Knowledge Base

The NBSOIL Project gathers existing knowledge regarding nature-based solutions (NBS) for soils and how these can be beneficial for society. The knowledge base showcases a portfolio of NBS for soil health addressing the EU Mission Soil objectives.

Nature-based Solutions (NBS) use ecosystems and the services they provide to address societal challenges such as climate change, food security or natural disasters. IUCN defines NBS as actions to protect, sustainably manage and restore natural or modified ecosystems that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits.

NBSOIL focuses on the following six multifunctional practices to test them as NBS to improve soil health in Europe.

Key Characteristics

Nutrient-Rich

Contain nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients necessary for plant growth.

Soil Improvement

Enhance soil structure, water retention, and aeration.​

Eco-Friendly

Reduce chemical runoff and promote a balanced ecosystem.​

Slow-Release

Nutrients are released over time, minimizing the risk of over-fertilization.

Common examples of biowastes used to produce Organic Fertilisers

Woody residues from forestry activities, urban trees and agroforestry systems 

Manure: Animal waste rich in nitrogen and organic matter.

Seaweed, notably invasives or overgrown seaweed. 

Food processing wastes from industry, catering and household origin. From fuit and vegetable pulp and peels to animal products such as blood and bone meal.

Benefits

Encourages microbial activity, helping plants absorb nutrients. 

Safe for humans, pets, and beneficial insects like bees. 

Reduce chemical runoff and promote a balanced ecosystem.​

Nature-based Solutions in Organic Fertilizer Production Process

Composting:

Converting organic waste, such as food scraps and agro- waste, into nutrient-dense compost through natural decomposition processes.

Vermiculture:

Using earthworms to break down organic material into high-quality vermicompost, rich in nutrients and beneficial microbes.

Biofertilizers:

Cultivating nitrogen-fixing bacteria and fungi, such as Rhizobium and mycorrhizae, to enrich the soil naturally.

Agroforestry Residues:

Recycling plant matter and residues from agroforestry systems, ensuring zero waste and sustainable resource use.

Key Characteristics

Soil Protection

Prevents soil erosion by providing a protective cover.

Nutrient Cycling

Fixes nitrogen and recycles nutrients, making them available for future crops.

Weed Suppression

Competes with weeds, reducing the need for chemical herbicides.

Improved Soil Structure

Adds organic matter, boosting soil aeration and water retention.Contain nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients necessary for plant growth.

Biodiversity

Encourages beneficial insects and microorganisms in the soil.

Common Types of Cover Crops and benefits

Legumes

Examples:
Clover (Trifolium spp.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa), vetch (Vicia spp.).

Benefits:
Fix atmospheric nitrogen, enriching soil fertility.

Grasses

Examples:
Rye (Secale cereale), oats (Avena sativa), barley (Hordeum vulgare)

Benefits:
Excellent for soil erosion control and adding organic matter.

Brassicas

Examples:
Mustard (Sinapis alba),
radish (Raphanus sativus), turnips (Brassica rapa).

Benefits:
Break up compacted soil with deep roots and suppress pests.

Non-Legume Broadleaves

Examples:
Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), sunflower (Helianthus annuus).

Benefits:
Attract pollinators and suppress weeds effectively.

Benefits

Enhances Soil Fertility

Increases nitrogen and organic matter content.

Reduces Soil Erosion

Protects against wind and water erosion.

Improves Water Retention

Helps soil retain moisture, especially in dry seasons.

Reduces Chemical Dependency

Suppresses weeds, pests, and diseases naturally.

Boosts Ecosystem Health

Provides habitat for beneficial insects and pollinators.

Nature-based Solutions in Cover Crop Systems

Nitrogen Fixation with Legumes:

Leguminous cover crops (e.g., clover Trifolium spp., or vetch, Vicia spp,.) work with soil microbes to fix atmospheric nitrogen, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.

Erosion Control with Grasses:

Grass cover crops, like rye (Secale cereale,) or oats (Avena sativa,), form a dense root system that stabilizes soil and prevents runoff.

Deep Rooting Brassicas:

Brassicas like radishes (Raphanus sativus,) and turnips (Brassica rapa,) break up compacted soil layers, improving soil structure and water infiltration.

Biodiversity Support with Broadleaves:

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum,) and sunflowers (Helianthus annuus,) provide nectar for pollinators, boosting biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.

Key Characteristics

Water-Tolerant Crops

Utilizes plants adapted to waterlogged conditions.

Carbon Sequestration

Preserves peatlands’ ability to store significant amounts of carbon, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Biodiversity Enhancement

Provides habitats for diverse flora and fauna in wetland ecosystems.

Sustainable Resource Use

Enables agricultural production without depleting wetland ecosystems.

Climate Resilience

Reduces flood risks and helps manage water systems in changing climates.

Common Types of Paludiculture Crops

Reed Plants

Examples:
Common reed (Phragmites australis), bulrush (Schoenoplectus spp.).

Uses:
Biomass for construction materials, bioenergy, and insulation.

Sedges

Examples:
Sawgrass (Cladium mariscus), sedges (Carex spp.).

Uses:
Livestock fodder and traditional weaving materials.

Peat Mosses

Examples:
Sphagnum mosses (Sphagnum spp.).

Uses:
Renewable materials for horticulture and carbon sequestration.

Wetland Crops

Examples:
Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon), wild rice (Zizania spp.).

Uses:
Food production and niche markets for specialty crops.

Benefits

Reduces Carbon Emissions

Prevents the release of stored carbon from drained peatlands.

Restores Ecosystems

Supports the recovery of wetland habitats and biodiversity.

Manages Water Systems

Reduces water usage and improves hydrological cycles.

Supports Livelihoods

Provides sustainable income opportunities in wetland areas.

Mitigates Climate Change

Acts as a natural climate buffer by storing carbon and managing water.

Nature-based Solutions in Paludiculture Systems

Carbon Storage with Peat Mosses:

Sphagnum mosses (Sphagnum spp,.) grow naturally in rewetted peatlands, sequestering carbon and restoring wetland ecology.

Biomass Production with Reeds and Sedges:

Common reed (Phragmites australis,) and sedges (Carex spp,.) provide sustainable materials for construction, energy, and handicrafts.

Food Crops in Wetlands:

Cultivation of cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon,) and wild rice (Zizania spp,.) supports food production while maintaining wetland hydrology.

Flood Mitigation with Water-Tolerant Plants:

Wetland crops reduce the risk of flooding by managing water retention and flow in vulnerable areas.

Key Characteristics

Eco-Friendly

Utilizes natural processes, reducing the need for harmful chemicals.

Cost-Effective

bioremediation is often less expensive than conventional cleanup methods.

Wide Applicability

Effective for soil, water, and air pollution.

Sustainable

Minimizes secondary pollution and supports long-term ecological balance.

Target-Specific

Can be tailored to address specific contaminants using specialized organisms.

Common Types of Bioremediation

Microbial Bioremediation

Examples:
Bacteria (Pseudomonas spp., Bacillus spp.), fungi (Trametes versicolor).

Applications:
Breaks down hydrocarbons in oil spills and removes heavy metals from soil.

Phytoremediation
(Using Plants)

Examples:
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus), willow (Salix spp.), Indian mustard (Brassica juncea).

Applications:
Absorbs and accumulates heavy metals, arsenic, and other toxins.

Mycoremediation
(Using Fungi)

Examples:
Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus), white rot fungi (Phanerochaete chrysosporium).

Applications:
Breaks down complex organic pollutants like pesticides and dyes.

Algal Bioremediation

Examples:
Green algae (Chlorella spp.), diatoms (Navicula spp.).

Applications:
Removes excess nutrients and heavy metals from wastewater.

Benefits

Reduces Pollution Naturally

Breaks down harmful substances into non-toxic byproducts.

Protects Human Health

Cleans contaminated environments, reducing exposure to toxins.

Cost-Effective

Often requires fewer resources than traditional cleanup methods.

Minimizes Environmental Impact

Uses living organisms, reducing the need for chemical or physical interventions.

Encourages Ecosystem Recovery

Supports the restoration of natural biodiversity in polluted areas.

Nature-based Solutions in Bioremediation Systems

Oil Spill Cleanup with Bacteria:

Hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria like Pseudomonas spp,. and Alcanivorax borkumensis, are deployed to break down oil in marine environments.

Heavy Metal Removal with Plants:

Phytoremediation plants like Indian mustard (Brassica juncea,) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus,) absorb cadmium, lead, and other heavy metals from contaminated soils.

Fungal Decomposition of Organic Pollutants:

White rot fungi (Phanerochaete chrysosporium,) degrade persistent organic pollutants such as pesticides and dyes, restoring soil and water quality.

Nutrient Recovery with Algae:

Algae such as Chlorella spp,. and Spirulina spp,. reduce nutrient pollution in wastewater, preventing eutrophication in aquatic systems.

Key Characteristics

Species Diversity

Incorporates a mix of native and adaptable species.

Structural Complexity

Promotes varied canopy layers and understory vegetation.

Enhanced Ecosystem Services

Improves carbon storage, soil health, and water regulation.

Resilience to Stressors

Reduces vulnerability to pests, diseases, and climate extremes.

Sustainable Resource Use

Supports timber production, non-timber forest products, and habitat conservation.

Common Practices in Forest Diversification

Mixed-Species Plantations

Examples:
Combining hardwoods like oak (Quercus spp.) with softwoods like pine (Pinus spp.).

Benefits:
Balances timber yield with ecological benefits like biodiversity and soil protection.

Agroforestry and silvopastoral Systems

Examples:
Agroforestry blends trees, crops, and livestock in systems like holly oak–pasture–cereal–livestock mosaics of the Iberian Montado/Dehesa.

Benefits:
Combines agriculture and livestock management with forest conservation, enhancing income and ecosystem health.

Enrichment Planting

Examples:
Introducing valuable native species like mahogany (Swietenia spp.) or teak (Tectona grandis) into degraded forests.

Benefits:
Restores forest quality and increases economic returns.

Natural Regeneration

Examples:
Encouraging natural growth of diverse native species such as birch (Betula spp.), ash (Fraxinus spp.), and maple (Acer spp.).

Benefits:
Promotes self-sustaining ecosystems and reduces management costs.

Benefits

Enhances Biodiversity

Supports a wide range of flora and fauna.

Increases Resilience

Reduces risks from pests, diseases, and climate variability.

Boosts Ecosystem Services

Improves water retention, carbon sequestration, and soil stability.

Provides Economic Value

Yields diverse timber and non-timber products, such as fruits, nuts, and medicinal plants.

Cultural and Recreational Benefits

Offers spaces for recreation, tourism, and traditional practices.

Nature-based Solutions in Forest Diversification

Mixed-Species Reforestation:

Reforesting degraded lands with native and complementary species, such as oaks (Quercus spp,.) and chestnuts (Castanea spp,.), enhances biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.

Agroforestry for Sustainable Livelihoods:

Integrating trees like cacao (Theobroma cacao,) or coffee (Coffea spp,.) with native forest vegetation provides income while conserving biodiversity.

Understory Planting for Ecosystem Health:

Planting shade-loving plants like ferns (Polypodiopsida spp,.) or medicinal herbs such as ginseng (Panax spp,.) beneath existing trees promotes soil health and biodiversity.

Biodiversity Corridors:

Connecting fragmented forests with diverse native species encourages wildlife movement and genetic diversity, ensuring ecosystem resilience.

Key Characteristics

Nature-Based Solutions

 Mimics natural processes to manage water and improve ecosystems.

Multifunctional Spaces

Combines recreational, ecological, and water management benefits.

Sustainability

Reduces dependency on traditional grey infrastructure, like pipes and dams.

Climate Resilience

Mitigates urban heat islands, flooding, and other climate impacts.

Biodiversity Enhancement

Creates habitats for plants, animals, and pollinators in urban areas.

Common Types of Blue-Green Infrastructure

Wetlands

Examples:
Constructed wetlands for stormwater management.

Benefits:
Filters pollutants, supports biodiversity, and stores floodwaters.

Green Roofs and Walls

Examples:
Vegetative layers on buildings or vertical gardens.

Benefits:
Regulates building temperature, reduces stormwater runoff, and improves air quality.

Urban Forests and Parks

Examples:
Green corridors, pocket parks, or urban tree canopies.

Benefits:
Provides cooling effects, enhances biodiversity, and offers recreational spaces.

Urban Agriculture

Examples:
School gardens, community gardens, therapeutic gardens.

Benefits:
Urban agriculture can provide similar cooling and biodiversity effects to parks, with an extra potential of community building and socialisation, learning about agriculture and contributing to food security and health.

Bioswales and Rain Gardens

Examples:
Vegetated channels or gardens designed to absorb and filter stormwater.

Benefits:
Reduces urban flooding and filters pollutants from runoff.

Riparian Buffers

Examples:
Vegetative strips along rivers and streams.

Benefits:
Protects water quality, prevents erosion, and supports aquatic ecosystems.

Benefits

Improves Water Management

Captures and stores stormwater, reducing flooding risks. 

Enhances Biodiversity

Creates habitats for wildlife and supports urban ecosystems. 

Reduces Urban Heat

Lowers temperatures through shading and evapotranspiration. 

Promotes Health and Wellbeing

Provides green spaces for recreation and relaxation. 

Supports Sustainable Development

Integrates environmental goals into urban planning. 

Nature-based Solutions in Blue-Green Infrastructure

Constructed Wetlands for Water Filtration:

Designed wetlands mimic natural ecosystems to filter pollutants and manage stormwater, improving water quality and supporting biodiversity.

Rain Gardens for Flood Management:

Rain gardens with plants like sedges (Carex spp,.) and native grasses absorb excess runoff, reducing pressure on drainage systems.

Green Roofs for Climate Resilience:

Roofs with plants such as sedum (Sedum spp,.) capture rainwater, improve insulation, and reduce the urban heat island effect.

Riparian Restoration for Ecosystem Health:

Planting native vegetation along waterways stabilizes banks, prevents erosion, and enhances habitats for fish and aquatic species.

Urban Forests for Cooling and Air Quality:

Expanding tree canopies with species like oak (Quercus spp,.) and maple (Acer spp,.) provides shade, cools urban areas, and sequesters carbon.