expertise and networks of organizations like the Re Soil Foundation, soil literacy initiatives can gain traction and reach a broader audience, thereby cultivating an environment in which soil education flourishes.

As the PREPSOIL project continues to navigate the landscape of soil education, it remains committed to advancing the objectives outlined in the EU Mission Soil. Despite encountering challenges in certain regions, the initiative is resolute in its goal to raise awareness about the importance of soil health and sustainable practices. A key outcome of this ongoing commitment is a comprehensive understanding of soil as an essential resource that supports not only agricultural productivity but also ecological balance and community health.

Looking ahead, significant events are on the horizon, including a webinar scheduled for February 13th, 2025. During this event, two of the winners from the ongoing PREPSOIL competition will present their projects and share insights into their innovative teaching practices. This forum will provide an opportunity for educators and experts alike to engage in discussions regarding the future direction of soil education.

Throughout this initiative, a wealth of resources, insights, and practices related to soil education has been captured. The detailed documentation of these efforts, particularly in PREPSOIL Deliverable 6.1, serves as a testament to the project’s commitment to fostering effective communication with educators and pedagogical representatives. Such documentation illustrates how valuable interactions can be transformed into actionable insights that further the cause of soil education.

In conclusion, the importance of soil education cannot be overstated in an age where environmental sustainability is paramount. The PREPSOIL project stands as a beacon of hope, illuminating paths toward improved soil literacy for children and young adults across Europe. By fostering collaboration, promoting innovative practices, and leveraging partnerships, PREPSOIL is not only educating the next generation about soil but also instilling a sense of responsibility and stewardship for this invaluable resource.

Subject of Research: Soil Literacy and Education
Article Title: Cultivating Knowledge: The Importance of Soil Education in Europe
News Publication Date: October 20, 2023
Web References: https://prepsoil.eu
References: PREPSOIL Deliverable 6.1
Image Credits: Young Farmers Grow

Keywords: Soil literacy, Educational initiatives, Sustainability, Environmental science, European education, Soil health, PREPSOIL project, Teacher engagement, Innovative practices, Cross-country collaboration, Youth education, Soil education resources.