THE Scottish Government is “falling behind international best practice” in protecting the country’s soil, an environmental body has said.

Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS) has recommended that ministers introduce legislative proposals to protect soil, saying it has degraded and more should be done to preserve it.

In a report published on Wednesday titled The Risks To Scotland’s Soils: A Scoping Report, the ESS said there is a need for action to safeguard the resource, which is non-renewable, in order to protect the species and food sources that rely on it, and to reduce climate change.

The ESS said soil erosion, compaction and reduced crop yield caused by lower water retention can cost the economy up for £125 million per year, or possibly more.

Compacted soil can be a consequence of construction, heavy farm machinery, livestock and recreational activities. This causes the soil to retain less water, which can lead to an increase in flooding, more erosion and a decrease in biodiversity.

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The report warned every 1% increase in flooding due to soil degradation could cost local authorities an additional £2.6m per year, in addition to costs of insurance claims for each property damaged.

Mark Roberts, chief executive of ESS, said: “The Scottish Government, formerly a world leader with the soils framework, is now falling behind international best practice with regards to statutory proposals to monitor and protect soils.

“Our report recommends that the Scottish Government bring forward legislative proposals that reflect developments in Europe – such as the European Union’s nature restoration law and proposed soil monitoring law – so that it can meet its commitment to align with EU standards where appropriate.

“A lack of research means that we do not fully understand or know the impacts on several risks to Scotland’s soils.

“Improving the evidence base on soil will improve the effectiveness of environmental law in Scotland.

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“That’s why today we are also recommending the Scottish Government and the wider public sector commission monitoring and research on the risks to Scotland’s soils so we have better data to understand and protect this valuable resource.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Scotland’s soils provide many benefits including growing food and trees, protecting water, reducing flood risk, storing carbon and supporting biodiversity.

“This report provides important evidence on how we can avoid further degradation and we will consider it carefully before officially responding.

“We are taking steps to protect against degradation through peatland restoration, sustainable forest management and the promotion of regenerative agriculture practices.

“With the James Hutton Institute and Scotland’s Rural College we are looking at identifying new ways of managing soils under threat from changes in climate, land use and land management and also funding a research fellowship with ClimateXChange to identify targeted areas for action.”