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.