Table 7.2 - Estimated areas affected by major soil threats in Europe
Source: Oldeman et al, 1991
Threat | Area affected (million ha) | Percentage of total European land area |
---|---|---|
Water erosion | 115 | 12 |
Wind erosion | 42 | 4 |
Acidification | 85 | 9 |
Pesticides | 180 | 19 |
Nitrates and phosphates | 170 | 18 |
Soil compaction | 33 | 4 |
Organic matter losses | 3.2 | 0.3 |
Salinisation | 3.8 | 0.4 |
Waterlogging | 0.8 | 0.1 |
Note: Different threats can affect the same land area so that numbers cannot be added up.