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Soil: Conservation

Asked by Dr Simon OpherLabourDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 6 May 2025UIN 46912

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will take steps to implement a national soil health monitoring programme.

Answered by Mary Creagh

Yes, national soil monitoring began in October 2023 under the Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment programme. This 5-year survey will deliver a baseline of soil health in England, with Analysis Ready Data from earlier years of the sample being released from December 2025. This data will enable us to understand how well our soils are functioning and inform efforts to improve soil health.

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