Soil monitoring

Agriculture
Environment

Soil monitoring includes the Valse survey (a study of the chemical status of agricultural soils across Finland), which is carried out approximately every ten years. The Valse survey involves the collection of soil samples from Finnish agricultural fields. The survey examines the chemical status of the soil, pesticide residues, and microbial diversity. The latest Valse survey was conducted between 2018 and 2021. 

The soil monitoring also includes the assessment of soil fertility development and field-specific nutrient balances based on data collected from databases. 

Information produced: 

  • The main nutrients, trace elements, carbon content, acidity, and heavy metals in agricultural soils.
  • Pesticide residues in agricultural soils.
  • Biodiversity of the soil microbiome.
  • The mean values and distribution of soil types, humus content, and phosphorus levels in Finland.
  • The development of nutrient balances at the field level. 

Expert

Jaakko Heikkinen
Research Scientist
+358295326113