This research line deals with the analysis and assessment of soil quality through the different soil functions relevant in different Mediterranean environments (forest ecosystems, agro-ecosystems, in past and present times) based on indicator systems, the study of how land degradation/desertification processes (e.g. soil erosion, salinization, contamination and sealing) induced by human practices and land use changes can affect such quality, and the development and application of environmental planning methods and procedures using geographical information systems, remote sensing techniques and decision support systems to propose adequate resource management strategies that promote the sustainable use of natural resources and an effective fight against desertification at regional and local level by providing useful tools to stakeholders and decision makers.

The general objective of this research line is to increase knowledge on the factors and processes involved in the soil functions and quality in Mediterranean environments and to develop methods and strategies to minimise the effects of land degradation processes and to promote the sustainable use of natural resources in areas affected by desertification.

The specific scientific objectives are:

To know soil resources and to evaluate degradation processes (erosion, salinization, contamination and soil sealing) and desertification within the Mediterranean environment

To propose methodologies based on soil quality and environmental indicators to evaluate and monitor natural resources degradation

To study the soil moisture and other soil properties at different scales in order to apply original methodologies to calibrate and validate data obtained by remote sensing

To analyse and evaluate soil contamination including the transference to plants and to establish background levels and soil quality standards to characterize the processes of urban-industrial contamination

To develop and apply methodologies for sustainable land use planning and assessment of land use-cover trends

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The research is carried out through competitive projects at regional, at national and at European level, and through conventions and contracts with the National and Regional Administrations. At regional level, the studies undertaken by the group are relevant to implement several policies (e.g. Regional Forest Plan, Characterisation of Contaminated Soils, etc.). At national level, the group has collaborated with the Spanish Ministry of Environment in the development of legislation concerning soil contamination. At European level, the group has participated in the elaboration of several scientific reports in the framework of the European Strategy for Soil Protection.

The group has contacts with most of Universities and Research Centres dealing with soil sciences in Spain. Furthermore, the group is also collaborating with several abroad research groups in joint initiatives focused on soil quality and environmental planning.

The group also carries out an important educational task trough several Master and Postgraduate courses. In the last years, several advanced seminars on sustainable development and fight against desertification, funded by the Spanish Agency for International Development and Cooperation, have been organized with participants from several African countries.

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